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From Staff Accountant to Director: Celebrating SaRita Johnson's 15 Years at APEX

8/18/2026

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For the past 15 years, SaRita Johnson has been a steady force behind APEX Consulting Engineers' success. Today, as Director of Accounting & Business Operations, she helps lead the financial and operational functions that keep the company running smoothly. As APEX celebrates SaRita's 15-year work anniversary, we're reflecting on the dedication, leadership, and service-minded approach that have defined her career.

SaRita joined APEX on August 18, 2011 as a Staff Accountant. Over the past 15 years, her responsibilities have grown alongside the company. Her reliability, adaptability, and willingness to take on new challenges earned her increasing opportunities, ultimately leading to her current role as Director of Accounting & Business Operations.
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While SaRita's responsibilities have evolved over the years, her approach to work has remained the same. She explained that she was never focused on earning a particular title. Instead, she simply looked for opportunities to contribute, often asking, "How can I help?" That mindset has guided her career from the very beginning and continues to shape the way she leads today.

SaRita credits her strong work ethic to lessons she learned from her mother, who taught her to give every task her best effort, regardless of how big or small it may seem. That philosophy continues to guide her work today and is reflected in the integrity, reliability, and commitment she brings to APEX every day.

One of the things SaRita values most about APEX is its people-first culture. She appreciates the flexibility the company provides, allowing her to balance her professional responsibilities while being present for her daughters' school activities and cheerleading events. She also values the opportunity to continue learning, growing, and supporting her teammates.

Reflecting on her 15 years with APEX, SaRita expressed gratitude for the opportunities she has been given throughout her career. From joining APEX as a Staff Accountant to leading the company's accounting and business operations as Director, she has embraced every challenge with the same positive attitude and willingness to serve.

"SaRita has been an important part of APEX for the past 15 years. Her dedication, integrity, and willingness to help wherever she's needed have made a lasting impact on our company. We are grateful for everything she has contributed and look forward to celebrating many more milestones together."
                  – Del Brazil, APEX President & CEO
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Del and SaRita at APEX's 20th Anniversary celebration in November 2024.
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APEX Featured by U.S. Bank

6/16/2026

 
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At APEX Consulting Engineers, our success has always been rooted in a clear vision, strong partnerships, and a commitment to building infrastructure that positively impacts the communities we serve.
 
We're proud to share a recent feature by U.S. Bank that tells the story of APEX and our President and CEO, Del Brazil. The video and article highlight Del's journey from founding APEX in 2004 to growing the firm into a trusted transportation engineering and construction management partner throughout the region.
 
The story also highlights the importance of meaningful partnerships and the role they have played in supporting APEX's continued growth over the past two decades.
 
Read the article and watch the video here:
https://www.usbank.com/about-us-bank/news-and-stories/article-library/blueprints-bridges-and-the-bank-that-backed-a-chicago-engineers-vision.html
 
We thank U.S. Bank for the opportunity to share our story and celebrate the journey that has brought us to where we are today.

Project Spotlight - Elise Malary Plaza

6/15/2026

 
APEX Consulting Engineers is providing construction management services for the Chicago Department of Transportation's Elise Malary Plaza Improvements, a transformative public space project in the Andersonville neighborhood on Chicago's North Side. With an estimated construction value of $2 million to $3 million, the project will convert Catalpa Avenue between Clark Street and Ashland Avenue into a pedestrian-focused plaza designed to serve as a vibrant community destination, with work performed under a full closure of Catalpa Avenue.

​Named in honor of Elise Malary, a Black transgender activist and beloved member of the Andersonville community, the plaza serves as a lasting tribute to her advocacy for equity and inclusion.

 
Long anticipated by the Andersonville community, the plaza will create a welcoming gathering space for community events, seasonal farmers markets, and everyday neighborhood activities. The project supports Andersonville's vision for a more walkable, accessible, and connected community while enhancing safety and supporting local economic development.
 
Planned improvements include ADA-compliant ramps and crosswalks, drainage improvements, pavement replacement, new lighting, landscaping, site furnishings, and community identifiers such as shade structures, bike racks, and a variety of seating areas designed to encourage community interaction and enjoyment of the space.
 
Groundbreaking is scheduled for June 18, 2026. As construction begins, APEX looks forward to helping deliver a space that celebrates community, honors an important local legacy, and strengthens the unique character of Andersonville. Follow APEX Consulting Engineers on LinkedIn for project updates and progress throughout construction.
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A rendering of Elise Malary Plaza.

Team Member Spotlight - Director Joey Anderson

6/12/2026

 
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In January 2026, Joey Anderson joined APEX Consulting Engineers as Director of Construction Services. Since beginning his career more than 30 years ago with the Illinois Department of Transportation, Joey has developed expertise in construction inspection, resident engineering, and project management. Throughout his career, he has worked on a wide range of transportation and municipal infrastructure projects. Today, he oversees APEX's construction services operations, supporting project delivery, staffing, training, and business development efforts.
 
Joey takes pride in his extensive hands-on field experience and believes it gives him a unique perspective as a leader. Even as a director, he remains actively involved in projects and enjoys staying connected to the day-to-day realities of construction management. His experience in the field provides him with a strong practical understanding of project delivery and a well-rounded perspective on team development.
 
Joey enjoys the variety that comes with his role, where each day presents new challenges and opportunities. Whether he's managing projects in the field, meeting with clients, reviewing resumes, or helping solve unexpected issues, he values the fast-paced nature of the work and the need to think strategically.
 
"We're not playing checkers. We're constantly playing chess."
 
One of the aspects of his role that Joey finds most rewarding is the opportunity to mentor employees and help them grow professionally. Having benefited from strong mentors throughout his own career, he is passionate about sharing his knowledge and helping develop the next generation of engineers and construction professionals.
 
Joey also appreciates the close-knit culture at APEX, where leadership is approachable and accessible. He values being part of conversations that shape projects and decisions and working in an environment where people are recognized as individuals rather than just roles.
 
As APEX continues to grow, Joey's goal is to help expand our construction services capabilities, strengthen our team of construction professionals, and position APEX for new opportunities. For him, personal success is inseparable from the success of the entire organization.
 
"My personal goal, my personal achievement doesn't mean anything if the company does not grow."

Connect with Joey Anderson on LinkedIn to learn more about his professional background and experience.

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Director Joey Anderson (center) with the APEX Team at the 2026 WisDOT DBE Summit.
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Director Joey Anderson (right) managing the ongoing IDOT Route IL 64 Project.
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