From Drafting Table to Boardroom: 39 Years with AWB

Some careers leave a legacy—not just in projects completed, but in people mentored, relationships built, and teams strengthened. For John R. Shahan, Vice President and Process Engineer at AWB Engineers, the past 39 years have been just that. “I’ve stayed here at AWB because I’ve loved working with the people in the company and with all our clients,” Shahan shares. “Getting to travel across the country, see places I never would’ve otherwise—it’s been a rewarding experience.”

Mr. Shahan began his career after graduating from Virginia Tech with a B.S. in Agricultural Engineering. He spent three years at Allen Family Foods before joining AWB in 1986 as a project engineer. Early responsibilities included drafting, collaborating with experienced professionals, and developing designs for food processing plants. His skillset quickly expanded, and so did his involvement. “They continued to support me,” he says. “They encouraged me to get involved in industry organizations like the Refrigeration Association—I served as principal engineer and secretary treasurer of AWB starting in 1989.”

Mr. Shahan was registered as a Mechanical Engineer in 1988 and brings additional expertise in refrigeration and HVAC systems. Today, he is a licensed Professional Engineer in 11 states and a recognized expert in poultry processing, cold storage warehouses, and food facility design. Over the years, his role at AWB grew—culminating in his appointment as Vice President in 2018 and election to the firm’s Board of Directors. But for Shahan, the most meaningful part of the journey has been investing in others. “We’ve supported lots of people, whether they came in with an associate’s degree or straight out of high school. If they were willing to work, we were willing to help them grow.”

That spirit of responsiveness, support, and team development is part of what makes AWB feel more like a community than just a company. “We’ve got a lot of long-tenured people here,” he notes. “Matt Smith, our president, has been here over 30 years. It’s a family-oriented group.” Shahan also highlights the satisfaction of working with returning clients over decades. His advice to those considering a path in engineering: “Don’t be afraid to put in the work—it can be very rewarding. AWB is a great place to build a career.”