Tom DallaPalu, PE, a vice president in Dewberry's Baltimore office, was recently awarded the firm's Harold Williams Award in recognition of his career achievements and more than 40 years of service. DallaPalu oversees civil engineering and surveying services in the Baltimore region for Dewberry, a leading national consulting firm.

In presenting the award, Dewberry CEO Donald E. Stone, Jr., PE, noted that DallaPalu has an "unshakable commitment to excellence" and has been a "visionary leader for the firm."

DallaPalu joined Dewberry in 1972 as an assistant design engineer after earning his degree in water resources engineering at Penn State. Mentored by longtime Baltimore-based engineer Ben Beavin, Jr., PE, DallaPalu developed a strong reputation for his expertise in water and wastewater engineering services in particular. He cultivated lasting client relationships throughout Maryland, resulting in decades of repeat work for municipal clients such as St. Mary's County Metropolitan Commission, Frederick County, and the City of Baltimore.

DallaPalu also holds a master's degree in environmental engineering from Johns Hopkins University. He is a member of the Water Environment Federation, the American Society of Civil Engineers, the American Water Works Association, and the American Public Works Association.

Dewberry's achievement award is named in memory of Harold Williams, PE, CLS, a principal and director of special projects for the firm for 20 years until his death in 1987. Presented annually to a Dewberry employee, the award recognizes excellence in managerial and leadership skills, dedication to the firm and the profession, mentoring of colleagues, effectiveness in change management, and integrity.

"Tom believes that the cornerstone of innovation is building a flexible business model and shaping a team that can easily adapt and embrace change," said Stone. "Like Harold Williams, Tom never stops learning himself while mentoring and teaching others."