Crafton Tull and ACEC Arkansas are proud to announce that Matt Crafton, P.E., President and CEO of Crafton Tull, has been named a Fellow of the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC), a prestigious distinction that recognizes his outstanding contributions to the engineering profession and his dedication to the advancement of the industry. He was recognized at the 2024 ACEC National Fall Conference in New Orleans.

ACEC’s College of Fellows is a federation of engineers selected by their peers in recognition of both their professional achievements and contributions to their communities. Fellows are charged with enhancing the image of engineering and with conducting outreach to encourage and recruit future engineers. The ACEC Fellowship is the highest honor awarded by the association, presented to those who have demonstrated exemplary leadership, commitment to excellence, and significant impact in the field of engineering.

Matt Crafton has led Crafton Tull as CEO for more than 15 years, guiding the company through significant growth and success. Under his leadership, the firm has earned a reputation for delivering innovative and sustainable planning, engineering, surveying, architecture, and environmental solutions. Today, Matt oversees the operations of Crafton Tull’s nine offices and provides quality control on a variety of engineering projects. His expertise, vision, and dedication to the profession have made a lasting impact not only within the company but across the State of Arkansas.

“I’m incredibly humbled and grateful to our ACEC Arkansas board of directors and other industry colleagues in the state who nominated me for this recognition,” Crafton said. “I’m also thankful for Crafton Tull’s support of my service in this great organization. ACEC is truly the voice of the engineering industry, and our firm is very proud to support its mission.”

Crafton started his career as a civil engineer in the U.S. Air Force, where he managed the design and construction of many projects for Air Force missions around the world, serving in both Operation DESERT STORM and Operation RESTORE HOPE (Somalia). In 1998, he transitioned to the Air Force Reserve and came to the company his father, Bob Crafton, co-founded. In his early years with Crafton Tull, Crafton managed several large highway design projects and rose to the position of Chief Operating Officer before the Crafton Tull Board of Directors appointed him to the position of CEO in 2009.

He holds Professional Engineer licenses in seven states, is a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Accredited Professional, and currently serves on the ACEC Transportation Committee and as the ACEC Arkansas National Director. He is the past president of ACEC Arkansas, past chapter president of the Arkansas Society of Professional Engineers, and inductee and past board member of the Arkansas Academy of Civil Engineering. He is a deacon at First Baptist Church of Rogers, serves on several local nonprofit boards, and retired from the Air Force Reserve at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

“We are so proud of Matt and his contributions to ACEC Arkansas and the engineering industry as a whole. He’s been instrumental in growing our association and educating our youth about the opportunities in the engineering industry,” states Angie Cooper, ACEC Arkansas Executive Director. “We are thrilled to recognize and honor Matt as our newest ACEC Fellow in Arkansas.”

The ACEC Fellow designation is reserved for individuals who have made significant contributions not only to their companies, but also to the engineering industry at large. This title is a lifetime distinction. His career is a shining example of this dedication, making him a deserving recipient of this prestigious honor.