Dean Blake, executive director of the Plantmix Asphalt Industry of Kentucky (PAIKY) and resident of Frankfort, Ky., has been recognized for his significant contributions to the highway industry. Blake was presented the University of Kentucky, Department of Civil Engineering, Construction Management Founders Society “Lifetime Achievement Award” during UK’s Civil Engineering Awards Reception and Banquet.
“In his 21 years working in Kentucky, Mr. Blake has made great contributions to the highway industry and continues to work for the betterment of Kentucky’s transportation system,” said Dr. Donn E. Hancher, P.E., Associate Dean of Engineering at the University of Kentucky. “His experience and leadership has earned him the Lifetime Achievement Award.”
Blake, a native of Charleston, W. Va., graduated from Virginia Tech with a degree in industrial engineering in 1961. He worked for the Department of the Navy in Maryland on the Polaris Missile Project for three years.
For the next 15 years, he worked at the West Virginia Department of Highways, improving efficiencies and increasing road funding. In 1979, he became the founding executive director of the Flexible Pavements Council of West Virginia, the first organization in West Virginia dedicated to improving and promoting asphalt.
Blake moved to Kentucky in 1983, bringing a wealth of knowledge to the state. He has served as the executive director of PAIKY ever since. Blake?s experience and skills also have been dedicated to various committees on engineering and highways.
“Dean Blake has been an ardent supporter of construction engineering education at UK for many years,” Dr. Hancher said. “His efforts as part of our advisory committee have helped us to develop as one of the best construction engineering and management programs in the U.S.”