Three LaBellans Honored at RBJ’s 2024 Leaders in Construction & Real Estate Awards Ceremony!
We congratulate all of the honorees for their outstanding work in the Rochester community!
On October 21st, the Rochester Business Journal hosted its annual Leaders in Construction & Real Estate Awards ceremony. This event celebrates individuals and companies who have left a lasting mark on the ever-evolving landscape of the Rochester region.
“The 2024 recipients of Leaders in Construction & Real Estate and Top Projects awards are literally changing the landscape of Greater Rochester. Their innovation, design and construction are creating projects that are making a mark on the community,” said Suzanne Fischer-Huettner, managing director of BridgeTower Media/Rochester Business Journal. “We at the Rochester Business Journal are pleased to honor these incredible individuals and businesses who help to make Rochester a wonderful place to live, work and play.”
LaBella is honored to have the following team members among those being recognized for their significant impact on the Rochester region:
- Matthew Higgins, PE – Engineers Category Winner
- Meghan Friedle, EIT – Rising Star Category Winner
- Dave Engert, CHMM – Project Manager Category Winner
Congratulations to all the winners! A full list of the 2024 RBJ Leaders in Construction & Real Estate honorees can be found here.
More information about each LaBellan that won an award can be found below. Please scroll down to learn more about each.
Engineers Category Winner
Matthew Higgins, PE
As a Water/Wastewater Engineer and Team Leader at LaBella Associates, Matt provides engineering and project management services for municipalities throughout the Rochester area. Beyond his design and project management responsibilities, Matt prioritizes the growth and development of his team to ensure their success as future leaders and project managers.
Working with one of LaBella’s first clients, the City of Hornell, Matt has completed several high-impact projects, including Water Treatment Plant Upgrades, a comprehensive Water Pollution Control Plant Evaluation, multiple phases of Water Pollution Control Plant Improvements, and a Mini-Industrial Pretreatment Program Enhancement.
In addition to his extensive work in Hornell, Matt is currently leading water and wastewater projects in the Villages of Webster and Attica. Matt’s exceptional contributions and unwavering commitment to making a positive impact on communities have been truly inspiring.
Rising Star Category Winner
Meghan Friedle, EIT
Meghan has distinguished herself as a Project Manager and the Market Leader for Athletic Facility Design at LaBella. She has been instrumental in leading some of LaBella’s largest and most acclaimed athletic facility projects. Meghan’s leadership has been pivotal in driving the success of over 50 projects across New York State, with 25 focusing on athletic components.
Her work spans diverse sectors, including award-winning K-12 and Higher Education athletic facilities, regional YMCAs, and community projects such as municipal parks and recreational facilities, all enhancing the communities they serve.
One project Meghan is most proud of is the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) Athletic Complex. A new soccer/lacrosse pitch and stadium were constructed, and improvements were made to the baseball and softball fields, along with the track and field area. This is a transformative project that is enhancing the athletic facilities at RIT, supporting student-athletes and community engagement. Meghan is also a key team member in the design of the New Highmark Stadium, where LaBella serves as the lead civil engineering firm.
Project Manager Category Winner
David Engert, CHMM
As a Project Manager and Environmental Construction Department Lead at LaBella, Dave has been instrumental in leading some of the firm’s largest remedial construction projects. His early contributions helped launch LaBella’s Environmental Construction Program, which he has managed since 2015. Under his leadership, the department has grown to over 60 staff members across three offices in Rochester, Buffalo, and Ballston Spa, New York, with further expansions on the horizon. This growth has been a testament to Dave’s strategic vision and leadership acumen.
One of Dave’s most significant undertakings has been the cleanup of the former Geneva Foundry site, a NYSDEC State Superfund site in Geneva, New York. Over the past seven years, Dave has meticulously managed the investigation and remediation of more than 190 residential properties affected by lead and arsenic contamination. This extensive project, which was recently completed, involved the removal of approximately 92,500 tons of contaminated soil, transforming an entire neighborhood and significantly improving community health and safety. Dave’s work on this project exemplifies his commitment to environmental justice and his ability to deliver impactful, large-scale environmental solutions.
