Dennis (Denny) Wilson, Director for Sarpy County Public Works, has been awarded the 2025 Nebraska Engineering Pillar Award by the American Council of Engineering Companies Nebraska (ACEC NE) for his leadership and service to the profession.
“I am shocked, excited, and elated, but most of all, I feel honored. It is an honor to be recognized by my peers and the ACEC NE Board of Directors,” says Wilson, who has served as Director for Sarpy County Public Works for the last 15 years. Wilson is in his fourth elected term as the Sarpy County Engineer.
In his position as the Director of Public Works, Wilson has charge and general supervision of improvements by the county board. He and his staff prepare road and bridge designs, stormwater control, project estimates, and conduct winter work.
Wilson has spent his entire career in engineering. He received a bachelor’s degree in engineering, design, and construction at UNL and UNO. Wilson also holds an Executive Master of Business from UNL and a PhD in Consumer Behavior from Iowa State University.
“Engineering is an interesting field that comprises science and math, which may sound simple, but the requirements are anything but that. A Professional Engineer’s (PE) responsibility is to protect the public with help and support by organizations such as ACEC NE and the Nebraska Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE),” he explains. “It necessitates licensing through education, experience, and expertise to practice safely and ethically.”
Wilson often thinks about the future of the industry. “When I have the opportunity, I ask young people if they are still in school and have plans for college. I provide them with information and explain how engineers can save lives. That usually starts a conversation,” says Wilson.
He adds that one thing hasn’t changed.
“There still exists a lack of engineers. The gaping hole was present in 1974, and it is still present today. Large and small firms are searching for college graduates and seasoned engineers. It is gratifying to see more women involved in the practice and more diversity in hiring for our professions.”
After a 42-year career, Wilson says he has two loves.
“My first love is work with consultants and agencies. My second love is politics. Before I worked for Hal Daub, the former mayor of Omaha, he surprised me by attending, speaking, and handing me the Executive MBA Student Award of the Year (1999). He later asked me to work for him to oversee the massive growth of downtown Omaha,” says Wilson.
Douglas County Engineer Todd Pfitzer first met Wilson in 1990 when he was the design engineer at the City of Omaha. Wilson and Pfitzer served together on a Metropolitan Area Planning Association (MAPA).
“Denny always stays on the ethical side of engineering and within the lines that a PE should. I have so many great memories of working with Denny throughout my career. He has been and will continue to be a pillar to the industry,” says Pfitzer.
Pfitzer acknowledges their 35 years of friendship.
“Denny has a quick wit and great (sometimes very dry) sense of humor and loves telling long jokes with the perfect pauses in place, then delivering his dry punch line with that little grin on his face. His good-natured ribbing often results in laughter as we tease each other front a room full of people – always with much love and appreciation for one another. I can’t wait to help honor him,” says Pfitzer.
ACEC NE Executive Director Jeanne McClure credits Wilson’s leadership and partnership with ACEC NE and within the industry.
“Strong leadership in our community is exemplified by those who build and sustain the infrastructure that supports us all. The engineering professionals who serve as pillars in our community not only create the physical foundations of our daily lives, but also inspire the next generation of innovators and problem solvers. We are deeply grateful for Denny’s dedication, expertise, and vision. I am grateful for his partnership with ACEC NE,” says McClure.
Denny lives in Papillion, NE, and has three daughters and seven grandchildren. ACEC Nebraska established the Nebraska Engineering Pillar Award to recognize outstanding engineers who have supported the organization and its mission, as well as contributed to the engineering community in the state. The organization represents consulting engineering firms in Nebraska, and its mission is to improve the quality of life in the state by strengthening the business environment for the consulting engineering profession.