We’re happy to bring you another Employee Spotlight. This regular feature acquaints you with both a team member, and a nonprofit in which they – and now ARRO – support. This spotlight falls on Brian Cicak, P.E.—a Municipal Engineer who works for CKS Engineers, an ARRO Consulting company.
Where do you call home?
I was born and raised in Bucks County, PA. I have a deep connection to the Central Bucks area. I left the county for a few years to attend college and work but ultimately returned. My wife and I currently reside in the Pennridge School District with our three wonderful children. I’m grateful to have family and friends throughout the area who continue to be a significant part of our lives.
Where did you go to school? What did you study?
I am a Penn State University alumnus. I attended the College of Engineering at their main campus. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering with a focus on Structural Engineering.
I have always enjoyed math and science, so engineering was an obvious choice. I selected Civil Engineering because of the broad range of opportunities within the field. I like to think that my knowledge base is similarly broad which enables me to be flexible and provides me the opportunity to always be learning and growing.
What brought you to CKS Engineers? What is your title?
In a previous role, I worked for a large residential developer and, during that time, had interaction with CKS on several of my residential projects. When I found myself in the position of making a career move, I reached out to the engineering firms that I respected. As one of those firms, CKS always stood out as having a strong moral code. I saw that they worked in the best interest of their clients but were never obstinate just for the sake of being difficult. I had already developed good working relationships with many of the engineers in the CKS office so when the time officially came for my career change, it was the perfect opportunity to join them as a Municipal Engineer.
I currently handle the design, budgeting and execution of township capital improvement projects. I review developer designs as the municipal engineer, and I attend meetings as a professional representative.
The past few years you and your friends have been organizing a National Tartan Day fundraiser that supports local nonprofit organizations. Can you share a few details?
For the last few years my friends and I have gathered in Philadelphia on or close to National Tartan Day for a progressive luncheon at some great local restaurants. National Tartan Day is a North American celebration of Scottish heritage and independence, held annually on April 6th. We gather to celebrate, eat, sip cocktails and, of course, do it all while appropriately dressed in Scottish attire for the day. The event is always a fun time but is ultimately organized for the purpose of raising funds for charity. We’ve met some really great people along the way and, in the process, have been able to support some amazing nonprofit organizations serving the communities that serve us. This year, our beneficiary was the Philadelphia Hero Thrill Show.
Can you share a few specific details about the event this year and the beneficiary Philadelphia’s Hero Thrill Show?
We held our 8th Annual Progressive Tartan Day Luncheon in downtown Philadelphia. This year’s donations went to Philadelphia’s Hero Thrill Show, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to pay for the college tuition of children of Philadelphia police officers and/or firefighters killed in the line of duty.
I’m thrilled to share that we raised approximately $1,500.00 this year in support of these children and families. (A little fun fact: $190.00 of that was just from random people that stopped us on the streets to ask what we were doing!) I’m proud to know that my company and fellow staff members chipped in to help this great cause. It is truly gratifying to work in a place where so many people genuinely care.
What led you to take part in these yearly fundraisers?
National Tartan Day has a special significance for all Americans, and especially those Americans of Scottish descent, because the Declaration of Arbroath (the Scottish Declaration of Independence) was signed on April 6, 1320. The American Declaration of Independence was modelled on that inspirational document. It is an occasion I enjoy celebrating with friends each year; to be able to turn it into an opportunity that also supports our community makes it all the more meaningful.
Learn more about this year’s beneficiary, Philadelphia’s Hero Thrill Show, and how you can support them at www.herothrillshow.org.