Kene Okigbo Named to Midland Business Journal’s 2024 40 Under 40

RDG Planning & Design proudly announces that Kene Okigbo, PLA, ASLA has been named to the Midlands Business Journal's (MBJ) 2024 40 Under 40 class. MBJ’s 40 Under 40 recognizes 40 leaders under the age of 40 who have made a significant impact on their businesses and communities early in their careers. Each year, a panel of judges considers nominated individuals' innovation, perseverance, community involvement and leadership attributes when selecting a new class. Okigbo and his 40 Under 40 classmates will be recognized during an awards ceremony on Wednesday, December 4 at the Omaha Design Center.

Since joining RDG in 2018, Okigbo has emerged as a dedicated leader in the firm and a vital force in the Omaha community, where his commitment to design excellence, community engagement and mentorship create positive change. His leadership reaches beyond RDG to his extensive work with the American Society of Landscape Architecture (ASLA) at both national and local levels, including serving on ASLA’s Government Affairs, Climate Action and Landscape Architecture Magazine Editorial Advisory Committees and chairing the Associate Advisory Committees and Nebraska Dakotas Chapter Emerging Professionals Committee.

“Kene challenges the status quo with determination and kindness, consistently elevating conversations and inspiring those around him. He’s an extraordinary talent and an even more remarkable person, possessing the unique ability to connect with and inspire people from all walks of life to make an impact that goes far beyond his technical skills,” said RDG Landscape Architect and Senior Partner Bruce Niedermyer, PLA, ASLA, LEED AP. “Through his leadership, commitment to service and passion for design, Kene exemplifies everything we stand for at RDG.”

Okigbo is deeply committed to volunteerism and mentorship outside his professional pursuits. He has dedicated years to mentoring high school students through the ACE Mentor Program of America, for which he was recently named a 2024 ENR—ACE Outstanding Mentor and recognized by ACE Mentor of Greater Omaha as a 2024 Outstanding Mentor. Okigbo also actively volunteers with the Special Olympics and is a board member of the Union for Contemporary Art and the Center for Introduction to Architecture Overseas (CIAO), as well as a North Omaha Trail Technical Advisory Committee member and a member of the Omaha by Design Advisory Council.