CEM alumni named to 40 Under 40 for 2025
This year’s Prairie Business Magazine’s 40 Under 40 includes several CEM alumni making their mark in their companies and sectors.
Editor’s Note: Read the full story about the complete class of honorees in the Grand Forks Herald.
Travor Fredrickson, PE
Travor Fredrickson, PE, is a North Dakota native and serves as Senior Electrical Engineer and Senior Project Manager at CMTA’s Upper Midwest – Grand Forks office. A graduate of the University of North Dakota with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering, he was actively involved in student organizations, including IEEE and Tau Beta Pi Engineering Honor Society.
Fredrickson began his career at Ulteig Engineers in Fargo as a substation engineer, designing substations and windfarm grounding systems. He joined CMTA in 2013 to help grow the Grand Forks office and has since designed electrical systems for hospitals, wellness centers, schools, and commercial buildings. He focuses on delivering innovative, sustainable solutions that reduce carbon footprints by combining proven design principles with the latest green technologies.
Passionate about mentoring the next generation, Fredrickson regularly shares his expertise with engineering students, emphasizing that much of real-world engineering is learned on the job. His outreach has helped recruit several local engineers from UND and NDSU.
Fredrickson is also active in the Grand Forks–East Grand Forks Chamber of Commerce, supporting both business development and broader community initiatives.
He and his wife are raising two daughters, ages 6 and 4, and are expecting a third child in March 2026. In his free time, he enjoys outdoor activities with his family, from neighborhood parks to days on the lake. Fredrickson’s combination of technical expertise, leadership, and community engagement reflects his dedication to both his profession and the region he serves.
Geoff Slick
Geoff Slick began his career at AE2S as an intern and, over 16 years, has risen to Rural Water Practice Leader. In this role, he leads a team of engineers and technical staff providing specialized expertise to rural water districts across the Midwest. Slick’s experience spans management, mentorship, project leadership, hydraulics, and strategic planning, with a focus on concept planning, funding development, project coordination, regional system planning, mergers, and construction management. He is known for building strong client relationships and delivering practical, sustainable solutions to complex water system challenges.
He has worked with over 20 rural and regional water clients, often acting as an extension of their staff. Notable projects include the Red River Valley Water Supply Project, the Western Area Water Supply Project, and the development of Minnesota’s first new rural water district in over 40 years — the West Central Regional Water District serving Clay, Norman, and Polk Counties.
Slick serves on the North Dakota Water Users Board and volunteers as a youth hockey coach. He is committed to continuous professional growth and is active in the National Rural Water Association, the National Society of Professional Engineers, the North Dakota Rural Water Association, and the Tau Beta Pi Engineering Honor Society.
He earned a Bachelor of Science (2009) and a Master of Engineering (2012) in Civil Engineering from the University of North Dakota and is a licensed professional engineer in North Dakota, Minnesota, South Dakota, Wyoming, and Montana.
Shane Steiner, PE
Shane Steiner, PE, is associate vice president of Aviation at KLJ and a seasoned aviation engineer with a career spanning more than 15 years. Since joining KLJ in 2007, he has led airport planning and design projects across North Dakota, South Dakota, and Montana, with expertise in general aviation airports and FAA-funded initiatives that enhance regional connectivity, safety, and economic growth.
Steiner holds a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from the University of North Dakota and is licensed in North Dakota and South Dakota. He has pursued continuing education in stormwater management, concrete pavement design, and project management, and is certified by the North Dakota Department of Transportation as an asphalt pavement inspector and asphalt mix controller.
Beyond technical expertise, Steiner is a strategic leader overseeing staffing, production, and quality control for KLJ’s aviation services. His guidance balances operational oversight with technical depth, earning him recognition as a trusted advisor within the company and across the aviation industry. Honors include the 2015 Young Engineer of the Year Award from the National Society of Professional Engineers and inclusion in the Bismarck Tribune’s 40 Under 40.
Known for combining technical leadership with strategic vision, Steiner mentors teams, contributes to marketing and strategic communications, and ensures high-quality project outcomes. Peers describe him as steady, insightful, and generous with his time—qualities that foster trust, strengthen team culture, and empower colleagues. His leadership shapes KLJ’s reputation, advances regional aviation infrastructure, and supports the communities the company serves.
