ACEC KS members are making a difference in the world with the work they do every day, but they also make amazing contributions outside of their “day job”. Join us as we visit with Mark Williams, Curt Mader, and Jerry Johnson to learn more about the incredible amount that is given back to communities of need, and the impact it makes on the lives of …

The ACEC Kansas podcast sits down with Matt Volz, head of the Kansas Infrastructure Hub. Tune in to learn more about what “The Hub” means for Kansas communities, economic development, public safety, and of course, ACEC KS member firms! In this episode of the QBS Express, the ACEC Kansas podcast, host Scott Heidner, Executive Director of ACEC Kansas…

The QBS Express, the ACEC KS podcast, sat down with key KDOT leaders to discuss alternative delivery and progress on specific projects using alternative delivery processes. Join us as we discuss the history of state legislation opening up alternative delivery, lessons learned, and more. 00:30 Introducing Today's Guests 01:33 Unveiling Today's Discu…

Join the QBS Express as we visit with Grace Lipford, a recent winner of both state and national ACEC Kansas scholarship awards. Listen in as we visit with Grace about how the scholarship award process provided not just funds but contacts and experience. We also visit with Grace about what she and graduating colleagues are looking for in an employer…

On this episode of the QBS Express, host Scott Heidner engages in a conversation with Brett Letkowski, the past-president and Cameron McGown, the current president of ACEC Kansas. Rightly entailing reflections on their journeys on the board, they discuss the organization's key events in 2023, the year's initiatives, legislative sessions, funding fo…

In this engaging conversation on the QBS Express, host Scott Heidner is joined by Calvin Reed, Kansas Secretary of Transportation and Director of the Kansas Turnpike Authority, and Greg Shieber, the Deputy Secretary and State Transportation Engineer for the state of Kansas. Both guests share a glimpse of their personal backgrounds, their journeys i…

Kansas State Treasurer Steven Johnson might very well have the most important job that no one ever really thinks about. He shares with host Scott Heidner how he got to his current position and how the work of the treasury has an impact on the lives of every Kansan. On this episode we discuss: A family heritage of farming since 1868 Growing up on th…

Being involved in politics wasn’t even on Blake Carpenter’s radar until a class project at Wichita State led him to an interview with Representative Jim Howell that changed everything. He shares with host Scott Heidner how that journey has led him to his current role as the House Speaker Pro Tem. On this episode we discuss: Growing up in Halstead B…

Host Scott Heidner is joined by Kansas State Representative and House Minority Leader Vic Miller. They examine his life from the one room schoolhouse to his love for fantasy sports, as well as his involvement in politics beginning with his time at Emporia State as student body president. On this episode we discuss: Growing up in a one room schoolho…

Host Scott Heidner is joined by Kansas State Representative and House Majority Leader Chris Croft. They talk about his life and military career that eventually brought him to Kansas and led him to taking on his current role in state government. On this episode we discuss: The role his mother played in his life and finding role models for him Growin…

Host Scott Heidner meets with the previous and current ACEC presidents in Jeff McKerrow and Brett Letkowski to discuss the latest developments and the opportunity that lies ahead for the organization. On this episode we discuss: Transportation funding situation Stopping some legislation is just as important Moving back to in-person meetings Legisla…

The latest episode of The QBS Express features co-host Sara Clark with TranSystems and guest Chris Gutierrez, President of KC SmartPort. Listen in as we get an in-depth account of how SmartPort came to be, who it serves, what part of the market occupies its time and resources, and how Chris's interest in this industry was sparked by collecting beer…

The latest episode of The QBS Express features co-host Jeff Keller with Burns and McDonnell and KDHE Director of the Bureau of Water Tom Stiles. Listen in as we learn about his interest in water quality from a young age, how he found his way to the engineering field, the services he provides to members, and the interaction that involves with ACEC m…

The QBS Express is happy to welcome co-host Shawn Turner with Transystems and Representative Richard Proehl to the show! Tune in as we learn about Representative Proehl's interest in veterinary science and agriculture, his time in the 101st Airborne Division, working as a rodeo clown and bull rider, and most importantly the importance of good infra…

The QBS Express welcomes Chad Bristow, Director of Facilities for the Kansas Board of Regents, to the show! Join us as we discover how a farm kid from Leavenworth County found his way from art to the world of facilities and design, the many ways Chad and the Board of Regents team partner with ACEC member firms, and some very interesting recent deve…

Join us as we visit with Keith Browning, the Local Road Engineer for the Kansas Association of Counties! Listen in as we discuss how he found his way to the engineering field, the services he provides to members, and the interaction that involves with ACEC member firms. Stay with us to the end and you may find out something you didn’t know about wh…

The QBS Express visits with Kansas Turnpike Authority (KTA) CEO Steve Hewitt. Join as we learn about the KTA’s mission, the customers it serves, partnerships with other states, aligned certain services with KDOT, and how technology is driving change. And if you stay with us to the end, you may or may not learn about Mr. Hewitt being part of a dynam…

The QBS Express visits with KDOT Secretary Julie Lorenz and KDOT Director of Aviation Bob Brock to discuss the recently announced Kansas Supersonic Flight Corridor! Learn the exciting story of how KDOT and partners all around the state proactively created and pitched this program, the opportunities and challenges that were met along the way, and wh…

Five time all-star. 1980 American League Championship Series MVP. World Series Champion. An incredible eight gold gloves. The ACEC Kansas QBS Express podcast series is delighted to bring you our interview with Jackson County Executive and former Kansas City Royal Frank White. We hope you enjoy listening at least a fraction as much as we enjoyed the…

Join ACEC KS Executive Director Scott Heidner on this episode of the QBS Express as we visit with Gary Janzen, City Engineer/Assistant Director of Public Works for the City of Wichita. We convince Gary to tell us the full story of his journey into engineering and public works, what changes he has seen through his long career with the City of Wichit…

ACEC Executive Director Scott Heidner joins the Deans of the three Kansas Engineering Colleges for a discussion on the University Engineering Initiatives Act (UEIA). Learn more about how this initiative was born, the substantial requirements placed on universities in order to be a beneficiary, and the incredible success metrics as we near the ten y…

The QBS Express welcomes Kansas Governor Laura Kelly to the show. Listen in as we discuss life in a military family, the many places she’s lived along the way, why playing for the Yankees was her first career choice, and some of the best opportunities that come with being the Governor of Kansas. We also discuss issues near and dear to ACEC and her …

The QBS Express welcomes Jerry Stump, President & CEO of Volkert Inc and a Past Chairman of ACEC National. Join us as we discuss the future opportunities and challenges of the industry, what traits are found in good leaders, the most important political issues to our businesses, and the joys of hearing Merle Haggard music on the radio as a child!…

Join us as we visit with ACEC National President Linda Darr! We discuss the career steps that brought her to ACEC, current challenges to the consulting engineering industry, and how ACEC will play a vital role under her leadership in meeting these challenges.By ACEC of Kansas

The QBS Express welcomes KDOT Secretary Julie Lorenz. We discuss what it's like growing up in a newspaper family, the unpredictable ways she found herself in the engineering world, classic movies, and of course future plans for KDOT!By ACEC of Kansas

The QBS Express welcomes Tim Cowden, President & CEO of the Kansas City Area Development Council. We discuss life as an Oklahoma Sooner, following your dreams even when they take a detour, and the contributions of the engineering community in helping market the Greater Kansas City Area.By ACEC of Kansas

The QBS Express welcomes Attorney General Derek Schmidt. Listen in as we explore life as a child in SE Kansas, best political/career advice, hidden gems of Kansas, and what it’s like to argue before the United States Supreme Court!By ACEC of Kansas

Kansas State Representative and Speaker of the House Ron Ryckman joins the ACEC Kansas podcast team for a good conversation about what it's like to be Speaker, interesting sports figures he's had the chance to befriend, country music, great experience working across the aisle with the other party on policy issues, and his support of QBS!…

This episode of the QBS Express sits down with State Representative and Speaker Pro Ten Blaine Finch of Ottawa. We discuss meeting your heroes, historic candidates for President (and their downfall), the saddest country songs of all time, and what to choose for good sipping' whiskey with one of the more engaging personalities at the Kansas Capitol!…