Baltimore City Department of Public Works (DPW) Director Rudolph S. Chow, P.E., has been named Civil Engineer of the Year by the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Maryland Section.

The ASCE award recognizes that Director Chow's “sustained and unusual efforts have enhanced the advancement of the civil engineering profession and/or provided a service to mankind during calendar year 2016.”

During his tenure with DPW, Director Chow has made great strides in many areas. This includes implementation of a state-of-the-art water billing system with installation of new automated meters.  In addition, he has taken the lead in launching the mentoring program to encourage young adults to pursue careers in the water industry.  Under the Director's leadership, DPW has been recognized as a “Utility of the Future Today,” a recognition program that celebrates the progress and exceptional performance of the nation’s wastewater utilities.

Director Chow is a registered Professional Engineer in the states of Maryland and Delaware with over 30 years of experience in the water and wastewater industry. He is an active member of ASCE, American Water Works Association (AWWA), Water Environment Federation (WEF), Water Research Foundation (WRF), National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA), Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies (AMWA), American Public Works Association (APWA), and Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA), and serves on a number of boards and committees.

The American Society of Civil Engineers represents more than 150,000 members of the civil engineering profession in 177 countries. Founded in 1852, ASCE is the nation’s oldest engineering society with 75 sections including Maryland.