End of an era: Pat Kelsey retires after decades of service

When Pat Kelsey, CPSS/SC, reflects on his career, he likens it to Forrest Gump's journey – full of unexpected turns and fortunate surprises. Kelsey, who was a Senior Project Manager at Fehr Graham, said his path has been shaped by opportunity and a touch of luck. After decades of problem-solving and helping clients as an environmental consultant, Kelsey retired on Aug. 31.

"There's no real reason you do what you do – sometimes you're just lucky enough to be asked," he said.

Originally from Moline, Kelsey has called the Fox Valley home since 1982. He holds two bachelor's degrees from Northern Illinois University (NIU), one in Biological Sciences and another in Environmental Policy.

Out of college, Kelsey landed a fellowship at the Morton Arboretum in Lisle, Illinois. That funded his graduate studies at NIU where he earned a master's in Geography with a focus on soil science. At the Arboretum, Kelsey set up its first analytical chemistry lab, worked in the tempered regions and conducted research across North America and Europe.

Eventually, he left the Arboretum – not because he wanted to, but because Kane County was designing Stevens Road to build a corridor across the Fox River. The opportunity was too good to pass. Kelsey took pride in solving environmental challenges, and the Stearns Road Corridor opened in 2011 after 14 years of dedicated work. That solidified his National Environmental Policy Act expertise and shifted the course of his career.

Kelsey joined WBK Engineering as Vice President and Resource Management Principal, stepping into firm ownership for the first time. He was the K in WBK. After that, he tried a brief stint at retirement but quickly realized it wasn't for him.

In 2019, he accepted the Environmental Resources Manager position at Deuchler Engineering.

"The interview was mostly for show," he joked because he was the only candidate.

He took the challenge of expanding the firm's civil work, enjoying the freedom that came with the new position.

When Fehr Graham acquired Deuchler in 2021, Kelsey bonded with firm President Mick Gronewold, valuing their mutual respect and sarcastic relationship.

From the moment I met Pat, I liked him. He always brought passion and wisdom every day. His commitment to solving tough problems and his direct communication style allowed us to move faster. We joked around a lot, but I always knew I could count on him. He made the people around him better and made a big difference for our clients and our firm."

Mick Gronewold, President

 Kelsey enjoyed Fehr Graham and its mantra of small firm feel, large firm capabilities. His work on investigative projects involved scientific studies, soil evaluations, watershed plans, wetland and stream studies, groundwater investigations, and Phase I and III Environmental Site Assessments. Kelsey led wetland mitigation bank inspections, brownfield restoration and recreation venue improvements. He oversaw biological surveys, including wetland delineations, macroinvertebrate studies, mussel surveys, fish assessments and quality sampling. He also mentored young engineers and environmental scientists, something he enjoyed.

After decades in environmental consulting, these key projects left a lasting mark on him and the communities they served:

• While at the Morton Arboretum, he designed planters along North Lakeshore Drive that allowed trees to grow in that urban setting.
• He played a significant role in the environmental mitigation for 260 acres along the Stearns Road corridor in Kane County, allowing the project to move forward.
• He led the constructed soil design for Millennium Park in Chicago as part of the Landscape Architecture team.
• He helped design an all-inclusive playground, ensuring that children and adults with disabilities could enjoy a safe, creative space, for the St. Charles Park District.

As Kelsey settles into retirement, he says it's the people he'll miss most – especially his loyal clients. He'll also miss the intellectual challenges.

"I have clients who have become cherished friends," Kelsey said. "You really can't ask for more than that out of a career."

He now spends his days traveling and camping with his wife, LuAnne, and their three dogs, almost always seeking geologic landmarks. He returned to NIU to teach part-time. Engaging with the next generation of students is something he finds deeply rewarding.

Pat is also a big believer in volunteering. He serves as the Vice Chair for the Waubonsee Community College Board of Directors and is the Treasurer for Fox Valley United Way. He also donates his time to the Family Counseling Service in Aurora. He takes any opportunity he can to mentor people or help others who are less fortunate.

"We shouldn't take a day for granted, and we shouldn't take our opportunities for granted," Kelsey said.