2025 COLLEGE OF FELLOWS INDUCTEE

John Nelson is a highly accomplished Senior Project Manager and Vice President with over 40 years of experience in the transportation industry. For 25 years, he has been a key leader at Hanson, where he currently oversees operations in the firm’s Chicago Regional office located in Lisle, Illinois.

John has built a distinguished career focused on the planning and design of complex, multi-disciplined highway and bridge projects for state transportation agencies. He has successfully delivered major infrastructure projects—often on expedited schedules—for clients such as the Illinois Tollway and the Illinois Department of Transportation. A career highlight includes serving as design corridor manager for the development of a Master Plan justifying and building a business case for a $4 billion widening and reconstruction of a 22-mile section of the Central Tri-State Tollway, part of the Illinois Tollway’s 16-year, $15 billion Move Illinois Program.

He brings a strategic mindset and collaborative leadership style to every engagement, guiding multidisciplinary teams and aligning project delivery with client goals. His expertise spans project development, design oversight, and program management, with a strong emphasis on innovation, efficiency, and long-term value.

John has been active in ACEC-Illinois for over 20 years, serving on numerous committees, including a 3-year term as chair of the Illinois Tollway Liaison Committee. He also served on the State Board for 10 years, including terms as Chair and National Director.

John and Jane have been married for 33 years and reside in Naperville. They have four children and four grandchildren.