AECOM’s Cababa to be honored with SAME Goethals Medal

During the 2024 SAME Society Ball and Awards Gala, Robin Cababa, PE, COL, USA (Ret.), will be presented with SAME’s Goethals Medal, a prestigious honor that recognizes his eminent contributions in engineering, design, construction, and environmental stewardship.

From an early age, Robin had an ardent desire to serve his country and to become an engineer. While he’s not sure which came first, he says his father, who served in WWII, and his uncles in the engineering field were likely influences. His acceptance into West Point meant he didn’t have to choose; it gave him a path to follow both dreams.

Since then, Robin’s impressive 54-year career has taken him all over the world. During three decades of assignments as a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) officer, he served in Vietnam, Korea, and Saudi Arabia, and in 1998 he became the first Commander of the U.S. Army Engineer and Research Development Center. After retiring from USACE, he worked at the Oceanic Institute. Then in 2005 he joined AECOM, where he’s led the NAVFAC Pacific CLEAN program and other highly complex environmental engineering efforts for the last 20 years.

“Robin supports the most demanding projects in the Pacific,” says AECOM colleague Mark Handley. “Drawing on his deep experience in technically complex and stressful situations, he’s led his team to provide world-class environmental engineering support to our clients.”

Based in the Honolulu office, Robin says he hadn’t planned on working this long, but “treasures” his team as well as the opportunities AECOM has given him. When asked what project has been the most rewarding, he hesitates to pick just one and focuses instead on the bigger picture.

“I’ve been blessed with many great projects and assignments,” he says, “but what motivates me most is developing the next generation of engineers, scientists, and leaders. To be an engineer is to be a problem solver and there will always be problems to solve. No matter how well we plan, conditions will always change. While solving one problem or finishing one project might be individually rewarding, actively preparing future generations by problem-solving our challenges together is more important.”

Robin has received dozens of awards throughout his distinguished career, including a Purple Heart and Silver Star for valor. When asked about this latest honor from SAME, he’s characteristically humble.

“I’m proud that my peers feel I’m deserving of this award,” he says, “but many of them are just as deserving of this recognition.”

Colleagues like Mark, however, can’t think of a more worthy candidate. “Robin is an impassioned leader, as well as a talented program manager and engineer. It’s rare that we find a true hero who has contributed so much to our profession both in and out of uniform.”

AECOM’s Funkhouser to be honored with SAME Gibson Medal; elected to Board of Directors

Tony Funkhouser, PE, MAJ GEN, USA (Ret.), AECOM’s U.S. Army Client Account Director, will receive SAME’s Gibson Veteran Transition Medal during the 2024 Society Ball and Awards Gala. This distinction is awarded to a Society member who has demonstrated superior efforts in assisting uniformed personnel as they transition to the private sector.

“I knew Ed Gibson personally, so this medal means a lot to me,” says Tony. “I aspire to continue his legacy. Ed was a tremendous role model who was quick to reach out and reassure those transitioning out of service.”

It’s evident Tony has been following Gibson’s footsteps for many years. “Tony is a highly sought-after mentor,” says AECOM colleague Mark Handley. “After serving in the Army, nearly four decades in SAME, and moving to the civilian workforce, he continues to enthusiastically mentor others as they prepare for their own transition from active-duty service.”

Tony knows firsthand what it’s like to make that career transition. After retiring from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in 2020, the following year he joined the private sector leading AECOM’s U.S. Army programs. In addition to his core role, Tony has been an important voice to help create a more inclusive work culture at the company. He’s co-founder and president of AECOM’s Veterans Alliance Employee Resource Group (VAERG), which is now in its third year.

“Our VAERG provides a safe space for veterans at AECOM to express their challenges and desires,” Tony says. “We’re here to assist, engage, and support this part of our community.”

Tony’s commitment to helping others has been a mainstay throughout his illustrious 38-year career. From coaching ROTC cadets at Fort Knox and mentoring young officers via the USACE Leadership Development Program, to his active participation in the Department of Defense SkillBridge Program and support of the Army Distaff Foundation, Tony’s philosophy is simple.

“Always do the right thing and take care of people while getting the mission accomplished,” he says. “My friend, the late Colonel Jim Bryan told me to think about legacy with every job. This helps me focus on what matters most.”

As a newly elected Director on SAME’s Board, it’s no surprise the Virginia-based leader plans to continue taking a people-focused approached to this work as well.

“The best ideas come from a diverse team with different perspectives and experiences,” he says. “I look forward to engaging with friends old and new to support SAME and help solve the nation’s engineering challenges.” Naturally, Tony’s intentions for this position don’t stop there. “I hope I can grow their military veteran transition efforts too.” 

AECOM’s Hutchison to be invested in SAME Academy of Fellows

Al Hutchison, PE, F.SAME, CAPT, USN (Ret.), AECOM’s Asia Pacific Federal Programs lead based in Hawaii, has been selected for investiture into the SAME Academy of Fellows during the entity’s 2024 JETC event in Orlando, Florida. This prestigious honor recognizes Al for his resolute and outstanding service to SAME, military engineering, and the A/E/C profession.

“It’s truly an honor to be recognized in this manner,” says Al, who’s been a member of SAME’s Honolulu Post since 2006. “It’s a privilege to be part of this respected organization where industry and government leaders and professionals work together to support our country and local communities.”

Having grown up in Hawaii, Al knew he wanted to get involved in supporting the Pacific region’s A/E/C community. When he learned about the Society from his peers, he quickly joined his local post, became a Young Member, and has remained active for many years.

Al was elected to serve as the Honolulu Post president from 2020-2023. This was an especially difficult time for the world, but Al was up for the challenge. “I helped lead our post out of the COVID-19 pandemic,” he says, “going from virtual calls back to in-person post meetings and events like our annual Pacific Industry Forum.”

This year Al is among a class of just 23 members to be recognized at the national level with the title of “Fellow.” He says the collective professional expertise SAME provides has been invaluable. “I really enjoy learning and feeling connected to this thriving professional organization.”

AECOM’s Long selected for SAME Leader Development Program

Samantha Long, PMP, AECOM Federal Civilian Coordinator, is among a select group of high-potential professionals chosen to participate in SAME’s 2024-2025 National Leader Development Program (LDP). She’ll be inducted into the prestigious program during their JETC event in Orlando, Florida.

A SAME member since 2020, Samantha joined the Society after a mentor encouraged her to attend a Northern Virginia (NoVA) Post meeting. “I quickly learned the value of professional organizations,” she says. “The networking and education sessions offered by my local posts provide opportunities to meet amazing and brilliant people working in our industry.”

Samantha has been making the most of her local post membership. She recently graduated from the regional Leadership and Mentoring Program (LMP) offered by the DC and NoVa Posts. Applicants learn about team dynamics, leadership, career planning, and more. She says one of the best pieces of advice she’s received so far is to “step outside your comfort zone.” She’s excited to apply this approach while completing the national program.

In 2019, SAME developed the LDP to identify and cultivate future leaders within the A/E/C profession. The program requires a year-long commitment and combines more than 35 hours of lectures and simulations with hands-on experience. Each participant applies what they’ve learned to a capstone project focused on a critical industry issue of their choice.

“My interest continues to be the difference between leadership and management,” Samantha says. “Leadership is often cited as one’s ability to motivate and influence others to contribute to organizational success, but management is seen as controlling a group to accomplish a goal. I want to know how leaders in SAME and the A/E/C industry motivate without controlling on an international scale.”

Based in the Arlington, Virginia office, Samantha supports AECOM business development efforts related to program and project management, primarily for federal civilian agencies. She’s also passionate about promoting STEM engagement at the earliest academic level.

AECOM partners with Southern Cross Service Dogs

AECOM is pleased to share our JETC 2024 booth with the people and pups from Southern Cross Service Dogs. This Florida-based nonprofit empowers U.S. veterans with disabilities to live more independently by providing them with exceptionally trained service dogs at no cost. If you’d like to join us in supporting this amazing cause, please stop by AECOM booth 809 or visit the organization’s website.