Pitts Named 2026 ACEC-SC Young Public Professional of the Year

The American Council of Engineering Companies of South Carolina (ACEC-SC) has named Michael Pitts, PE, DBIA, of the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) as its 2026 Young Public Professional of the Year.

Presented during the South Carolina Engineering Conference & Trade Show on June 5, the award recognizes a public-sector professional under the age of 39 who has demonstrated outstanding leadership, technical achievement, innovation and service in the delivery of public infrastructure.

Pitts serves as Alternative Delivery Program Manager for SCDOT, where he leads the agency’s Closed and Load Restricted Bridge Program. Under his leadership, the program has delivered 47 bridge replacements valued at more than $150 million, with hundreds of millions of dollars in additional projects under contract, procurement or development.

Over the past year, Pitts helped secure a $51.2 million federal Bridge Investment Program grant to replace six critical bridges in Union County. The investment will improve safety and mobility while modernizing transportation infrastructure for communities across the region.

A graduate of the University of South Carolina, Pitts began his career through a series of internships with SCDOT before joining the agency full-time. He has become a leading advocate for innovative project delivery methods, helping establish South Carolina as a national leader in bridge delivery through bundled bridge packages, streamlined procurement processes and collaborative partnerships with consulting engineering firms.

“Michael exemplifies the partnership between public agencies and consulting engineers that makes infrastructure progress possible,” said Shannon Meder, Vice President and South Carolina Practice Lead, HNTB. “His leadership, innovation and commitment to serving South Carolinians have accelerated the delivery of critical transportation improvements across our state.”

Pitts is a licensed Professional Engineer, Design-Build Institute of America credential holder and graduate of SCDOT’s Leadership Education and Development Program. He is also active in community service through F3, Mission Lexington and youth mentoring initiatives.