Delve Underground is proud to recognize our employees each year through three prestigious awards — the Wilton Award, the Paragon Award, and the Groundbreaker Award — celebrating innovative leaders and team players in our company.
Delve Underground Wilton, Paragon, and Groundbreaker Awards 2025
The Wilton Award was created in 2011 to honor the memory of James Wilton, former Principal and President of Jacobs Associates. This award is given to an individual who is an “engineer’s engineer,” demonstrating creativity, innovation, a strong work ethic, practical understanding, meticulous attention to detail, and is a sought-after collaborator. Daniel is a Senior Associate Engineer and our Chicago and Milwaukee Operations Manager with 13 years of experience in the design and construction of tunnels and underground structures for utilities, water, wastewater, highway, and rail mass transit.
“Daniel brings together innovation, diligence, practicality, and precision in his work. I’m grateful for the opportunity to recognize his achievements,” said Brad Murray, Midwest Regional Manager.
The Paragon Award is given to an employee who maintains a positive attitude, works with strong principles, displays a high level of fairness and professionalism, brings value to a project, and demonstrates team spirit. The 2025 Paragon Award winner is Lacey Mehlert, a Senior Project Engineer in our Seattle office with 8 years of experience, focusing on underground tunnels for transit and support of excavations.
“Lacey has been an unsung hero of our firm, consistently delivering excellence while uplifting those around her,” said Andy Mencke, Pacific Northwest Regional Manager.
The Groundbreaker Award is given to an employee who demonstrates creativity and innovation, has meticulous attention to detail, possesses strong intuition, and is a valued mentor and inspiration to others. The 2025 Groundbreaker Award winner is Daniel Rodrigues, an Associate Engineer in our Melbourne office with 11 years of experience in analysis, design, documentation, and delivery of tunneling infrastructure projects.
“Dan is one of those rare engineers you can rely on in any situation, steady under pressure, technically exceptional, and always willing to support the team,” said Kristian Nelson, AUNZ Regional Manager. “His leadership and professionalism elevate every project he touches.”