Joseph Schlimgen, P.E. of Mead & Hunt, was recognized as “Airport Engineer of the Year” by the Wisconsin Airport Management Association (WAMA). The award was presented during the 69th Annual Wisconsin Aviation Conference (WAC 69), October 21, 2025, at the La Crosse Center in La Crosse, Wisconsin.
Schlimgen has tirelessly managed the multi-phased Runway 10-28 Safety Area Improvements at Waukesha County Airport (KUES), a complex project encompassing land acquisition, road and runway realignments, utility adjustments, and extensive grading. This project, initiated in 2004, has thrived due to Schlimgen’s effective communication and coordination among numerous stakeholders, including the Wisconsin Bureau of Aeronautics, Federal Aviation Administration, Becher-Hoppe, and Waukesha County Airport.
In addition to his leadership on the project at Waukesha, Schlimgen has led the design and construction of other large and complex projects, including this year’s reconstruction of Runway 15-33 at Kenosha Regional Airport (KENW). Schlimgen goes out of his way to help airports and coworkers resolve engineering challenges, is well respected as a mentor to younger staff, and does an excellent job of training and sharing his knowledge with others.
WAC is the only statewide aviation conference in Wisconsin and serves as a vital platform for airport managers, FBOs, pilots, consultants, government officials, and aviation enthusiasts to connect, collaborate, explore aviation topics, and discuss industry issues. The conference is held in different parts of the state each fall (wiama.org).