Kenneth DeCosta, P.E., Senior Vice President of Pare Corporation, was awarded the 2023 Humanitarian Award by the Providence Engineering Society. Mr. 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 Massachusetts University 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. He has also served as a Little League volunteer for many years and has been a leader in the Westport, MA Lions Club, including three terms as President.

One of his most notable achievements is his generous contributions of time and effort to Boys Town New England. Since its founding more than 100 years ago in Omaha, 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, Rhode Island 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 Corporation. He held a leadership role at Pare Corporation 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.