James Patteson Inducted into VT CEE Academy of Distinguished Alumni

James Patteson, former Chair and Vice Chair of the LDDI at Virginia Tech Advisory Board, is inducted into the Via Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering Academy of Distinguished Alumni. He and other recipients will be honored at a reception on-campus on Thursday, March 23, 2023.

James is a 1984 Virginia Tech Civil Engineering alumnus, and currently serves as a Principal with Blue Heron Leadership Group. Prior to his current position, James spent over 30 years with Fairfax County Department of Public Works and Environmental Services, including service as their Director from 2009 through 2018. In addition to his full-time career with Fairfax County, James was also instrumental in the early days of the former Land Development Design Initiative (now Land Development Design Industry). James was one of several public works professionals who helped develop the initial offering of Municipal Engineering in the Spring 2010 semester and has continued to serve as a professional mentor in the course including its most recent offering in spring 2022. James was an inaugural member of the LDDI Advisory Board and served on the board for over a decade. Prior to retiring from Fairfax County, James was recognized in the “Top 10 Public Works Leaders” by the American Public Works Association. James cites supporting the professional growth of others as one of his proudest accomplishments in his career and credits Virginia Tech’s motto of Ut Prosim as one of the most valuable lessons he learned at Virginia Tech. He shared:

"The profession of civil engineering and working in local government allowed me to work toward the betterment of others – a value that was instilled in me growing up and strengthened during my time at Virginia Tech."

The Via Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering (CEE) and the CEE Alumni Board created the CEE Alumni Achievement Awards Program as a means of honoring both younger alumni and those who have graduated from the department years ago. Alumni may be selected for induction into the Academy of Distinguished Alumni based upon a review of their overall career accomplishments and contributions to the profession, their community, and service to Virginia Tech.

Congrats James!