William Thomsen ’78

WILLIAM T. THOMSEN NAMED 2021 DELAWARE VALLEY ENGINEER OF THE YEAR

Thomsen to be Honored During 2021 Delaware Valley Engineers Week, February 18 – 27.

PHILADELPHIA (Feb. 16, 2021) – The Engineers’ Club of Philadelphia announced today that William T. Thomsen, PE, Senior Vice President, COO of National Services, President and CEO at Urban Engineers of New York, has been elected as the 2021 Delaware Valley Engineer of the Year.

This distinguished award recognizes a standout local engineer who emulates the qualities and talents that define professional excellence, civic duty, society leadership, and community stewardship.

Thomsen was selected by representatives of local, multi-disciplinary, engineering and technical societies and will be recognized during Delaware Valley Engineers Week, Feb. 18-27, 2021, which is part of the national observance of Engineers Week.

“Bill is a prime example of the immense talent we have in the Delaware Valley,” said Bob Wright, chair, of the Delaware Valley Engineers Week Committee. “From his notable accomplishments in the engineering industry throughout the country to his commitment to community engagement, Bill is a standout honoree and a role model for the profession.”

With more than 30 years of experience at Urban Engineers, Thomsen now oversees the offices in Urban Engineer’s national footprint and plays a key role in planning and executing the firm’s long-term goals and strategy.

Early in his career, Thomsen gained construction experience working with Conrail and extended his education as part of Conrail’s engineering management program. He then joined Urban Engineers in Philadelphia, working on iconic projects like the Center City Commuter Connection and the Airport High Speed Line. Over the course of his expansive career, Thomsen has contributed to many notable projects, including the Second Avenue Subway and East Side Access efforts in New York, the Los Angeles Metro Program, and One World Trade Center.

“I’m thrilled to be recognized by this esteemed group of professionals. I’ve worked in the Delaware Valley for quite some time, and for these folks to give me this award is truly an honor,” Thomsen said in response to being elected the 2021 Delaware Valley Engineer of the Year. “I certainly owe this recognition to my partners and the employees at Urban Engineers for all the successes that we have had collectively. I couldn’t have done any of this alone.”

Thomsen earned his bachelor’s degree in civil and environmental engineering from Clarkson University and a master’s in engineering management from Drexel University. In addition, his community engagement extends far and wide as Thomsen has served as the past president of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), Philadelphia Section, and as a member of the executive committee for the American Public Transportation Association.

In his free time, Thomsen stays active in sports playing ice hockey and golf, bike riding and running. He also enjoys spending time at the beach in Ocean City, N.J., and is exceptionally proud of his family. A native of Nyack, N.Y., Thomsen and his wife currently reside in Berwyn, P.A.

About Delaware Valley Engineers Week

A part of National Engineers Week, Delaware Valley Engineers Week has been held since 1953 and honors the approximately 100,000 engineers locally and 1.6 million engineers nationally who work to protect our health and safety, restore and defend the environment, build factories, run and contribute to our economic future and more. Engineers Week informs the public on the value of engineers, celebrates engineering marvels, technology and innovation, and works to inspire youth to consider careers in engineering. The Delaware Valley Engineers Week Committee, a committee of the Engineers’ Club of Philadelphia, handles the planning, awards, events, and other aspects of Delaware Valley Engineers Week.

About the Engineers’ Club of Philadelphia

The Engineers’ Club of Philadelphia was formed in 1877 to provide a means for engineers to network and share information. The Club’s vision is to be the unifying club for engineers and related professionals in the Greater Philadelphia region. It is dedicated to relationship building and networking among technical professionals, communication and collaboration among engineers, raising the awareness of engineering in our society, and the professional development of its members. The Club has been organizing the celebration of Delaware Valley Engineers Week since 2008.