2011 40 Under 40: Craig Fredeen, PE, LEED AP, 37

Senior Associate and Manager of Mechanical Engineering Department, PDC Inc. Engineers, Anchorage, Alaska

By Bettina Chang, Content Specialist, and Amara Rozgus, Editor-in-Chief May 13, 2011

Craig Fredeen, PE, LEED AP, 37

Senior Associate and Manager of Mechanical Engineering Department, PDC Inc. Engineers, Anchorage, Alaska

Oregon State University, BS Mechanical Engineering

This life-long Alaskan serves his firm by managing the Anchorage and Fairbanks offices’ mechanical engineering departments. Fredeen’s knowledge about the diverse geographical region makes him indispensable when considering the unique challenges of designing systems in arctic, sub-arctic, and marine climates. His designs in remote Alaska regions have focused on maintainability and simple (but effective) energy conservation techniques. Despite the lack of existing infrastructure, high energy costs, limitations on construction techniques, and seasonal limitations in materials delivery, he delivers functional and reliable cold-region design solutions to PDC’s clients. Fredeen is an important member of the Alaska and national engineering community. He was president of ASHRAE Alaska chapter in 2006, is a current member of the Anchorage Building Board, and has served on several code-adoption committees. As a passionate advocate for common-sense approaches to engineering education that are appropriate for all disciplines, he is nationally active in engineering education and licensure organizations. He is serving as the mechanical engineer on Alaska’s engineering Board of Licensure for his eighth year and was appointed to the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) engineering education task forces for several years. Fredeen authored a resolution regarding the need to increase Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) requirements for a bachelor’s degree in engineering, which he presented at the Western Zone and National NCEES meetings. His dedication paid off; the resolution passed with more than two-thirds majority vote. Fredeen relishes the opportunity to grow future leaders and cultivate their enthusiasm in engineering. He was a founding board member and treasurer for the Alaska Robotics Education Assn. (AREA), a nonprofit corporation that organizes educational robotics activities for students in grades 5 to 12. This passion is passed on to his sons Ki and Conner, who get dad’s help putting together LEGOs, creating artwork, and helping them design and build their own elaborate creations.

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