Central Texas Chapter - Engineer of the Year

Jacob Hinson is described by those that know him best as being full of integrity, intelligence, discernment, and also meticulous and dedicated. He is hard-working, a servant leader, of high character, and cares about doing what is right regardless of the scenario or difficulty. He grew up in Crawford, Texas where he graduated in 2008 and began his college career at Texas State University with a full scholarship. While at Texas State, he was on the Dean’s list, received a mathematics award, and was recognized as an exceptional student in the college of Engineering Technology and Concrete Industrial Management before transferring to Texas A&M University where he continued his degree with a full scholarship. He graduated from Texas A&M in 2013 with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering and began his professional career at Walker Partners where he still works today as a Client Manager.

Jacob has 11 years of experience designing municipal infrastructure projects. He has participated in all aspects of various projects from master planning to facility assessments to studies and reports, design, construction administration, and construction inspection. He has helped produce engineering plans and specifications on projects for a multitude of local municipalities and now manages a team in the Walker Partners Waco office. The projects he has participated in are too numerous to list but he has performed multiple successful projects in water, wastewater, drainage, streets, and infrastructure for the City of McGregor, City of Robinson, City of Waco, WMARSS, Texas State Technical College, and several others.

Jacob resides in Crawford, Texas with his wife and two children. He is a member of the Education Finance Corporation Committee for the City of Crawford, a member of the Parent and Family Engagement Committee for Crawford ISD and dedicates much of his personal time to coaching kids in various sports including soccer, basketball, and t-ball. He has served in multiple positions in our local chapter of the American Society of Civil Engineers including Secretary, Treasurer, Vice President, President, and he is currently serving his second term as the Section Director. He has volunteered for the Texas Society of Professional Engineers MATHCOUNTS competition since 2014, became the Central Texas Chapter Coordinator in 2019, and earned the 2026 Coordinator of the Year Award.

Dallas Chapter - Engineer of the Year

Paul is a respected civil engineer with over five decades of professional and community service. A licensed Professional Engineer in Texas and Mississippi, he earned his B.S. and M.S. in Civil Engineering from Mississippi State University. His career spans aerospace engineering with Boeing, private consulting, and founding his own civil engineering practice, delivering major water, wastewater, transportation, and municipal infrastructure projects across Texas.

A Life Member and past president of TSPE, he has also demonstrated outstanding civic leadership, including key involvement in the creation of DART and long-term community and church service.

DFW Mid-Cities Chapter - Engineer of the Year

Eddie earned his Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Texas at Arlington in 2013 and has built a dynamic career in construction management, civil design, project coordination, and client service. A licensed Professional Engineer in Texas since 2019, he brings more than 12 years of experience to Huitt-Zollars, supporting a wide range of public infrastructure projects.

His work includes roadway design, water and wastewater improvements, and stormwater upgrades that strengthen North Texas communities. Known for his collaborative leadership and problem-solving mindset, Eddie is also deeply engaged in the profession through TSPE, ASCE, and SHPE, and is passionate about mentoring the next generation of engineers.

Click here to read the full article on the Huitt-Zollars website.

El Paso Chapter - Engineer of the Year

A proud El Paso native and first-generation college graduate, Ruben earned his Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from UTEP in 1995. With more than 30 years of industry experience and over 24 years as a founding member of CEA, Ruben has been instrumental in building one of the largest full-service engineering firms headquartered in El Paso—delivering transformative land development, transportation, planning, water, and stormwater infrastructure projects throughout the Southwest.

Ruben’s impact extends far beyond project delivery. His commitment to the profession is exemplified through decades of leadership within professional organizations, where he has served in virtually every role from chapter director to president and state director. His leadership helped establish scholarship endowments, expand Engineering Week outreach, grow the Texas Design Challenge, build the Young Achievers Forum and strengthen student engagement.  Equally notable is Ruben’s dedication to community service and education. He has served on numerous boards, and is currently serving on the Workforce Solutions Borderplex, Paso del Norte Community Foundation, La Nube STEAM Discovery Center, Council on Regional Economic Expansion and Educational Development, and CommUNITY en Accion. Through initiatives focused on workforce development, STEAM education, and student achievement, Ruben has helped impact tens of thousands of students and families across the region. A lifelong advocate for engineering education, Ruben remains deeply engaged with UTEP—supporting student leadership, mentoring future engineers, funding endowments, and opening pathways through internships and professional development. Ruben embodies the ideals of TSPE through his integrity, leadership, and  dedication to the profession.

Ruben and his wife of 25 years, Joyce, enjoy a close-knit family life and are currently raising their energetic young puppy, T-Beau, who keeps their household lively. Their three sons have grown into independent young men and are pursuing their own paths. The oldest has followed in his father’s footsteps and is working as an engineer with a competing firm in San Antonio, while the younger two are pursuing their studies at Texas A&M University.

Travis Chapter - Engineer of the Year

Jorge brings together service, leadership, and civil engineering expertise to help make Austin one of the most resilient and desirable cities in the country. As Director of the Watershed Protection Department for the City of Austin, he leads efforts to safeguard lives, property, and the environment from flooding, erosion, and water pollution.

A former U.S. Army Sergeant of Communications, Jorge values clear and consistent communication. He earned his B.S. in Civil Engineering from the University of Texas and later returned for an Executive Master in Public Leadership from the LBJ School. His servant‑leadership approach and commitment to employee growth continue to strengthen the community he serves.