2025 Excellence in Project Delivery Award Winner Brent Wilkins, PE, DBIA
Brent Wilkins, PE, DBIA
Associate Vice President, Senior Project Engineer | Tampa, FL
This year’s Excellence in Project Delivery award winner, Brent Wilkins, has earned a stellar reputation for successfully delivering complex, high-profile infrastructure projects in the past six years he’s been at RS&H. Brent is a lifelong resident of Florida, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in engineering from the University of South Florida. From there, Brent began his career with a major transportation and civil contractor, working on a variety of projects throughout Central Florida. During his time there, he worked with RS&H on several projects, giving him insight into our culture and approach to work. The contractor he worked for merged with another large company, and Brent decided to take a chance on his interest in RS&H.
Brent’s career has been deeply impacted by mentorship. He said he feels “humbled to be counted among them [past recipient winners]” as he has had many mentors throughout his career who played a vital role in his development. “I am inspired by their guidance and committed to supporting and mentoring the next generation.” When asked about our core values and how they resonate with him, Brent commented, “Teamwork is not just a value—it’s how we embody RS&H’s purpose of ‘Creating Tomorrow, Together.’ By collaborating across disciplines, we deliver innovative solutions that shape the future of our communities. I believe our clients notice the difference. On several occasions, clients have gone out of their way to support our team because they see how we work together to overcome challenges and deliver high-quality results.”
As an active member of the Florida Engineering Society (FES), Ridge Chapter, Brent was named the 2025 Engineer of the Year. This honor recognizes his outstanding contributions to the engineering profession and exceptional leadership in advancing infrastructure projects across Florida.
One of his most memorable and successful projects was leading the RS&H team on the North Sunlake Boulevard project in Pasco County, FL. This multi-phase infrastructure initiative provided critical roadway and bridge improvements, supporting the rapidly growing community and region. Brent recalls, “The project involved constructing a four-mile north-south connection, nine low-level bridges, and a new four-lane roadway with multi-modal access for bikers and pedestrians—all while minimizing environmental impacts on sensitive wetlands. As the project manager, I coordinated efforts between local engineers, contractors, and county officials to ensure every aspect met technical and client expectations. We faced several unexpected challenges, including regulatory changes, supply chain disruptions, and the need for accelerated design schedules. Our team’s adaptability and open communication were key to overcoming obstacles. We developed contingency plans, reallocated resources, and maintained transparency with stakeholders. Through collective resolve, we not only completed the project on time but also received commendations from the county and our clients for professionalism and quality of work. This accomplishment stands out because it showcased the power of teamwork, leadership, and client-focused problem-solving. This project reinforced my belief that success is built on collaboration and a commitment to delivering exceptional results, even in the face of adversity. Seeing our team’s efforts recognized and knowing we made a lasting impact on the community is incredibly rewarding.”
When Brent isn’t focused on delivering five-star results for clients, he enjoys golfing and fishing. He said, “Both give me a chance to clear my mind and return with renewed focus. Most importantly, spending time with my family helps me recharge and maintain perspective. I especially love watching my daughters play sports; their teamwork and enthusiasm inspire me and remind me of the importance of balance and support. These moments away from the office allow me to come back to my projects with greater energy and enthusiasm.”