2024 Airport Business Top 40 Under 40: Kirsten Kennedy, PE
Kirsten Kennedy, PE
Project Manager – Aviation
Michael Baker International
Age 32
Kirsten Kennedy has made significant strides in the aviation industry with her passion for designing projects that prioritize constructability and operational efficiency. A licensed professional engineer, Kennedy is known for delivering high-quality, cost-effective projects, ensuring the best value for her clients.
“The aviation industry is fast-paced and exciting. It's one of the coolest industries, especially within civil engineering,” she said. “I am both a user of airports. I love traveling and seeing the world and then I love getting to help people do that and make sure airports are safe.”
Kennedy’s role in the industry extends beyond her technical expertise. She actively participates in several professional organizations, including the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), Women’s Transportation Seminar (WTS), the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE), and the Airport Consultants Council (ACC). Her leadership positions, most notably as president of the ASCE Philadelphia Younger Members Forum, highlight her commitment to industry engagement and mentorship of early-career professionals.
Throughout her career, Kennedy has led high-profile projects like the Atlantic City Airport Apron Improvement and NJDOT Multimodal On-Call contracts. She is also known for her expertise in pavement design, having specialized in both military and commercial projects. Additionally, her work on trenchless pipe design showcased her ability to manage complex engineering challenges.
In recognition of her contributions to the field, Kennedy was honored as the 2024 ASCE Philadelphia Young Civil Engineer of the Year and received the 2021 ASCE Region 2 Diversity & Inclusion Award. Her dedication to professional growth, combined with her technical prowess, makes her a standout in the aviation industry.
