The fourth chairman and CEO to lead Hanson, Sergio (“Satch”) has spent more than 50 years in the field of engineering. Satch is a well-respected leader in the industry who started with Hanson as a high school student and has been with the firm ever since. He has designed and managed complex projects worldwide and has served in leadership roles for numerous engineering organizations.

An Italian immigrant, Satch received the Ellis Island Medal of Honor in 2019. The award recognizes U.S. citizens for their accomplishments in their field and inspired service to the U.S. Satch was 14 months old when his family moved from Trieste, Italy, to Springfield, Illinois.

He has received several other recognitions during his career. A graduate of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, he was awarded The Grainger College of Engineering Alumni Award for Distinguished Service in 2023.

Satch is a member of the American Council of Engineering Companies and served as national chairman from 2017–18. He is also a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), serving on its Industry Leaders Council and having received ASCE’s Outstanding Projects and Leaders (OPAL) award in management. Additionally, he serves on the Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure board of directors.

He has participated on the U.S. Department of State’s Overseas Buildings Operations’ Industry Advisory Panel and the U.S. Department of Defense’s Reserve Forces Policy Board. In 2013, he was selected to lead the board’s Cyber Policy Task Group, and in 2015, he received the U.S. Secretary of Defense Medal for Exceptional Public Service.

As part of Hanson’s involvement in the Springfield Rail Improvements Project in Springfield, Illinois, Satch has served as the project principal and led the development and implementation of the Grow Our Own Minority Participation Program, fostering minority students’ interest in science, technology, engineering, the arts and mathematics careers.

IN SATCH’S WORDS
“I joined Hanson in January 1974, after grad school, during the company’s 20th year in business. I’ve been fortunate to work with the clients and friends we served at that time, as well as those we have the privilege to partner with today to forge the way toward an exciting, innovative and prosperous future.”