KY Engineer Recognized for Impactful Leadership and a Focus on Community-Centered Engineering

The National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE) has named Jordan Haney, P.E., of Kentucky, the recipient of the 2026 New Professional Engineer of the Year Award. This national award recognizes early career professional engineers who have demonstrated exceptional professional achievement, leadership within NSPE, and a strong commitment to service to the engineering profession and the public.

Jordan Haney, P.E., an accomplished civil and geotechnical engineer licensed in multiple states, is a highly engaged member of NSPE and the Kentucky Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE KY). Haney has demonstrated impactful leadership at the chapter and state levels, while also achieving remarkable professional advancement early in his career. His work reflects a strong dedication to ethical practice, licensure advocacy, and community centered engineering.

Haney earned a bachelor's degree and a master's degree in civil engineering from the University of Kentucky. Professionally, he serves as principal engineer and president of Thoroughbred Engineering, a multidisciplinary engineering and architectural firm headquartered in Lexington, Kentucky. Since joining the firm in 2016, Haney has risen from staff engineer to president in less than a decade, providing executive leadership for a team of approximately 60 professionals and overseeing engineering services delivered across multiple states. His work spans aviation, municipal, industrial, healthcare, and infrastructure projects that directly support public safety, economic development, and community resilience.

Professional Engagement and Accolades
Through his involvement with NSPE KY, Haney has progressed through a full range of leadership roles within the Bluegrass Chapter, including as vice president and president, and currently serves as the Bluegrass Region vice president. Haney played a key role in strengthening chapter operations, improving financial sustainability, and expanding professional programming and engagement opportunities for members. During his tenure, the Bluegrass Chapter was recognized as Kentucky's Most Active Chapter for three consecutive years.

Haney's commitment to professional service extends beyond NSPE KY. He is involved with organizations such as the American Council of Engineering Companies of Kentucky and is the founding member of the Kentucky Chapter of the Association of Medical Facility Professionals, where he serves as treasurer and president elect. He is also a graduate of Leadership Kentucky, Leadership Central Kentucky, Leadership PE, and Leadership Scott County.

A Dedication to Outreach and Service
Haney is also deeply committed to STEM outreach, and community service. He serves as a mentor through the University of Kentucky Engineering Mentoring Program, supports MATHCOUNTS, and has participated in classroom outreach activities designed to introduce students to engineering concepts and careers. He has also volunteered with organizations and initiatives including CANstruction, Kentucky Mock Trial, God's Pantry Food Bank, Amen House, and Southland Christian Church Meal Pack. His efforts reflect a belief that engineering is fundamentally a public service profession with a responsibility to positively impact society.

Haney's early career achievements, combined with his service to the profession and dedication to community impact, reflect the future strength and leadership of the engineering profession.