Article and Award, originally featured in Cascade Business News on October 11, 2022:
Congratulations to This Year’s Award Recipients: Featuring Award Recipient, Katie Cornelius, Director of Electrical Engineering at ColeBreit Engineering
Professional Accomplishments:
A graduate of Penn State University with a bachelor’s degree in Architectural Engineering, Cornelius quickly established a successful electrical engineering career and has earned design awards from the IES and ACEC for lighting design and engineering excellence for her project work. Cornelius has 15 years of experience, is a licensed professional engineer, and currently leads ColeBreit Engineering’s electrical division with a growing team of six engineers in Oregon and California.
Civic, Industry & Community Involvement:
Cornelius’s industry and community involvement has included mentoring high school students through the ACE (Architecture, Engineering, Construction) Mentorship Program, and as a member of the Illuminating Engineering Society. As a recent addition to the Bend community, Cornelius looks forward to being an integral part in ColeBreit’s mission to support the local community through her work.
Specific Characteristics that Distinguish Her from Her Peers:
Cornelius is a driven professional who goes above and beyond in her work to exceed her clients’ expectations and uncover their deeper needs. She strives toward innovation and seeks opportunities for improvement in her work, which is evident in her genuine curiosity to learn and improve. Those who work with Cornelius appreciate her ability to explain engineering concepts in a way that can be easily understood, and her enthusiasm to provide guidance and mentorship.
Business Leadership Philosophy:
Cornelius leads by example. She believes in being humble and kind, developing strong relationships, and sharing knowledge along the way. She values the unique perspective and experience each teammate brings and strives to foster a collaborative environment that builds upon each team member's strengths while encouraging opportunities to learn and grow.