Lincoln, RI Kenneth DeCosta, P.E., senior vice president of Pare Corp., was awarded the 2023 Humanitarian Award by the Providence Engineering Society. DeCosta is a registered professional engineer with over 40 years of experience in the planning, design, and construction administration of a wide range of infrastructure projects. He earned his B.S. in Civil and Environmental Engineering at Southeastern Mass. University (now UMass.-Dartmouth) and an M.B.A. from the University of Connecticut.

DeCosta is a past president of the RI Consulting Engineers and was instrumental in its conversion to ACEC-RI, where he has served as national director since 2016. 

One of his most notable achievements is his contributions of time and effort to Boys Town New England. Since its founding more than 100 years ago in Nebraska, Boys Town has been a safe haven for children who have experienced trauma, abuse, neglect, and other challenges. Boys Town New England was established in Portsmouth, R.I. in 1991 so that Father Flanagan’s mission could benefit thousands of children and families in Rhode Island and the surrounding states. 

DeCosta’s involvement with Boys Town spans over 25 years, with eight years on the board of directors, including two as chair. 

DeCosta has valued the importance of philanthropy and being involved in his community throughout his 30-year career at Pare Corp. He held a leadership role at Pare for 28 years, including serving as the company’s chief operating officer (COO) until he stepped back from full-time duties at the end of 2021. As COO of Pare, he was responsible for leading company initiatives including the implementation of strategies and policies, contract administration, IT, CAD, and health and safety. 

Established in 1970, Pare Corporation provides comprehensive planning, engineering, permitting and construction-phase services throughout the Eastern United States