Trenchless Technology Magazine Announces its 2025 Person of the Year!
Trenchless Technology magazine is pleased to announce the recipient of its 2025 Trenchless Technology Person of the Year award: Trenchless veteran and pioneer Chris Macey.
For nearly 50 years, Macey has been a transformative force in the trenchless industry, which was still in its infancy when he entered the field in 1977. As a respected and admired advocate, engineer, leader, teacher, and mentor, he has tirelessly championed the advancement of trenchless technology. He continues to be an influential voice and a guiding light for the industry he is so passionate about.
“On behalf of the entire Trenchless Technology magazine team, I extend our heartfelt congratulations to Chris on receiving this prestigious honor,” says Trenchless Technology editor Sharon M. Bueno. “Chris has spent his entire career embedded in the trenchless industry, pushing that proverbial envelope further and further, advancing the design and application of trenchless technology through his innovative thinking, as well as his leadership and mentoring of the next generation of trenchless technologists.”
The Trenchless Technology Person of the Year award – established in 1993 – is considered the most prestigious annual trenchless industry award.
When notified of his Person of the Year selection, Macey was surprised, appreciative and humbled. “In the world of trenchless there are great number of very talented practitioners who inspire, teach, and deliver. What I know I owe to those who have mentored and taught me along the way and who continue to teach me,” says Macey. “To be mentioned in conjunction with so many other talented practitioners is truly an honor; to be recognized in this manner and at this time is downright humbling (and appreciated).”
He adds, “We are blessed as engineers, to work in a profession where we are entrusted to take science and judgement and attempt to solve complex problems for the good of the planet and all that lives here. It is very rewarding just to contribute.”
As AECOM’s global practice lead for condition assessment and rehabilitation, Macey has applied his expertise across Canada, the United States and globally, enhancing the standards of practice in the trenchless field. He has been previously recognized by Trenchless Technology magazine as a Trenchless Pioneer, as well as inducted into the NASTT Hall of Fame and chosen by the Utility Engineering & Surveying Certification Board of ASCE as one of the inaugural Board-Certified Pipeline Engineer-Water (BC.PLW).
Macey has been a transformative force in the trenchless technology landscape. His recent contributions include the update to NASTT’s CIPP Good Practice course, an active trainer for NASSCO and NASTT, as well as involvement with 13 different AWWA committees, among others. His work in the development and education of advanced analytics and artificial intelligence for pipeline condition assessment have been revolutionary. Macey’s commitment to developing and sharing CIPP construction and quality standard includes his role in developing one of the first utility-owned CIPP construction standards.
A prolific author, Macey has contributed more than 300 papers, presentations, articles, manuals and educational seminars since 1985, addressing critical topics from design to construction and include co-authoring the NASTT CIPP Good Practice Guidelines. His articles are frequently referenced by both trenchless veterans and newcomers, underscoring his status as a leading voice in the industry.
Macey will be formally recognized for this honor by the magazine on Monday, March 31, at NASTT’s 2025 No-Dig Show Kick-Off Breakfast at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver.
The Trenchless Technology Person of the Year has been awarded annually since 1993 to individuals representing significant recent achievement and lifetime achievement, and who have exhibited outstanding leadership in the advancement of trenchless technology. It is determined by a selection committee comprised of industry professionals and spearheaded by Trenchless Technology managing editor Mike Kezdi.
To learn more about past recipients and to nominate a trenchless professional for the award, visit trenchlesstechnology.com/trenchless-technology-person-of-the-year-nominations.
