This year’s Black History Month theme, A Century of Black History Commemorations, marks 100 years since Dr. Carter G. Woodson launched the first national effort to preserve and share Black history. What began in 1926 as Negro History Week sparked a movement rooted in the belief that history must be documented, protected, and taught.

A century later, that mission remains vital. Black history is American history and that its stories deserve to be seen, heard, and remembered.

As a majority African American–owned civil engineering firm, IEI’s success reflects the determination of the educators, advocates, engineers, and leaders who expanded opportunity in industries where representation was once limited. That legacy guides our work every day. We are driven to deliver equitable, lasting solutions that strengthen neighborhoods and shape communities where everyone can succeed.

This Black History Month, we celebrate a century of honoring Black voices and achievements and recommit to advancing opportunity, representation, and impact within our industry. By learning from the past and investing in the next generation of engineers and leaders, we continue the work of building a future defined by possibility.

For more information about Black History Month, visit www.blackhistorymonth.gov.

Infrastructure Engineering Inc. (IEI), one of the nation’s largest majority African American-owned civil engineering firms, is entering its next chapter with a new leadership and governance structure, effective January 2026. This strategic evolution positions the firm for continued growth, long-term resilience, and multigenerational leadership.

Established in 1998 by Michael Sutton, PE, with two employees in Chicago, IEI has grown to more than 200 professionals across nine offices in eight states. The firm’s updated governance includes a Board composed of internal leaders and external industry professionals, providing broader perspectives and strengthening long-term stewardship.

IEI has also expanded its ownership group from six to nine shareholders, reflecting shared leadership and reinforcing continuity, while maintaining its status as a majority African American-owned firm. Founder Michael Sutton, PE has transitioned from owner to Chairman of the Board, where he will continue to provide strategic guidance and mentorship. Kashif Khan, PE has stepped into the role of Chief Executive Officer, and Aaron Patterson, PE has been appointed President.

“This evolution reflects the maturity of our organization and our commitment to developing the next generation of leaders. Our values, culture, and focus on engineering excellence remain unchanged.” Michael Sutton, PE

Joining the firm’s ownership group are Paul Ajegba, PE, Damiel Cox, PE, Dustin Quincy, PE and Dr. Kia A. Sutton, CPSM, recognizing their leadership contributions and commitment to IEI’s future.

“By building depth and overlap within our leadership and ownership structure, we have reinforced long-term continuity and a consistent, high-quality client experience. IEI is supported by a durable leadership team positioned to partner with our clients today and for generations to come.” Kashif Khan, PE

Today, we honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., whose unwavering commitment to nonviolence challenged injustice and expanded the promise of equality in America.

This year’s MLK Day themes, “Where Do We Go From Here?” and “Mission Possible II: Building Community, Uniting a Nation the Nonviolent Way,” remind us that progress requires continued reflection, courage, and collective action, especially in times of division.

As a majority African American–owned firm, Infrastructure Engineering Inc. (IEI) is committed to honoring Dr. King’s legacy through work that advances safety, accessibility, and opportunity, while fostering a culture rooted in equity and inclusion.

We strive to carry his vision forward, not just today, but every day.

To learn more, visit thekingcenter.org.

For nearly three decades, our story has been one of steady, purpose driven growth, beginning with two employees in a single Chicago office and expanding to a team of more than 200 professionals across nine offices in eight states. Progress rarely happens by accident. It takes opportunity and the determination to seize it. For many small businesses, including ours, the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program was that opportunity. It did not give us outcomes; it gave us a chance. It opened doors that had long been closed to talented small firms, allowed us to compete on projects we might never have seen, and created a marketplace where capability and commitment could be seen and measured. 

I recognize that the DBE program has been debated, critiqued, and, at times, demonized. But we should judge policies by their outcomes. For firms like ours, DBE was not a subsidy; it was an on-ramp. It helped us prove our value, build credentials, invest in people, and scale into the fullservice civil engineering firm we are today. We began as a DBE/MBE subconsultant on most projects; today, we lead as a prime consultant, often partnering with XBE firms as our subs. That transformation shows what true opportunity can achieve. 

The ripple effects of our growth have been profound: the creation of good jobs with benefits, internships and apprenticeships for the next generation, shared business successes for both local and national partner firms, contracts for local vendors and suppliers, and tangible improvements to the built environment in the communities we call home.  

As the program is being redefined, the challenges it addressed remain. Barriers do not disappear just because a rule changes. Talent is universal; opportunity is not. That is why our commitment going forward is both simple and resolute: 

• We will keep winning on excellence. Our clients can expect the same rigor and quality that have defined our work from day one. 

• We will keep building inclusive teams. Diversity makes us better problem solvers, and we’ll continue mentoring and partnering with emerging firms. 

• We will keep investing in communities. Every project is a chance to make places safer, more connected, more sustainable, and more resilient.  

• We will keep advocating for fair competition. Transparent, equitable practices benefit everyone.  

To our clients and partners: thank you for trusting us with your most important work. To our employees: your dedication and perseverance remain the engine of our success. And to small and minority-owned firms wondering what’s next: excellence still opens doors. Let’s keep teaming, innovating, and delivering projects that matter. 

Whatever changes come, our promise stands: we will keep transforming the built environment through ingenuity. 

Thank you for continuing to be part of the journey. 

From one office in Chicago to nine across eight states, IEI has grown through the dedication and diverse perspectives of our team. Their commitment is the driving force behind every successful project and partnership.

To our clients and partners, THANK YOU for trusting us to partner with you for nearly three decades. Your confidence in us has fueled our growth and inspired our best work.

Here’s to continuing to build strong communities and lasting relationships, together.

See more of IEI over the past 27 years. 

IEI joins in observing Hispanic Heritage Month, a time to recognize the histories, cultures, and contributions of Hispanic and Latinx communities. This year’s theme, “Collective Heritage: Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Future,” reflects the resilience and influence of generations who have shaped our shared spaces.

Hispanic professionals have played a vital role in civil engineering, advancing urban development and contributing to more inclusive, connected communities across the country.

As one of the largest minority-owned civil engineering firms in the U.S., we recognize the value of diverse voices and experiences. We honor the legacy, leadership, and future of Hispanic and Latinx trailblazers – within our firm, in our industry, and across the country.

That’s a wrap on an exciting summer! Over the past eight weeks, 19 interns brought their talent, energy, and fresh ideas to IEI, diving into real-world engineering, construction, IT, business development, and marketing projects. They closed out the program with impressive presentations and made a lasting impact. IEI is committed to supporting the next generation of AEC talent through meaningful, hands-on experience. Thank you, Class of 2025. Best of luck on what’s next!

IEI is excited to share that Vice President and Aviation Business Practice Lead, David Robbins, M.S., was recently featured in Airport World with his article, “Rules of Engagement.” In it, David dives into the importance of early collaboration, relationship-building, and stakeholder engagement in delivering successful airport capital programs, especially in today’s fast-changing landscape.

Drawing from hands-on experience, the article emphasizes how inclusive planning, strong partnerships, and a focus on long-term value can help airports tackle funding pressures, operational hurdles, and shifting passenger needs. It’s a great example of IEI’s commitment to smart, forward-thinking infrastructure solutions.

Read the full article here.

Learn more about IEI’s Aviation Engineering.

We are grateful for the recognition alongside so many talented peers shaping Chicago’s infrastructure on the 2025 Crain’s Chicago Business List of Largest Engineering Firms! This milestone reflects the dedication of our incredible team and the trust of our clients and partners.

Here’s to continued growth, great projects, and building a better future!

 

Today on National Women in Engineering Day, we recognize and celebrate the talented women at IEI who help drive our success every day.
Diversity drives ingenuity—and the contributions of women across our offices strengthen our work, our culture, and the communities we serve.
Thank you for all that you do!