Eileen Collins, PE, PTOE, has been named the 2026 Engineer of the Year by the Central Pennsylvania Engineers Week Council. The award recognizes engineers whose leadership, technical skill, and service create a lasting impact on both the profession and the community.
As Safety & Planning Manager at VHB, Eileen works with teams supporting PennDOT, the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission, and private-sector clients across the region. Her work centers on delivering transportation solutions that balance technical rigor with practical, human-centered outcomes, helping communities move more safely and efficiently.
Before joining VHB, Collins helped shape Pennsylvania’s transportation network, leading statewide safety programs at PennDOT and contributing to initiatives like the Graduated Driver License program, bicycle-friendly rumble strips, and innovative pavement markings. She also guided major regional projects, including the Central Susquehanna Valley Transportation Project and the I-80 Bellefonte Interchange Study, turning complex designs into improvements that enhance safety and community connections.
Eileen is equally committed to inspiring future engineers. She mentors emerging professionals through the Mid-Atlantic Section of the Institute of Transportation Engineers (MASITE), the Mid-Colonial District of ITE (MCDITE), and the Women’s Transportation Seminar Central Pennsylvania Chapter (WTS Central Pennsylvania), sharing grounded insights that help them navigate and grow within the industry.
Her commitment to students extends well beyond engineering. For more than a decade, she has also supported the Cumberland Valley chapter of the Future Farmers of America, sponsoring awards and encouraging students pursuing STEM pathways—fostering confidence, curiosity, and a sense of purpose in their future careers.
“Engineering has allowed me to make a real difference in people’s lives,” Collins said. “I’m honored to be recognized and hope to continue inspiring others through mentorship, public service, and engineering excellence.”
Connect with Eileen on LinkedIn to follow her work and insights in transportation planning and engineering.
