Chris Cook Receives CoE Michigander of the Year Award
Chris Cook was selected as the recipient for the 2024 Michigan Engineering Michigander Award.
This year, U-M CEE alumnus Chris Cook was selected as the recipient for the 2024 Michigan Engineering Michigander Award. A highly selective recognition, the award is a testament to the alumnus’ exceptional contributions and dedication to the field of engineering. Cook, a 1987 CEE graduate, has served in an incredibly wide variety of engineering positions, from project engineer to company President and CEO. Throughout his dynamic career with increasing responsibilities, Cook’s time at U-M CEE was fundamental in helping him to develop the necessary skills to succeed.
“In addition to the technical skills you learn in class, U-M fosters a strong work ethic,” Cook said. “You’re there with the best and brightest. You learn from your peers. You learn from your professors. You learn the value of teamwork. U-M cements a work ethic that serves you well forever.”
Cook’s interest in civil engineering began at CEE as he explored different engineering disciplines. His experiences in classes and disciplines such as hydrology and structural engineering helped to solidify his career ambitions and interest in the civil engineering field all while making him feel at home in the department.
“Civil engineering classes, with the small class sizes and smaller project groups, were very valuable for me, and did a great job of making a large university feel very small and comfortable,” Cook said. “The accessibility and encouragement from professors was instrumental in successfully completing the challenging curriculum. The level of individual attention that you get is not expected from such a large university. That’s really helpful.”
Following his graduation from U-M CEE, Cook began working as a civil engineer for consulting firm Wade Trim, where he worked for five years. After taking a brief break from engineering to work with his father at his heating and cooling business back home in Benton Harbor, Michigan, Cook then went on to work at civil engineering consulting firm Abonmarche. Starting as a project manager, Cook moved up the ranks, to Michigan Regional President and then President/CEO of the firm, which now serves clients from 11 offices in Michigan and Indiana. Now, he serves as President Emeritus of the firm, a position that allows him to continue his focus on community-based work. As Abonmarche’s President Emeritus, he has served as Berrien County Road Department Director and the Managing Director of Harbor Shores Community Redevelopment.
“I enjoy being able to give back to the community,” said Cook of the many volunteer roles he has held during his career. He has been a school board member for the past 15 years and currently serves as Treasurer. He has also been a Planning Commission Chairman, Zoning Board of Appeals member, President of the Michigan Section of the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) and has been a long-standing board member of Cornerstone Alliance, a local economic development organization. His volunteer efforts earned him the ACEC National Community Service Award in 2011. He also earned the Southwest Michigan Exemplary Business Leader Award. Since becoming Abonmarche President Emeritus, Cook said “I’m still involved in many things, and they are keeping me engaged and happy and challenged.”
Cook’s current role as Harbor Shores Community Redevelopment Director is one of his proudest achievements. The community revitalization project has led to the physical and economic transformation of Benton Harbor and Southwest Michigan. Harbor Shores is the result of remediation of over 500 acres of polluted, blighted property. It is now a top 100 Jack Nicklaus Signature golf course and residential development.
“I’m proud of the fact that this project is going strong and that I was a part of the original visionary team for it over 15 years ago,” Cook said. “I have been able to see it from inception all the way through to today, and that’s been very rewarding. It’s all happening right here in my hometown, too. So I’m able to see and experience the fruits of that labor every day.”
For U-M students who might be looking to pursue a similar career path, Cook encourages them to always learn as much as they can — but to make sure not to neglect the basics.
“Take as many classes as you can in the softer skills of engineering,” said Cook. “Certainly make sure that you’re technically sound, but also focus on accounting, marketing, reading and writing. It’s easy to stray from the basics, but they’re valuable.”
Then, every chance you get, invest in yourself and in your education,” Cook continued. “Keep learning things that interest you. And if something that’s interesting to you is ownership, leadership or management, then continue to develop those skills, and you’ll see yourself start to achieve the success that you’re after.”
In terms of the value of networking, Cook emphasized the importance of taking time to build personal relationships and getting the job done.
“I always looked at the customer as the number one priority,” said Cook. “Sometimes you have to sacrifice personal time to do that; but, I felt rewarded by being able to help clients at any time, day or night. So, being flexible and building those connections is important. That being said, maintaining a healthy balance is also important. My family always knew I was there for them.”
“I also always like to have a ‘can do’ attitude when it comes to clients,” Cook continued. “Sometimes, clients are going to ask you to deliver on an incredible feat. But the answer has always got to be ‘Yep, I’ve got this.’ Being able to deliver on that promise has served me well in my career over the years.”
On behalf of CEE, congratulations to Chris Cook for receiving the 2024 Engineering Michigander Award. We thank him for his many contributions to the CEE field and community.
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