ALLENTOWN, PA – Several team members of Barry Isett & Associates, Inc. (Isett), a leading multi-discipline engineering and consulting company headquartered in Lehigh Valley, PA, were recently honored with Patriot Awards for their unwavering support of employee and U.S. Army Reserve member Ian Wisnioski. The recognition, suggested and coordinated by Wisnioski, underscores Isett’s commitment to employees like him who serve in the military. Team members recognized include Anthony DiSante, Charles Wolf, Greg Kurtz, Joseph Hoffman, Ronald Kimes, Kathryn Forry, Matthew Walter, Brandon Trate, and Kevin Campbell.
Ian Wisnoski, BCO, has served in the US Army Reserve for the past eight years and has been a Code Specialist in Isett’s Code Inspection & Plan Review department since 2022. In his role as Team Leader with the USAR 346th Psychological Operations Company (Airborne), Mr. Wisnioski is sometimes called away from his professional duties for training operations with his unit, often on short notice, as the unit needs to stay current with their airborne status. “My team members have been quick to properly assign resources to cover my scheduled inspections, without question, whenever I am called away,” he shared.
Wisnioski expressed his gratitude during the awards presentation. “I want to give credit where credit is due. I’m fortunate to work with people who understand the challenges of balancing military service and civilian life,” he said. “The flexibility and support I’ve received have been invaluable.” With the help of his team members, he’s been able to balance duties and continue to get certifications to further advance in his role, including his Building Code Official (BCO) certification.
Wisnioski called attention to the physical, mental, and emotional challenges service members encounter in their duties while balancing their professional careers. “Being in the Army Reserve while maintaining a civilian job isn’t easy,” he explained, “but the understanding and encouragement I receive from my colleagues make it manageable.”
Isett’s commitment to veterans extends beyond individual support. The company has an active Isett Vets committee, of which Wisnioski is a member, that provides resources and camaraderie for veterans and active service members. The Isett Vets plan educational events, coordinate mental health resources, and participate in service opportunities throughout the year. Eleven of Isett’s 260 current team members are either veterans or actively serving in the military. Barry E. Isett, PE, PLS, F.NSPE, the firm’s founder, was an officer in the U.S. Navy Corps of Engineers, where his responsibilities included construction assignments with the Seabees.
About Barry Isett & Associates, Inc.
Founded in 1977, Barry Isett & Associates, Inc., is an employee-owned, multi-discipline engineering and consulting firm headquartered in Allentown and employing more than 260 associates across nine offices throughout eastern and central Pennsylvania. The firm instituted an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) in 1998.
About Isett Vets
Isett Vets was formed in 2023 as an Employee Resource Group (ERG) at Isett and includes those who have served in any branch of the military. Isett Vets meets monthly to discuss initiatives including recruiting vets, upcoming service projects, and issues facing vets today. Group members have attended recruiting events, participated in a 5K Veteran ruck march, and volunteered with Wreaths Across America.