HDR’s Michael Keller Recognized as a Progressive Railroading Rising Star
Railroad industry “stars” aligned in Pittsburgh July 24 and among them was HDR railroad client manager Michael Keller.
Keller is one of 20 rail professionals under 40 to be honored as a “Rising Star” by Progressive Railroading magazine. He was joined by 19 of his peers as well as railroad leaders from across the industry for a recognition dinner at the Omni William Penn Hotel. The dinner coincided with this year’s annual meeting for the American Association of Railroad Superintendents.
Based in HDR’s Missoula, Montana, office, Keller has provided engineering services to the railroad industry for more than a decade, most recently as HDR’s client manager for Canadian Pacific Railway, Montana Rail Link and Tacoma Rail.
Throughout his career, Keller has inspected, performed load ratings or been engineer of record for some 370 railroad bridges. Among clients and coworkers, he has earned a reputation for steadfastly seeking solutions to the many challenges of maintenance and reconstruction. He has helped clients refine their bridge design and construction standards, and worked in concert with clients and contractors to hone process efficiencies.
“Being selected as a Rising Star reflects the industry’s appreciation of Michael’s contributions,” said Scott Goehri, transportation professional services director for HDR. “And it reaffirms HDR’s recognition of his leadership, technical skills and commitment to his colleagues, community and our clients.”
In addition to his work at HDR, Keller helps shape freight rail’s future as a member of many industry organizations. They include the American Society of Civil Engineers, the American Railway Engineering and Maintenance of Way Association, the American Institute of Steel Construction and the American Concrete Institute.
His family and community contributions are equally award-worthy. Keller coaches soccer and basketball teams for his son and oldest daughter. He frequently participates in charity events organized by HDR colleagues in Missoula, including Toys for Tots, food drives, Bowl for Kids’ Sake and the United Way Day of Caring. And in his free time, Keller tutors a coworker’s child in math.
About HDR’s freight rail experience
From facilities to steel bridges to soaring flyovers, we offer customized rail infrastructure solutions. We bring our comprehensive suite of services to every project, fusing together engineering and operating practices with regulatory understanding, economics savvy and technical skills to deliver cost-saving innovation. Whether we are designing award-winning public-private partnerships like the Colton Crossing Flyover in California and Tower 55 in Texas, or providing environmental services for the Alaska Railroad rail extension at Port MacKenzie, our goal is to keep our clients’ freight moving safely and efficiently.
About HDR
HDR has partnered with clients to shape communities and push the boundaries of what’s possible since 1917. We specialize in engineering, architecture, environmental and construction services. With nearly 10,000 employees in more than 225 locations around the world, we think global and act local.
