John L. Carrato

UIAA Constituent Leadership Award, 2013

This award is given to John L. Carrato by the University of Illinois Alumni Association in appreciation for his efforts as President and member of the CEE Alumni Association Board.

Biography

Specializing in the design, inspection and evaluation of railroad bridges, John L. Carrato began his professional career at Alfred Benesch & Company more than 30 years ago. Carrato rose through the ranks as Structural Designer, Chicago Division Manager, and finally President and Chief Executive Officer, in which he now oversees operations of the entire firm. In this role, he leads strategic planning efforts, directs organizational planning and guides the implementation of long-term plans. Benesch has grown to 460+ professional staff in 19 offices throughout the country under Carrato’s leadership. 

Carrato has generously applied his leadership talent and technical expertise as an active member in professional, service, and community organizations. ACEC-Illinois, the University of Illinois Civil and Environmental Engineering Alumni Association, and the Building Code Review Board for the Village of Arlington Heights have all benefited from his steady direction and service.

He lives in Arlington Heights, Ill., with his wife Karen, and has two children, Tommy and Kate, who are both Illinois alumni.