Naren Patel becomes Project Management Professional

Fehr Graham, a leading Midwest engineering and environmental firm, announced today that Naren Patel, PE, earned the designation of Project Management Professional (PMP) from the Project Management Institute.

This accomplishment has been a personal goal and an important step in Patel's professional career. He is the first Fehr Graham employee to earn this certification. Patel, who joined the firm in 2001, manages environmental, water and wastewater engineering projects.

"We are thrilled Naren achieved the Project Management Professional certification," said Champaign Branch Manager Matt Johnson, PE, SE, who is also one of the firm's owners. "This reflects Naren's continuous commitment to our clients and his drive to always improve."

The globally recognized project management certification proves the ability to lead projects for any organization and in any industry. The rigorous, four-hour exam sets the standard for excellence as a project leader and demonstrates specific skills, like dedication, excellence and the capacity to perform at the highest levels, that employers seek. According to the Project Management Institute, the PMP includes predictive, agile and hybrid approaches to project leadership experience and expertise.

"I have worked with Naren for many years, and I am not surprised he earned the Project Management Professional certification," said Brenda Evans, City Administrator in Neoga. "Naren has always been conscious of our budget and time, this just validates his skills as a Project Manager and his continued quality of work."

Those who apply are required to have a four-year degree, more than three years of experience in leading or directing projects and 35 hours of project management education. The PMP certification validates high level skills with people, processes and business environments. It produces professionals with the knowledge to get things done amidst global changes, unite diverse talents and organize various teams to collectively turn ideas into reality.

"Naren receiving this certificate shows his dedication to his clients and it will add tremendous value to Mahomet and our projects," said Village Water/Sewer Superintendent Jason Heid.

"Naren's passion for leading and directing projects and teams is realized through this PMP certification," said Village of Mahomet Administrator Patrick Brown. "Many congratulations to Naren for achieving this global PMP recognition and to Fehr Graham to have the first PMP-certified Project Manager on your exceptionally talented team."

Patel earned his bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering and a master's degree in Environmental Engineering from Maharaja Sayajirao University in Vadodara, India. He also earned a master's degree in Civil and Environmental Engineering from Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois. He received a Special Achievement in Engineering Excellence Award from the Illinois Chapter of the American Council of Engineering Companies for his work on a Wastewater Treatment Plant project in Mahomet. He is a member of the Project Management Institute, Illinois Society of Professional Engineers, American Society of Civil Engineers and Illinois Association of Wastewater Agencies. He lives in Champaign with his wife, Bina, and their two children.