Environmental Engineer Fall 2012 - 14

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

Stephen Hickox, PE, BCEE; CEO, CDM Smith, relates the following when speaking about Bob: “…When I started my career at CDM Smith, I was very fortunate to have some early assignments with Bob Marini, who was a partner at that time. Bob taught us all the importance of delivering quality products and exceptional service to our clients, as well as the importance of client relationships. Bob has unique people skills and he is always truly interested in everyone he meets. I’m not talking about transparent relationships; Bob genuinely cares about people and it shows in everything he does. I often quote Bob and stress how important his business philosophy of delivering quality services to, and building relationships with, our clients has meant to the growth and success of CDM Smith…” complete Master’s Degrees in each of their respective disciplines. “I take great pride in seeing my children further their education and experience, with one son even following somewhat in my footsteps with a Master’s in Mechanical Engineering,” Bob states on the success of his children. While enjoying his career, there were also personal challenges that came Bob’s way, as they do for all of us. As fate would have it, at the height of his career, Bob’s first wife Myrna was diagnosed with cancer soon after he became CEO, and she passed while he was still working with CDM Smith. Bob later married his second wife, Anne, with whom he still resides as he enjoys his retirement.

Bob’s immediate family (from left to right): Bonnie and Larry Marini, Debra and Charles Hargrave, Bob and Sandra Marini, (seated) Anne (2nd wife) and Bob.

Never Forgetting Where You Come From
Throughout all of Bob’s corporate success, and to this day, he provided unswerving support to his alma mater, Northeastern University. Throughout conversation about any of his achievements, he always refers back to what Northeastern did for him with its Cooperative Education Program. “I would never have made it to where I did without that program,” he states of Northeastern. Bob became a member of the Board of Trustees there in 1989 and served in various positions on their Board. He credits Northeastern, and the staff there, 14

Bob and 8 grandchildren. (seated left to right) 1st row: Rob Marini, David Marini; 2nd row: Tim Marini, Lara Hargrave, Jillian Marini, Natalie Marini; 3rd row: Matt Marini, Bob, Geoffrey Hargrave

as helping him find his direction in his career in the early going. The University presented him with an Honorary Doctorate of Engineering in 1997, and Bob remains a member of the Board of Trustees in his retirement.

While Bob has given much time to Northeastern, the educational support has not ended there. He has also served on the Civil Engineering Advisory Committees at Worcester Polytechnic Institute and the University of Massachusetts. Bob has held
V 48, N 4 | Fall 2012

Environmental Engineer: News, Current Events & Careers

Environmental Engineer Fall 2012

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