FAIRBANKS, AK — Sarah Schacher, P.E., was presented with the Dr. L.I. Hewes Award at the annual meeting of the Western Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials. The Hewes Award is presented to one individual each year, selected from nominations of the 18 member states, for outstanding contributions to the state’s highway development program.

“Sarah’s leadership has been instrumental in the success of the Northern Region’s infrastructure program, especially through the unprecedented challenges we have faced during the COVID pandemic,” said Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities (DOT&PF) Commissioner Ryan Anderson. “Her exceptional teamwork, work ethic, and compassion for her colleagues is remarkable.”

Schacher began her career at DOT&PF in 2003 and has served as Preconstruction Engineer for DOT&PF’s Northern Region since 2016 where she oversees a capital program of highway and aviation projects worth approximately $250 million annually. She is a lifelong resident of Alaska and a graduate of the University of Alaska Fairbanks.

DOT&PF oversees 237 airports, 10 ferries serving 35 communities, over 5,600 miles of highway, and 776 public facilities throughout the state of Alaska.