EFCG Announces Doug Jaeger as the 2026 CEO of the Year
October 1, 2026 – The Environmental Financial Consulting Group (EFCG) is proud to announce that Doug Jaeger, President and Chief Executive Officer of Ulteig, has been named the recipient of EFCG’s 2026 CEO of the Year Award.
Jaeger was presented with the award at EFCG’s 37th Annual CEO Conference, held September 30 through October 2 at Convene Willis Tower in Chicago, Illinois. Each year, the conference brings together more than 250 CEOs and senior executives from across the architecture, engineering, and consulting (AEC) industry to examine industry performance, exchange perspectives on emerging trends, and address the most significant financial and strategic issues shaping the industry.
The CEO of the Year Award recognizes exceptional leadership and sustained contributions to the AEC industry. Jaeger was selected for his record of strategic growth, organizational leadership, and commitment to building an employee-centric culture while positioning Ulteig for long-term success.
As President and CEO, Jaeger sets Ulteig’s purpose, vision, and strategy and has led the firm through a period of significant expansion. During his tenure, Ulteig has grown four-fold over seven years while expanding its services and client base across North America. Today, the employee-owned engineering and consulting firm has more than 1,800 professionals serving clients across its Power, Renewables, Transportation, and Water Lifeline Sectors®.
Ulteig’s growth has been accompanied by continued industry and workplace recognition. In 2026, the firm rose 13 positions to No. 87 on Engineering News-Record’s Top 500 Design Firms list. Ulteig also ranked No. 74 among ENR’s Top 100 Pure Designers and No. 16 in the Power sector. The firm was named a 2026 USA TODAY Top Workplace for the third consecutive year, reflecting its continued focus on building an engaged, people-centered culture.
Jaeger brings extensive executive leadership experience across the engineering, construction, and energy sectors. Before joining Ulteig, he served as CEO of Adolfson & Peterson and held executive leadership positions with Xcel Energy, Exelon, and Honeywell. He currently serves on the Board of Directors of MDU Resources Group, Inc.
“Doug leads with values and integrity, building a culture at Ulteig where dialogue and debate are encouraged and expected because he knows the best outcomes come when leadership links arms around a shared direction. He sets a thoughtful, intentional strategy and has the conviction to make the right call even when it's the hard one. His steady yet aspirational leadership is a significant driver of Ulteig's success,”
said Rebecca Zofnass, Managing Partner of EFCG.
EFCG congratulates Jaeger on this recognition and celebrates his continued leadership, his commitment to Ulteig’s employee owners and clients, and his contributions to the advancement of the broader AEC industry.
For more information about Ulteig, please visit www.ulteig.com.
Past recipients of this award include Gayle Packer (Terracon), Alexandre L’Heureux (WSP Global), Steve Lefton (Kimley-Horn), Kate Harris (Stanley Consultants), Mike Carragher (VHB), Chris Vincze (TRC), Hisham Mahmoud (Golder), and Bob Gomes (Stantec), Jacque Hinman (CH2M), and Noel Watson (Jacobs).
About EFCG
Founded in 1990, the Environmental Financial Consulting Group is a global specialized M&A advisor and management consultant to architecture, engineering, and consulting (AEC) firms. Our mission is to provide a strategic edge to AEC firms to advance the industry. For 35+ years and counting, we have served as a retained advisor to 550+ firms, advised on 250+ M&A transactions, and held more than 125 executive conferences. The relationships we have formed with the executive teams at every major AEC firm make us a trusted corporate finance, strategic, and M&A advisor.
For more information, visit www.efcg.com or email efcg@efcg.com.
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