JoAnn Fryer, PE, Named 2026 New Hampshire Engineer of the Year

Manchester, NH – The New Hampshire Engineering Societies has named JoAnn Fryer, PE the 2026 Engineer of the Year. Nominated by New Hampshire Chapter of Women in Transportation (WTS-NH), JoAnn was selected for this distinguished award by a panel of industry colleagues, who recognized her contributions to the engineering profession, dedication to public service and philanthropy, and outstanding professional accomplishments.

After graduating from the University of New Hampshire in 1991 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering, JoAnn accepted a position with CLD Consulting Engineers in Manchester, NH, where she would work on major infrastructure improvement projects throughout the state. As her career advanced, JoAnn moved from Project Engineer to Project Manager, and served as a mentor to junior staff. She relocated to the firm’s branch office in York, Maine in 2001 and became the office manager in 2002, serving in that role until she became the firm’s Quality Control Manager in 2015. In 2017, CLD Consulting Engineers was acquired by Fuss & O’Neill, and JoAnn was quickly identified as a leader. In 2018, JoAnn assumed the role of Office Manager of the Manchester office and was promoted in 2019 to Northern New England Regional Manager where she was responsible overseeing 60+ employees across four offices while seeking opportunities for long-term growth and viability. JoAnn is now a Senior Vice President and the firm’s Market Leader for Transportation, where she is responsible for client care, overseeing growth initiatives and new market pursuits across New England.

In the competitive New Hampshire engineering market, JoAnn stands out for her ability to manage both projects and personalities. JoAnn continues to explore opportunities and manages key projects that will make a difference in the quality of people’s lives throughout the state. Her presence within industry organizations (American Council of Engineering Companies, WTS, NH Society of Professional Engineers, and the American Public Works Association) shows her dedication to collaborating with industry representatives to identify issues and generate solutions that benefit both the engineering industry and the end-users of these infrastructure investments. For the betterment and equity of both the industry as a whole and the technical professionals that work within it, JoAnn is a co-chair of the joint NHDOT/ACEC-NH Consultant Quality Initiative (CQI) Committee, which fosters open and active communication between the consulting community and the New Hampshire Department of Transportation (NHDOT).

JoAnn has always cared deeply for the well-being of others, particularly in working toward justice and inclusion. She is a leader in Fuss and O’Neill’s Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Access (IDEA) program and an overall champion of widening the circle of inclusion.

JoAnn lives in Concord and is an active member in her community, volunteering for numerous charitable organizations.