Harbor Shores Community Redevelopment Director and former Abonmarche president and CEO Chris Cook has earned the 2024 Michigan Engineering Michigander Award from the University of Michigan.
According to the U-M announcement, the highly selective recognition is testament to the alumnus’ exceptional contributions and dedication to the field of engineering.
U-M notes that Cook, a 1987 Civil Environmental Engineering (CEE) graduate, has served in an incredibly wide variety of engineering positions, from project engineer to company president and CEO.
Part of that history was built with civil engineering firm Abonmarche, who issued a statement saying Cook has been crucial to the firm’s growth across Michigan and Indiana.
“His dedication to community service is evident in his active participation in various local organizations. He began community service in his youth and has continued throughout his adult life. He has served as Chairman of the Benton Harbor Planning Commission, participated on zoning boards of appeals in Cadillac and St. Joseph, and acted as Treasurer for the St. Joseph Public Schools Board of Education, where his thoughtful decision-making has positively impacted countless students and families for the past 16 years.”
The statement went on to say, “Mr. Cook has also served as president of the Michigan Society of Professional Engineers (MSPE) and the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC). Additionally, he has been on the Cornerstone Alliance board for over 20 years and is a finance committee member. He volunteered at the Senior PGA Golf Tournament at Harbor Shores for all six years and led a campaign to raise funds for fireworks in St. Joseph, among other efforts.”
In the University’s award recognition, it noted Cook provided insights to those who might want to follow a career track like his.
“In addition to the technical skills you learn in class, U-M fosters a strong work ethic. You’re there with the best and brightest. You learn from your peers. You learn from your professors. You learn the value of teamwork. U-M cements a work ethic that serves you well forever.”
Cook’s interest in civil engineering began as he explored different engineering disciplines. His experiences in classes and disciplines such as hydrology and structural engineering helped to solidify his career ambitions and interest in the civil engineering field all while making him feel at home in the department.
“Civil engineering classes, with the small class sizes and smaller project groups, were very valuable for me, and did a great job of making a large university feel very small and comfortable,” Cook said. “The accessibility and encouragement from professors was instrumental in successfully completing the challenging curriculum. The level of individual attention that you get is not expected from such a large university. That’s really helpful.”
Following his graduation from U-M CEE, Cook began working as a civil engineer for consulting firm Wade Trim, where he worked for five years. After taking a brief break from engineering to work with his father at his heating and cooling business back home in Benton Harbor, Cook then went on to work at Abonmarche. Starting as a project manager, Cook moved up the ranks, to Michigan Regional President and then President/CEO of the firm. He currently serves as President Emeritus of the firm, a position that allows him to continue his focus on community-based work.
“I enjoy being able to give back to the community,” Cook said of the volunteer roles he has held during his career. He has been a school board member for the past 15 years and currently serves as Treasurer. He has also been a Planning Commission Chairman, Zoning Board of Appeals member, President of the Michigan Section of the American Council of Engineering Companies and has been a long-standing board member of Cornerstone Alliance.
Cook said his current role as Harbor Shores Community Redevelopment Director is one of his proudest achievements. The community revitalization project has led to the physical and economic transformation of Benton Harbor and Southwest Michigan. Harbor Shores is the result of remediation of over 500 acres of polluted, blighted property. It is now a top 100 Jack Nicklaus Signature golf course and residential development.
“I’m proud of the fact that this project is going strong and that I was a part of the original visionary team for it over 15 years ago,” Cook said. “I have been able to see it from inception all the way through to today, and that’s been very rewarding. It’s all happening right here in my hometown, too. So I’m able to see and experience the fruits of that labor every day.”
For those still in school For U-M students who might be looking to pursue a similar career path, Cook encourages them to always learn as much as they can — but to make sure not to neglect the basics.
“Take as many classes as you can in the softer skills of engineering. Certainly make sure that you’re technically sound, but also focus on accounting, marketing, reading and writing. It’s easy to stray from the basics, but they’re valuable. Then, every chance you get, invest in yourself and in your education. Keep learning things that interest you. And if something that’s interesting to you is ownership, leadership or management, then continue to develop those skills, and you’ll see yourself start to achieve the success that you’re after.”
