Natekar, Cooper, and Smith named ENR Top Young Professionals in their regions

Garver Water & Wastewater Treatment Technologist Sunny Natekar, PhD, Aviation Leader Justin Cooper, PE, and Transportation Project Manager Griffin Smith, PE, have joined an elite group of their peers in being named ENR’s Top Young Professionals. This year’s class showcases a diverse group of rising stars, all under 40, from across the industry — individuals who have made a significant impact within their companies, fields, and communities and have delivered landmark projects that shape their regions. 

At just 31, Sunny Natekar, PhD, earned the ENR Southwest Young Professionals Award for his groundbreaking work in water and wastewater treatment. After earning his doctorate in environmental engineering from Arizona State University, Natekar quickly made his mark on the industry, contributing to more than 20 infrastructure projects across the Southwest. His expertise in water treatment optimization has led to major successes, including reducing chemical demand by 40% on the Payson Lime Solids Study, playing a key-role in the Global Water Services program management and delivering complex projects like the Rio Rancho Booster Pump Station on schedule.

Natekar’s leadership extends beyond project delivery. He has co-authored industry research on minimizing harmful byproducts in water systems, participated in multiple pilot studies on desalination and potable reuse, and presented at leading conferences nationwide. He also serves on five Arizona Water subcommittees, serves as the Vice Chair to the Arizona Water Environmental Council, and holds multiple certifications to better serve his clients. His commitment to innovation and sustainability is shaping the future of water systems across the Southwest.

"It’s truly humbling to receive this recognition. I’m grateful for the opportunities to innovate and collaborate on projects that make a real difference in our communities and on how we approach the national issues of water security," said Natekar.

Starting his career in civil construction, Cooper worked on major projects like the San Vicente Dam raise, the largest of its kind in the U.S. He later transitioned to aviation, managing over $200 million in projects at Denver International Airport and other regional airports, including the FAA’s largest safety project, Taxiway EE. 

As an Aviation Leader at Garver, Cooper drives efficiency and innovation while mentoring future industry leaders through programs like Garver’s Top Gun Academy and DEN’s Business Development Training Academy. He also champions STEM education, partnering with the Colorado Dream Foundation and DEN youth programs to inspire the next generation of engineers. 

Cooper’s dedication to his profession and community has earned him a spot on the Denver Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 list and now ENR’s prestigious recognition for the Mountain States region. 

He said, "I’m honored to be recognized among such talented professionals. This award reflects the incredible teams I’ve had the privilege to work with and the mentors who’ve guided me along the way." 

Starting as an asphalt plant inspector with the Missouri Department of Transportation, Smith built a diverse portfolio spanning transportation planning, traffic operations, and pavement engineering. His expertise now drives major initiatives across Missouri and Kansas. 

As a transportation project manager based in Garver’s Overland Park, Kansas office, Smith is leading the Kansas Department of Transportation’s first Progressive Design-Build project and spearheading National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI)-funded installations. He also serves as deputy project manager for Forward 44, a 100-mile study along I-44 to identify infrastructure needs for this critical corridor. 

From delivering high-profile projects like the Buck O’Neil Environmental Assessment in Kansas City to implementing cutting-edge technologies such as EV charging stations and Continuously Operating Reference Stations, Smith is ensuring Midwest transportation systems are ready for future demands. His work reflects a deep commitment to public service and a vision for sustainable, innovative infrastructure in the Midwest. 

Smith said, “Being named a Top Young Professional is an honor. I’m thankful for the support of my colleagues and excited to continue shaping transportation systems that serve future generations.” 

To learn more about what Garver’s Aviation, Transportation, and Water Teams can do for you, visit our  services page.