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Celebrating Professional Engineers Day Each year on the first Wednesday in August, we recognize Professional Engineers Day — a time to celebrate the expertise, integrity, and dedication of licensed engineers across the country. At Matthews | DCCM, we are proud to work alongside an incredible group of Professional Engineers who help build safer, stronger, and more resilient communities. This year, we’re spotlighting a few of our PEs who serve in key leadership roles within the firm. From guiding teams to shaping long-term strategy, their perspectives reflect the values that drive our company forward. We’re honored to feature Billy Almaguer, PE, Vice President of Operations, Alex Acree, PE, Vice President of Production, and Rob Matthews, PE, CEO/President — three leaders whose experience, character, and commitment to excellence continue to shape the success of Matthews | DCCM. What advice would you give to young engineers just starting out in the field? Billy: Big dreams require intentional living. When it comes to your career and potential, remember to show up eager to learn, be diligent and enjoy the ride. Alex: Always be open to learning new skills and taking on new tasks. The more diverse your skill set is the more opportunities you have for growth. Also, make it a priority to obtain your PE license. Rob: Focus on learning as much as you can, as early as you can. Be curious, ask questions, and seek out new experiences. The foundation you build now will shape your growth for years to come. How do you approach mentoring or guiding junior staff in their growth as professionals? Billy: People grow by doing life together. My approach to mentoring junior staff has been to make them part of my day to day work life. By including them in this facet, they get to see how I am growing as a leader. I believe the best way to inspire junior level staff is by being a picture of the destination. Alex: I try to lead by example with a strong work ethic and a humble mind set. I challenge them to think outside of the box as they work towards overcoming challenges with each and every project. Rob: I believe in helping people define their goals and then showing them how to get there. My approach is to lay out a path with clear milestones — to guide, not dictate. I try to be the person who paints the lines on the road while giving them the freedom to drive. What’s one lesson or value that was passed down to you early in your career that you now try to pass on to others? Billy: A former boss of mine always pushed me to present at conferences and to really hone my skills at connecting with people. He would always remind me that no single engineer can do what an army of engineers and technical people can. With that said, I was always encouraged to build relationships with staff and eventually clients.” Alex: Don’t give up and don’t be afraid to ask for help. As engineers, we always want to have the right answer, but sometimes we get too in the weeds with a project and the right answer can seem impossible to find. A fresh set of eyes from the engineer in the office next door can provide a new perspective and ideas to the right answer! Rob: Outwork everyone around you. That mindset was ingrained in me early on, and it’s something I’ve carried with me throughout my career. When you consistently go above and beyond, it sets you apart — and people notice. Thank You to Our Professional Engineers From project management to executive leadership, licensed engineers at Matthews | DCCM play a critical role in shaping the future of our company and our communities. Their technical knowledge, problem-solving mindset, and commitment to excellence are at the core of everything we do. This PE Day, we extend our sincere thanks to all our PEs — for your leadership, your contributions, and the impact you make every day. additional articles August 8, 2025 Celebrating Professional Engineer Day July 12, 2025 Celebrating 20 Years of Engineering Better Communities July 6, 2025 Building the Future: Meet Our 2025 Summer Interns June 23, 2025 Celebrating International Women in Engineering Day June 5, 2025 Celebrating World Environment Day 2025 Facebook Linkedin Envelope

Building the Future: Meet Our 2025 Summer Interns Every summer, Matthews | DCCM welcomes a group of bright, motivated students through our internship program—designed to offer hands-on experience and a deeper understanding of the AEC industry. Whether they’re out in the field, drafting designs, or supporting project teams, our interns gain practical knowledge while contributing meaningfully to real projects across Florida. Our internship program is more than a summer job—it’s a chance to explore career paths in civil engineering, surveying, planning, landscape architecture, and more. With mentorship from seasoned professionals, exposure to active job sites, and opportunities to work on real-world challenges, our interns leave with the tools and confidence to shape what’s next. We’re excited to introduce our 2025 summer interns and spotlight the energy and perspective they bring to the Matthews | DCCM team. Lauren CastilloI am going into my third year at the University of North Florida where I am studying Civil Engineering. I have been with Matthews | DCCM for a year, and it has been an invaluable experience so far.  Interning has allowed me to apply my technical knowledge from school to real life practices which furthers my interest in the field. Outside of my education, I enjoy reading, going to theme parks and spending time with my loved ones. Lauren has progressed from our internship program and is currently a part of our year-round co-op program. Gill FritzHi, my name is John, but I like to go by Gill. I grew up in St. Augustine and graduated from Nease High School, where I played Baseball. I’m currently a civil engineering major at the University of Central Florida, about to begin my sophomore year. My favorite things to do are surf, fish, and golf. I’m excited to apply what I’m learning in school to real-world projects and gain hands-on experience through this internship. I consider myself respectful, focused, hardworking, and kind. I enjoy working with others and have always been comfortable communicating with people. I’m looking forward to the chance to learn, contribute, and grow through this opportunity. Kasey Van WertI am entering my junior year at the University of North Florida, where I’m pursuing a degree in Civil Engineering. This is my first year interning with Matthews | DCCM, and it’s already been an incredible learning experience, especially with Civil 3D. The skills and knowledge I’m gaining here will be invaluable as I continue to grow in my career. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time outdoors, camping, and being with my family. Jiwon Byun-GarsonI am a rising Junior at the University of Florida, majoring in Civil Engineering. I chose Civil Engineering due to the visible impacts that can be made on communities across all the various disciplines. My experience interning with Matthews | DCCM has been very educational and rewarding so far, and I am looking forward to seeing how much I have grown professionally. In my free time, I enjoy crocheting, practicing music, and Stephen King novels.  Robie MatthewsI am a rising Freshman at the University of Central Florida, and this is my third year interning with Matthews | DCCM. I have an interest in engineering because it is incredibly rewarding to see something you create on a computer with CAD come to life in the form of a real, tangible, building or project. Outside of work or school, hobbies I enjoy are participating in World War II reenactments, reading about history, playing tennis, playing guitar and hanging out with friends. Kelsea KeiserI am going into my senior year at Creekside High School, where I am in the 4th year of the Engineering Academy. This is my first year being an intern and I am excited to spend my summer here. I look forward to applying my knowledge to real-world projects. Outside of my education, I love being on the softball field and have been playing for 11 years. I also love to do art, read, and spend time outside. Ava JenkinsI am a rising senior at Creekside High School, and this will be my first summer interning at Matthews | DCCM! I am in the Academy of Engineering & Environmental Sciences at Creekside, as well as being involved in the ACE program, which has grown my interest in civil engineering over the past three years. I enjoy working on design and find it fascinating to see those designs applied in the real world. Outside of work and school, I love to dance, go swimming, read and spend time with family and friends! At Matthews | DCCM, we believe in investing in the next generation of professionals who will design, build, and improve the communities around us. Our interns are an essential part of that vision, and we’re proud to support their growth and success. To learn more about our internship program and future opportunities, visit: https://matthews.dccm.com/careers/internships additional articles July 6, 2025 Building the Future: Meet Our 2025 Summer Interns June 23, 2025 Celebrating International Women in Engineering Day June 5, 2025 Celebrating World Environment Day 2025 June 2, 2025 Hurricane Preparedness: How Matthews | DCCM Supports Community Resilience May 19, 2025 Community in Action: Spring Sponsorship & Support Highlights Facebook Linkedin Envelope

Celebrating International Women in Engineering Day At Matthews | DCCM, we’re proud to recognize the women on our team who bring skill, perspective, and drive to every challenge they take on. In honor of International Women in Engineering Day, we asked a few of them to share their stories—the experiences that led them to engineering, the projects that have meant the most to them, and what they enjoy most about their work today. Brynna Bartlett, EI Project Engineer Brynna joined the team as an intern in 2021 while completing her degree at UNF before coming on board full-time. Her proudest moment so far? Seeing her very first engineered project make it all the way through permitting and into construction. “Borland Groover is one project I am proud of because it was my first project to get permitted and built as an engineer, and the site had quite a few challenges to overcome. So when it finally made it to construction, I was so excited! Also, with an initial interest in a medical field with my Biology background, it was fun to have the first project I worked on be a medical building.” When asked what she enjoys most about working at Matthews | DCCM, her answer came easily: “I love the culture! Everybody here is always so willing to help! I also enjoy the wide variety of design work we get to do here.” Brooke Lawrence Project Engineer Brooke joined the land development team at Matthews | DCCM in 2022. Her journey into engineering began in high school, sparked by the encouragement of teachers—especially one trailblazing woman who helped her see the possibilities in a male-dominated field. “There were a couple of teachers in high school that inspired me to pursue a career in engineering. One in particular was a woman who was a retired materials engineer, and among a very small percentage of female engineers at the time. She would always point out the different skill sets that women bring to the field and how exciting and fulfilling her career was to her.” One of Brooke’s earliest assignments has become one of her proudest accomplishments: “World Commerce Center Industrial is one project I am proud of. This was one of my very first projects to work on and it was definitely intimidating at the time it was assigned to me, as it is a fairly large site. There were many new skills I learned by working on this site, both in design development and with issues that arose in the construction phase of the project. Getting the permits for this one felt like a huge accomplishment, and even with the challenges and complications that came with it, I am proud to have been a part of it.” Keri Matthews Corporate Advancement Specialist Keri has been a part of the company since the very beginning and has played a vital role in shaping both the culture and trajectory of Matthews | DCCM. From navigating economic uncertainty to helping define the firm’s voice, she has been instrumental in guiding the company’s growth and resilience over the years. Her path to engineering took a few unexpected turns—but ultimately led to a career she never saw coming. “I was an English undecided major at Clemson University for 3 years, because I had no idea what I wanted to do. When my advisor told me I needed to declare a major after being in college for 3 years, I went and talked to various department heads to learn about various career paths. I met with the Industrial Engineering department head who, to my surprise, made engineering sound fun! This was the last thing I expected after touring my dad’s plant as a teenager (he was a Mechanical Engineer), and thinking engineering was very dull and boring. The Industrial Engineer Dept. Head explained that Industrial Engineering was a more human factors engineering that included things like determining optimal schedules and routes for pilots, designing processes and offices for increased efficiency and accuracy, and designing things like software and cars to be more ergonomic and user-friendly. This excited me, and so I became an Industrial Engineer. When I called to tell my dad I decided to be an engineer, he was shocked, as this was the last thing he ever expected me to major in!” Keri’s most meaningful “project” wasn’t a single job—it was keeping the company afloat during the Great Recession. “The project I am most proud of is avoiding bankruptcy and surviving the economic downturn that started at the end of 2008 and lasted for several years. Matthews Design Group had only been open for a few years, grown quickly to 20 people, and accrued a lot of start-up debt. We were 100% private work at the time. When the economic crash hit, work dried up fast at the beginning of 2009. We held on as long as we could before having to let most of our staff go, which was really hard. We could not pay our bills, the banks were coming after us and threatening to sell the paint off our walls, we used up our savings, maxed out our HELOC, and did not take a paycheck for years just to keep the doors open. We were talking to a lawyer about filing bankruptcy. Times were beyond stressful to say the least—all while having a 2½-year-old and newborn baby at the start of it. We knew we had to diversify our client base from just private clients, so we went after the SJC Continuing Services Contract. It was a team effort between myself, Rob, and my dad (who also worked for us at the time). My prior English major background was very helpful, as I helped to write the content and design the layout and pictures of the RFQ, along with helping to create marketing materials and our website. We were so blessed to be selected for the SJC Continuing Services contract! That—and God—is what saved us! This was a turning

Celebrating World Environment Day 2025 Today, we join millions of people around the world in recognizing World Environment Day, a global event established by the United Nations in 1972 to raise awareness and encourage action for the protection of our environment. Celebrated each year on June 5, it’s a reminder of our shared responsibility to care for the planet. This year’s theme, “Our Land. Our Future. We are #GenerationRestoration,” highlights the critical need to halt and reverse land degradation—an effort that impacts biodiversity, climate stability, and community resilience. Healthy land ecosystems support food security, safeguard water resources, and protect against natural disasters. They’re the foundation of thriving communities and economies. At Matthews | DCCM, we’re proud to play a role in fostering sustainable practices through thoughtful planning, design, and engineering. Learn more about how our services contribute to healthier communities and resilient infrastructure: matthews.dccm.com/services. Project Feature: Vilano Beachfront Park Our team is proud to play a role in fostering sustainable practices through thoughtful planning, design, and engineering. For example, our work on Vilano Beachfront Park in St. Johns County aimed to seamlessly integrate the preservation of the natural coastal environment with the historic character of the area, creating a unique space for civic engagement and recreation. The project features a 1,300-square-foot pavilion designed to host concerts, educational events, and community gatherings, with innovative rotating panels that open to ocean views or close for events, and lighting considerations to protect local wildlife and preserve community character. As we reflect on the importance of this day, let’s consider the ways, big and small, we can all contribute to restoring and protecting our environment. Whether it’s reducing waste, conserving water, or supporting local conservation initiatives, every action counts. To learn more about World Environment Day and find resources for getting involved, visit www.worldenvironmentday.global. Let’s celebrate World Environment Day by reaffirming our collective commitment to a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable future for all. additional articles June 5, 2025 Celebrating World Environment Day 2025 June 2, 2025 Hurricane Preparedness: How Matthews | DCCM Supports Community Resilience May 19, 2025 Community in Action: Spring Sponsorship & Support Highlights May 12, 2025 National Infrastructure Week: Why It Matters and How Matthews | DCCM Is Making a Difference April 29, 2025 Celebrating Growth from Within: Announcing Promotions at Matthews | DCCM Facebook Linkedin Envelope

Hurricane Preparedness: How Matthews | DCCM Supports Community Resilience As a Florida-based firm deeply invested in our communities, Matthews | DCCM understands the critical role that civil engineering, infrastructure planning, and site development play in hurricane preparedness and recovery. With hurricane season spanning from June through November, our team is committed to designing and implementing solutions that help safeguard lives, protect property, and promote long-term resilience. Our Role in Community Preparedness Hurricanes bring intense rainfall, high winds, and storm surges that can challenge even the most robust infrastructure. At Matthews | DCCM, we work with municipalities, counties, and private developers to anticipate these hazards and develop strategies to mitigate their impacts. This includes: Stormwater Management: We design and improve stormwater systems to reduce flooding and ensure efficient water flow during extreme weather events. Utility Coordination: Our team ensures that essential utilities—such as water, sewer, and electric—are properly planned and protected to maintain service continuity and prevent extended outages. Transportation Infrastructure: We provide roadway design and improvement services that consider emergency access and evacuation routes, ensuring safe and efficient travel during and after a storm. Site and Land Development: Our work incorporates the latest best practices in grading, drainage, and erosion control to help sites weather hurricanes and recover quickly. Building Resilience Beyond the Storm Hurricane preparedness isn’t just about reacting to a storm’s immediate impact—it’s about building infrastructure that can withstand future storms. Our approach to planning and design focuses on long-term resilience and adaptability. By integrating sustainable and flexible design elements into our projects, we help communities recover faster and adapt to changing climate conditions. A Shared Responsibility Preparedness is a shared responsibility. As residents and business owners take steps to secure their homes and properties, our team is working behind the scenes to strengthen the backbone of the communities we serve. Together, we can reduce vulnerabilities, support recovery efforts, and ensure that Florida’s communities remain strong in the face of any storm. Helpful Hurricane Preparedness Resources To help you and your loved ones prepare for hurricane season, here are some valuable resources: FloridaDisaster.org – Comprehensive hurricane preparedness information and updates from the Florida Division of Emergency Management Ready.gov/hurricanes – Practical tips and guidance for families and businesses from FEMA National Hurricane Center – Official forecasts, alerts, and tracking maps for current storms St. Johns County & Duval County Flood Zone Maps – Knowing your evacuation zone is essential for staying safe during potential evacuations American Red Cross – Resources for emergency kits, family plans, and disaster recovery assistance For more information on how Matthews | DCCM’s services support hurricane preparedness and resilience, visit our website at www.matthews.dccm.com. additional articles June 2, 2025 Hurricane Preparedness: How Matthews | DCCM Supports Community Resilience May 19, 2025 Community in Action: Spring Sponsorship & Support Highlights May 12, 2025 National Infrastructure Week: Why It Matters and How Matthews | DCCM Is Making a Difference April 29, 2025 Celebrating Growth from Within: Announcing Promotions at Matthews | DCCM April 22, 2025 The Future of Landscape Architecture – Designing for Resilience & Community Facebook Linkedin Envelope

National Infrastructure Week: Why It Matters and How Matthews | DCCM Is Making a Difference At Matthews | DCCM, we believe infrastructure is the foundation of thriving communities. During National Infrastructure Week, we’re proud to stand alongside leaders, agencies, and advocates across the country to recognize the importance of modern, resilient, and equitable infrastructure—and to recommit to the work of shaping it every day. Infrastructure Is All Around Us National Infrastructure Week is a time to reflect on the systems we often take for granted—roads, bridges, water systems, power grids, and public spaces—and to spotlight the urgent need for reinvestment and innovation. It’s also a call to action: to plan, design, and build smarter infrastructure that strengthens communities and supports future growth. As the largest civil engineering firm headquartered in St. Johns County, Florida, Matthews | DCCM plays a leading role in this mission. Our multidisciplinary team of engineers, planners, surveyors, landscape architects, and construction managers delivers tailored, sustainable solutions across the state—solutions that are built to last and designed to serve. What We’re Building, and Why Our work touches every aspect of the built environment: Transportation projects that increase connectivity and safety. Water and wastewater systems that protect public health and environmental quality. Utility infrastructure that supports community resilience and economic growth. Comprehensive site and land development that transforms spaces with intention and purpose. We also specialize in stormwater and drainage solutions, hydrology and hydraulics, program and construction management, and landscape architecture—all essential to building infrastructure that can stand up to Florida’s evolving climate and development pressures. Local Roots. National Impact. Infrastructure Week reminds us that every investment counts—whether it’s a sidewalk improvement in a historic neighborhood, erosion control near a vulnerable creek, or a full roadway extension in a growing county. At Matthews | DCCM, our project footprint is broad, but our roots remain local. We proudly support municipal, county, and state agencies with responsive, on-call engineering and surveying services that deliver real, lasting impact. As part of DCCM—a nationwide network of firms—we bring together local expertise and national resources to meet the evolving needs of the communities we serve. Engineering Better Communities—Every Week of the Year While Infrastructure Week is only seven days, our commitment is year-round. We believe that smart infrastructure drives opportunity, equity, and quality of life. And we’re honored to work with our clients and partners to turn vision into reality—one plan, one project, one community at a time. Let’s Build What’s Next, Together. To learn more about Matthews | DCCM’s infrastructure services, visit matthews.dccm.com or contact our team here. additional articles May 12, 2025 National Infrastructure Week: Why It Matters and How Matthews | DCCM Is Making a Difference April 29, 2025 Celebrating Growth from Within: Announcing Promotions at Matthews | DCCM April 22, 2025 The Future of Landscape Architecture – Designing for Resilience & Community April 14, 2025 Celebrating World Landscape Architecture Month March 24, 2025 Matthews | DCCM Awarded Continuing Services Contract for Putnam County Facebook Linkedin Envelope