Environmental Engineer Fall 2012 - 12

Robert C. Marini, P.E., BCEE: Environmental Engineering’s “Can Do” Man

Bob Marini, 1967

Bob Marini, 1975

William S. Howard, EVP, CDM Smith, recalls his experiences with Bob: “…My involvement with Bob Marini goes back to the late 1960s when I started working at CDM Smith as a cooperative work education student attending our mutual alma mater, Northeastern University. In addition to getting sound advice and mentoring from Bob while serving in numerous positions at CDM Smith over the years and sitting on the firm’s board of directors when he was CEO, we also share a passion for Northeastern in particular, and cooperative work education in general. It is because of that shared passion that Bob encouraged me to get involved with professional activities outside of CDM including Northeastern as a trustee and the World Association for Cooperative Education. All of these activities and others enhanced and broadened my professional career. I owe a lot to Bob and am thankful for his guidance especially during the early years of my career…” there were only suited for a population of approximately 37 thousand, so the new design was pretty much from scratch.” Bob moved himself, and his family, to Turkey for the duration of the two year project. His youngest son even started his schooling while there. On the subject of life for his family in Turkey he says, “It was a great experience for me and my family; it was my first real excursion overseas and was more beneficial than we could have ever imagined.” Over the course of those two years, Bob led a multi-national team that included 30-40 CDM Smith professionals that would come and go, with varying levels of participation, in completing the research and study. When recalling the assignment he

Bob Marini, 1981

Bob Marini, 1990s

myself and others at the firm.” Bob’s family also grew at the time as he and Myrna had three children; Larry, Debra, and Robert, Jr. In 1966, the Massachusetts Professional Engineering Society named Bob its “Young Engineer of the Year.”

A Defining Moment

By 1967, Bob’s leadership skills had earned him a partnership in the firm. When asked what one project stands apart from all the rest, he answers without hesitation, “I had just become partner in the firm when I was assigned to a project in Ankara, the capital of Turkey. The mission was to develop the Master Plan for water supply, sewage, and drainage systems in the city for a population of 1.5 million people. The current systems

explains, “I am most proud of what was accomplished there. It laid the foundation for the actual implementation of systems that worked and improved lives. It also led to other projects being landed by CDM Smith in that country.” This no doubt secured Bob’s role in contributing to the firm’s success in the global expansion of the business.

Building on the Bricks of Success
With international accomplishments under his belt, Bob advanced into more successive leadership roles in the 1970’s and 80’s with CDM Smith. He held the titles of Senior Vice President, Executive Vice President, President of the Environmental Engineer-

Charlene Allen, SVP, Human Resources, CDM Smith, further drives home what Bob’s key to success truly was: “…Bob understands the importance of relationships and how critical they are to winning work. Bob placed that same emphasis on his relationship with our employees, and by doing so could motivate you to give 110% to the firm very easily. Bob believed in the personal touch – too much of that is lost today when we communicate by texting and email. Bob made everyone feel important and that their contributions mattered – regardless of your role or rank. His direct, honest style made people trust and appreciate his feedback. He was capable of shifting from “coaching to complimenting” in a way that got the hard message across but let you know he appreciated your hard work. His visits to offices resulted in standing room only fireside chats – where he would discuss the state of the firm, but wanted to hear your thoughts and ideas on how to make the firm better. To this day, even though he has been retired for some time, people ask if I see Bob, or hear from Bob - and how is he doing? He left a real impression on everyone he came in contact with at CDM Smith…”

Environmental Engineer: News, Current Events & Careers

V 48, N 4 | Fall 2012

Environmental Engineer Fall 2012

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Environmental Engineer Fall 2012