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Happy National Intern Day from French & Parrello Associates (FPA)!

Every career has a starting point, and for many professionals, that journey begins with an internship. At FPA, internships are more than a summer opportunity, they are an investment in the future of both the firm and the engineering industry. By providing students with meaningful hands-on experience, mentorship, and exposure to real projects, FPA helps prepare the next generation of professionals for successful careers. That commitment continues this summer with 27 interns working across a wide range of technical and corporate support departments, gaining valuable experience while making meaningful contributions to the firm.

For FPA President & CEO Steven A. Tardy, PE, his career started as an FPA summer intern as well. More than 30 years ago, Mr. Tardy began his career at FPA as an intern in the Geotechnical Department, gaining hands-on experience and learning from the mentors around him. Today, as President & CEO, he remains committed to investing in the next generation by helping today’s interns begin their own professional journeys.

One of the ways he demonstrates that commitment is through FPA’s annual “Lunch with the CEO,” a tradition offered exclusively to the firm’s interns. Last week, Mr. Tardy welcomed the Summer 2026 intern class for an open conversation about career development, leadership, and the engineering profession. The informal setting gives interns a unique opportunity to ask questions, hear firsthand about his journey from intern to CEO, and engage directly with the firm’s leadership alongside their peers.

Mr. Tardy’s journey from intern to executive is not unique at FPA. Several other members of the firm’s executive leadership team also began their careers as FPA interns, including Andrew French, PE, Chief Operating Officer and Brian R. Decina, PE, CME, Manager of Civil/Site and Executive Vice President. “FPA has always been a place where people can build long, rewarding careers,” said Mr. Tardy. “Seeing so many members of our leadership team begin as interns is a testament to our commitment to developing talent from within, and it’s exciting to think about where today’s interns may be years from now.”

As FPA celebrates National Intern Day, the firm recognizes the dedication, curiosity, and hard work of its interns and thanks them for the impact they make every day. Their contributions strengthen the firm today while helping to shape the future of the industry. If FPA’s history is any indication, one of today’s interns just might become one of the firm’s future leaders.