Jeff Sockel Receives 2025 Charles Durham Achievement Award

OMAHA, NE—The American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC)-Nebraska has named Jeff Sockel, Senior Vice President and Omaha Division Manager at Benesch, the 2025 recipient of the Charles Durham Achievement Award. This prestigious award recognizes Jeff’s exceptional contributions to the engineering profession and his long-standing commitment to advancing infrastructure development.

Over his 32-year career, Jeff has consistently demonstrated exemplary leadership and technical expertise—both in delivering complex projects and shaping engineering standards at the local and national levels. Jeff oversees operations and business development efforts for Benesch’s Omaha Division and serves on the company’s Board of Directors. Under his guidance, Benesch has delivered innovative and sustainable solutions that have enhanced infrastructure across the region. He has also played a key role in expanding Benesch’s service offerings and presence at the local, regional and national levels.

Jeff’s contributions extend beyond Benesch through his involvement in various professional organizations. He has held multiple leadership roles within ACEC-Nebraska—including President and National Director—and currently sits on ACEC’s National Education Advisory Group as one of only five consultant members nationwide. His early industry involvement began on the ACI Nebraska Board of Directors and he has since contributed to a range of local and national committees. In 2010, Jeff was named one of the Midlands Business Journal’s “40 Under 40.”

The Charles Durham Achievement Award is presented annually to individuals who have made significant contributions to the engineering profession through their leadership roles in ACEC-Nebraska. Jeff was presented with the award on April 24 during the 2025 ACEC-Nebraska Engineering Excellence Awards.