2013 40 Under 40: Scott Voelkerding, 33

Fire Protection Program Manager, URS Corp., Chicago

By Jessia DuBois-Maahs, Contributing Writer May 14, 2013

Scott Voelkerding, PE, CFPS, 33

Fire Protection Program Manager, URS Corp., Chicago

University of Dayton, BS Chemical Engineering

Scott Voelkerding’s interest in fire protection and life safety dates back to his time at the University of Dayton. He worked as a volunteer emergency medical technician on the university’s rescue squad and interned with the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency Division of Drinking and Ground Waters while attending school full-time. Voelkerding now applies his safety knowledge and experience to his designs while leading teams of peers and clients in developing fire protection and life-safety standards for various facilities. He is currently the fire protection engineer for three road tunnels under construction at O’Hare International Airport in Chicago, as well as for the Louisiana State University Medical Center in New Orleans. Voelkerding’s notable work includes the O’Hare Airfield Service Road Tunnels in Chicago, which included plans and specifications for foam water fire suppression systems, fire detection systems, and an egress corridor. In addition, he is a member of the NFPA and an associate member of the Society of Fire Protection Engineers. When he’s not focusing on his engineering career, Voelkerding is a budding singer/songwriter and an active member of the Nashville Songwriters Assn. International. His favorite activity outside of work is writing new music, performing at “open mic” nights, and attending song-writing workshops and festivals.