Recognition of the Highest Level of Excellence

When Summit instituted the Pinnacle awards, our goal was to reward our employees for their exceptional commitment to our firm’s purpose, vision, and values. Each quarter, eight of these employees are honored for their going above and beyond what is asked of them, elevating Summit with their dedication and commitment to excellence. Overall, 32 employees are recognized through the Pinnacle Program over the course of a calendar year. 

At the end of Q4, six of these employees are chosen to receive our End of the Year awards. This special recognition is awarded to Pinnacle recipients who consistently embody the highest level of dedication to one of our values. The most prestigious of these awards is the Parker Award, named after our founder and CEO, Jim Parker.

What is the Pinnacle Program?

The Pinnacle Program is our means of giving back to our employees. Each quarter, we recognize eight individuals from a pool of nominees that were put forward by their peers. A total of 32 Pinnacle Award winners are chosen each year.  

Any team member at any level can submit a nomination for someone they feel should be recognized. This ensures that every voice in the company has the opportunity to be heard and represented. Furthermore, our goal is for employees to feel gratified knowing that their coworkers see and appreciate their service.

Peyton C., Marketing Coordinator

Peyton has only been with our firm for just over a year, but in that time, he has made a huge impact on our marketing team. He has incredible initiative and a powerful drive to ensure we are always putting our best foot forward; this has resulted in a consistent, high-quality output of stellar proposals and new connections.

He is more than a marketing machine, though– Peyton is also a team player with a positive outlook who brings valuable insight to the table. For these reasons and more, Peyton is being given the Backbone award. His efforts uplift not only his team, but Summit as a whole. 

Allary F., Financial Analyst

It’s not always easy to be able to do “the right thing,” but somehow, Allary pulls it off time and time again. She is an incredibly hard working individual who is always ready to step up to the plate and take on new responsibilities. Her connection to every department within Summit allows our firm to run smoothly, ensuring that problems are dealt with before complications ever arise.

Allary’s ability to balance numbers and financial data between departments as well as her continued efficiency in keeping things going behind the scenes makes her the very picture of Versatility, which the Integrity award recognizes.

Michael S., Planner II

Michael’s breadth of work and momentous drive have been critical factors in our Planning departments ongoing success. He goes above and beyond in his role, forging new connections and crafting impactful community plans. He is ready and willing to represent the company in public speaking roles, and interviews, and is constantly trying out new ways to make our products even better.

His talent, dedication, and effort to further the reach and impact of the Planning department is why Michael is being recognized as our Visionary winner for 2022.

Neal O., Emerging Markets Survey & Geomatics Department Manager

Neal is a personable man. He’s always approachable, affable, and quick to respond to any question or issue that may arise. One of the most remarkable aspects of Neal’s nature is that he is also genuinely happy to help– you will never feel like a burden when approaching him for an answer.

Neal’s approach to work relationships and community building is emblematic of our value, Building Success, which honors those members of our team who know that the foundation of growth is collaboration, partnership, and community. The solid base he’s built in tandem with his team is why he has been chosen as our Excellence winner for 2022.

Patrick H., Project Manager 

This year, our up-and-coming Rockstar award winner is Patrick H.! Patrick hit the ground running and has taken to his leadership role with integrity, vision, and overall excellence. He embraces growth and learning with open arms, soaking in new and useful information and then putting it to good use.

When his team needed guidance, Patrick stepped into the position and was able to contribute significantly to the Hydraulics and Water Resources department. His ability to work hard while still enjoying himself and bringing a sense of fun to everyone around him is why we recognize him as our Rockstar of 2022.

Rob C., Senior Assistant Resident Engineer

Success is like a recipe: you need more than one ingredient to make it work. Success requires teamwork, relationships, integrity, versatility, compassion, and so much more– and Rob is a man who embodies it all.

Rob leads by example. He regularly goes out of his way to help, and his empathetic approach to caring for his employees ensures that they always feel comfortable coming to him with their problems. Rob always finds the resources, information, and tools his team needs to thrive so that they can thrive.

For all of these reasons and more, Rob is a great leader and a profound asset to Summit. It is our great pleasure to bestow upon him the highest honor our company provides: The Parker Award. Thank you, Rob, for everything you’ve done for your team– and for Summit.

Congrats!

Please join us in celebrating these six individuals for their prestigious accomplishment. The members of the Summit family featured here uphold our values and continue to lead by example. As we begin our journey into 2023, we know we can rely on them to continue to inspire us all to continue to work hard, learn, grow, and strive for greatness.