Lora Schilling, P.E.
Lora Schilling, P.E., is an Associate Principal, Design Program Manager, and part owner at HVEA Engineers, where she leads the engineering design office for transportation projects. In her role, she manages a team of approximately 30 professionals and oversees nearly 70 active projects, guiding work that spans planning, design, and delivery. Having bought into the firm two years ago, Lora plays a key role in both the technical and strategic direction of the company.
Lora specializes in environmental engineering within the transportation sector, with expertise in stormwater management, water quality, wetlands, hydraulics and drainage, and environmental permitting. Her leadership philosophy is strongly people-centered—she prioritizes mentoring, connecting staff to the right resources, and ensuring team members have access to meaningful training and career development opportunities. She is known for fostering collaborative teams while maintaining a strong focus on technical excellence and environmental stewardship.
With about a decade of experience in the field, including early hands-on work during college, Lora brings both depth and perspective to her work. She earned her bachelor’s degree in engineering from Cornell University, an MBA from Marist College, and a master’s degree from Worcester Polytechnic Institute. Raised in the Hudson Valley, she is deeply connected to the region and takes pride in working on infrastructure projects that directly impact her home community. Lora is actively involved in professional and civic organizations, including ACEC, NYSATE, the Dutchess County Environmental Management Council, the Fishkill Creek Watershed Alliance, and as Vice Chair of the CPESC Committee for EnviroCert International.
• 2 master degrees- MBA from Mearist in 2018 and Masters in science from WPI 2021
• Cornell University- B.S.
• Marist College School of Management- M.B.A.
• Worcester Polytechnic Institute- M.S.
• American Council of Engineering Companies
• New York State Transportation Association
• Certified Professionals in Erosion and Sediment Control
• Dutchess County Environmental Management Council
• Fishkill Creek Watershed Alliance
• EnviroCert International, Inc. CPESC Committee
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the many mentors and leaders who have supported me along the way, along with my natural curiosity and passion for environmental engineering.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is that if you don’t know the answer, find someone who does and learn from them.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would encourage young women entering engineering to seek out opportunities to understand the field early, ask lots of questions, speak up, communicate clearly, offer solutions, and embrace the collaborative nature of the work.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me are helping others grow, pouring into people through mentoring and support, and finding the inner strength to keep showing up while connecting others to the resources and opportunities they need to succeed.