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Richard Schlitt Retires after 31 years at PEC
Please join us in extending best wishes to Richard Schlitt, who is retiring from PEC on October 14, after 31 years with the company.
“One of the most telling things about the character and professionalism of any retiring manager is not necessarily the impact they had while working, but the lasting impact they had well after their departure,” said PEC President/CEO, Rod Young.
Schlitt first joined PEC in 1985, after working for the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) for more than ten years. One thing that attracted Schlitt to PEC was the diversity of the work. He liked the idea of working on a multitude of different projects.
As a new-hire at PEC, Schlitt’s title was Chief Bridge Engineer. In 2002, he Joined the Board of Directors and was eventually named Secretary/Treasurer. He has held the title of Civil Department Manager since 2010.
His most memorable projects from his time at PEC are the K-96 Northeast Expressway, Douglas and Lewis downtown bridges, West Kellogg interchanges and the Oklahoma Department of Transportation Inner Dispersal Loop (IDL) project. The IDL project helped establish PEC’s relationship with ODOT.
“PEC has grown a substantial amount over the years and will continue to do so in years to come,” Schlitt said. “Rod Young’s presidency has brought many management-style innovations to the company. These innovations allow us to analyze things better in a financial world and improve our work methods.”
In his retirement, he plans to spend time doing woodworking, volunteering, traveling with his wife and enjoying University of Kansas basketball games with his son.
“Richard was an incredible mentor both technically and professionally, and one of the most respected professionals in his industry. As a result, Richard was able to create an incredible team,” said Young. “His team benefitted from his vast knowledge, technical skills and experience. Because of Rich’s unselfish vision and structured transitioning, PEC will undoubtedly remain a well-respected expert in both highway and bridge designs.”
