CEO Rob Brigham Honored with the Charles Durham Achievement Award

We’re thrilled to share that our CEO, Rob Brigham, has been honored with the 2026 Charles Durham Achievement Award, one of ACEC Nebraska’s most prestigious recognitions for leadership and service in the engineering profession.

To commemorate this recognition, Rob was the cover feature in last week’s Midlands Business Journal. The story walks through his nearly 30-year journey with JEO, starting back when he spent summers working on survey crews and eventually moving into a business operations role after law school. It highlights how his people-first approach and genuine enthusiasm for the work have shaped both his leadership and the culture of JEO. 

Since becoming CEO in 2007, Rob has led the firm through major growth—more than tripling JEO’s size and expanding into Iowa, Kansas, and South Dakota. He also helped build several JEO-affiliated companies dedicated to community-minded development, reinforcing his belief that strong infrastructure strengthens the places we all call home.  

Rob’s impact extends well beyond the walls of JEO. He’s held influential leadership roles with ACEC Nebraska and continues to support the industry nationally through the ACEC National Market Intelligence Committee and the ACEC National Leadership Circle. His local involvement is equally meaningful, including 24 years of service on the Wahoo Public Schools Board.  

Reflecting on the award, Rob said he was “blown away” by the recognition and was quick to credit the people he’s worked with throughout his career. That humility and team‑oriented mindset are a big part of why his leadership resonates so strongly across JEO. 

As we approach our 90th year, moments like this remind us how leadership rooted in community, curiosity, and care shape not just a company, but the people and places we serve. 

Featured on Cover of the Midlands Business Journal.