2011 Individual Award:
VERNON B. SPALDING LEADERSHIP AWARD

The nominees for the Vernon B. Spalding Leadership Award must be outstanding individuals who have contributed significantly to the profession through their leadership role in ACEC, professional societies, academic, and community service organizations. The nominees shall be perceived by the profession and in their communities as leaders and demonstrate, though their civic involvement, how the quality of life in their community has been enhanced.

William Winiarski, PE, PS

Vernon B. Spalding Leadership Award

Bill Winiarski joined Rowe Engineering, (now ROWE Professional Services Company) in 1971 where he spent his entire working career until his retirement in 2008. He spent ten years as CEO of the firm and was instrumental in implementing a number of changes within the company that has positioned ROWE as one of the leading firms in the industry.

In addition to being a strong leader at ROWE, Bill made significant contributions to his profession through his service to ACEC. Bill began attending ACEC meetings as a young engineer and was very involved throughout his entire career. He served ten years on the ACEC/M Board of Directors, including a term as President and four years as National Director. During his tenure, he served on a number of committees and helped to guide ACEC/M through a number of changes and improvements. Bill was also recognized as an ACEC leader at the national level. He served on the National Transportation Committee and the National Awards Committee during his time as National Director and also served two years on the National Officers Nominating Committee. Bill never missed an opportunity to go to Washington D.C. and represent the views of Michigan at the National Meetings. Bill led a number of Michigan delegations to Capitol Hill to support important legislation and was a frequent participant in National PAC events. In 2010, he was elected as a Life Fellow for ACEC National. He was a tireless volunteer for the organization and recruited a number of other ROWE employees, encouraging them to become active members.

As a registered Professional Engineer and a Professional Surveyor in the State of Michigan , he served as the Engineer for a number of municipalities as well as serving five years as the Engineer for the Genesee County Road Commission.

Bill valued the education he received at Michigan Technological University and has returned often to assist the university. He is a life member of the Michigan Tech Fund Board of Trustees, having served on the board for over ten years, including two terms as Chairman of the Annual Giving Committee. He is also a corresponding member of the Civil and Environmental Engineering Curriculum Advisory Committee, and was recognized for his efforts in the advancement of the Profession of Civil Engineering by being inducted into the Academy of Civil Engineers .

His many positions during the last two decades include chairing the Genesee Regional Chamber of Commerce, Genesee Focus Council, and Genesee Brownfield Development Authority. He continues to be involved and today serves as Vice Chairman of the Genesee County Community Mental Health Board. Bill's exemplary amount of involvement and service to his community was recognized in 2007, when he was named the C.S. Mott Citizen of the Year, the Flint area's top honor.