We are proud to announce that Chad Kennedy, Principal Landscape Architect at O’Dell Engineering, was recently awarded the San Joaquin Engineers Council 2018 Distinguished Service Award. Mr. Kennedy was presented the award at the Council’s 51^st annual dinner meeting on February 22, 2018.

Every year, SJEC accepts nominations for the Engineering Profession Distinguished Service Award. To be awarded this honor, individuals must donate their time and services for the betterment of the engineering profession and the community. Mr. Kennedy joins a group of local professionals who are dedicated to utilizing their professional knowledge and skills to make the world a better place, who believe in working at the highest standards of conduct, who place service ahead of financial gain, who honor their profession, and who place public welfare above all else.

Mr. Kennedy has shown exceptional dedication and has made significant contributions to the engineering and landscape architecture profession without expectation of financial reward. He publishes monthly online articles on topics pertaining to landscape architecture in hopes of fostering greater understanding and collaboration between professions. In addition, he serves in leadership positions within his church and on a plethora of community boards and associations, with a dedication to improving the lives of our community members. He frequently speaks at industry conferences and seminars, donates his time to pro-bono projects, and acts as an inspiration and compass of moral good to all those he comes into contact with.

Mr. Kennedy believes that without community involvement and compassionate people, there would be no mechanism for positive change.  His desire to serve the community ultimately stems from a deeply rooted belief that selfless service, compassion, and charity for others is necessary and ultimately a key component for a successful and happy community. As a strong advocate for the importance of recreational opportunities, he also believes a focus on healthy, social options in recreation is a critical building block for the development of a more involved, active, and healthy community.

In his time assisting community residents over the years with their goals and projects, he has played an integral part in garnering true compassion, generosity, and spirit from community members who rally around good causes and make them happen. He capitalizes on the economic opportunity, diversity, comradery, and connectivity that the Modesto region offers to help foster positive change.  He is a key contributor to the positive differences being made here.

We at O’Dell Engineering are thrilled to have Mr. Kennedy as an integral part of our team!

To read the San Joaquin Engineers Council Press Release and see photos from the event, click here.

To learn more about Mr. Kennedy’s latest pro-bono project, The Awesome Spot Socially Inclusive Playground, visit their website or Facebook page.

To learn more about socially inclusive play design, click here.