Jerry Payonk Honored by ACEC Illinois for Leadership and Service

Jerry Payonk, PE, Chairman of the Board at Clark Dietz, has been recognized by the American Council of Engineering Companies of Illinois (ACEC Illinois) with two distinguished honors: the 2026 Distinguished Service Award and recognition for his service as the 63rd Chair of the organization.

Presented during the ACEC Illinois Annual Meeting, the awards recognize Jerry’s years of leadership, dedication, and service to both ACEC Illinois and the engineering profession.

ACEC Illinois is the statewide association representing consulting engineering firms. The organization advocates for the engineering profession, promotes sound public policy, supports professional development, and helps strengthen the industry through leadership, education, and collaboration. Service through organizations like ACEC Illinois helps strengthen both the engineering profession and the communities it serves. By bringing together industry leaders to share knowledge, advocate for the profession, and develop future leaders, ACEC Illinois creates lasting impacts that extend well beyond any one firm.

A Legacy of Service

The ACEC Illinois Distinguished Service Award honors individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the profession through leadership and service.

Jerry receives the ACEC Illinois Distinguished Service Award.

Jerry received the award for his contribution, dedication, and outstanding service as a member of the ACEC Illinois Board of Directors from July 2019 through June 2026.

Over the course of 7 years on the Board, Jerry helped advance the mission of ACEC Illinois and support the consulting engineering industry across the state. He played an active role in strengthening the organization, supporting advocacy efforts, and helping shape initiatives that benefit member firms and the communities they serve.

His commitment to ACEC Illinois reflects a long-standing belief in the importance of industry involvement, collaboration, and professional leadership.

Leading the Organization Forward

In addition to the Distinguished Service Award, Jerry was recognized for his service as the 63rd Chair of ACEC Illinois.

Presented by the ACEC Illinois Executive Committee, Board of Directors, and membership, the award acknowledges his contribution, dedication, and outstanding service while leading the organization.

“Jerry Payonk’s leadership and service to ACEC Illinois reflect the very best of our organization and our industry. Throughout his time in leadership, Jerry has been a tireless advocate for engineering firms and the profession, not only here in Illinois, but at the federal level as well. His commitment to advocacy helped translate industry priorities into real policy outcomes — from federal efforts to address harmful R&D tax credit changes to state-level legislation aimed at connecting more Illinois engineering graduates with careers in civil engineering. Jerry understands that advocacy is not just about showing up; it is about building relationships, making the case for our industry, and delivering results that strengthen firms, support the workforce, and improve communities. His recognition with the Distinguished Service Award and his service as the 63rd Chair of ACEC Illinois are a testament to the lasting impact he has had on our association and the consulting engineering industry.” – Kevin Artl, ACEC Illinois

As Chair, Jerry worked alongside industry leaders from across Illinois to advance the priorities of the organization and strengthen engagement among member firms. His leadership helped guide ACEC Illinois as it continued its work advocating for the consulting engineering profession and supporting the people behind it.

Leadership Beyond the Firm

Jerry recognized for serving as the 63rd Chair of ACEC Illinois

Jerry was recognized for serving as the 63rd Chair of ACEC Illinois.

While Jerry serves as Chairman of the Board at Clark Dietz, helping guide the firm’s long-term vision, his impact extends well beyond the company. Through his service with ACEC Illinois, he has helped strengthen the consulting engineering profession while creating opportunities for collaboration, advocacy, and leadership development across the industry.

That commitment also reflects one of Clark Dietz’s core values: investing in people. By serving in organizations like ACEC Illinois, Jerry helps foster relationships, share knowledge, and mentor emerging professionals, strengthening not only our firm, but the future of the engineering profession. These recognitions reflect years of dedicated service, thoughtful leadership, and a genuine commitment to giving back.

Congratulations, Jerry, on these well-deserved honors. Thank you for your continued leadership, your service to ACEC Illinois, and your lasting impact on both our profession and the communities we serve.