2021 40 Under 40: Nick Holway, PE, 36

Holway began his career at CDM Smith in 2009 designing power to a small pump station facility with two 25-horsepower motors. Ten years later, he has completed design of a $215 million facility with five 3,000-horsepower motors. Holway is a registered professional engineer in six states and coordinates with clients and authorities to design power generation, renewable sources of energy and electrical reliability upgrades. He also makes presentations to clients on proposals, master plans and design milestones. He is extremely dedicated to his work, meeting client expectations for projects and delivering the quality project work his colleagues expect. Holway implements modern solutions for challenging projects, including grid-independent cogeneration, active filtering for harmonic mitigation, smart motor control centers integrated with process SCADA networks, solar/battery off-grid LED lighting for sites with hazardous soils to minimize excavation and cellular-linked sports lighting controls to allow for remote control/supervision. He also dedicates time to mentoring fellow engineers on project work and is a member of the electrical power systems guidance committee. In 2019, he traveled to southern Africa, where he collaborated on a feasibility study funded by a USTDA grant for a 20-megawatt solar photovoltaic plant and microgrid to extend electricity to a rural village in western Lesotho. He and his wife love to vacation internationally, wander around old cities and sample local food and beer. Weather permitting, Holway enjoys skiing, snowshoeing, camping and exploring hiking trails throughout the U.S. He has a passion for music and has traveled to many festivals such as Coachella, SXSW, Bonnaroo and Primavera Sound.