Oates Associates Director Steve Keil to Retire

Collinsville, IL – With Steve Keil, PE, PLS set to retire on May 30, 2025, Oates Associates reflects on and celebrates his remarkable 35-year career with the company.

After beginning his career in 1983 as an engineering technician and advancing to survey crew chief and design engineer, Keil then joined Oates Associates in 1995, where his versatility in surveying and engineering made him a key contributor. From the start of his career with Oates Associates, he has been involved in major infrastructure projects, applying his expertise to some of the company’s most impactful work. Some of his early work includes:

• I-255 is a bypass route that runs through Missouri and Illinois. It is a key link for regional and interstate traffic. Keil was involved with the $41 million extension of I-255, providing connections between I-270 and New Poag Road.
• The $400 million, 25-mile extension of MetroLink from East Saint Louis to MidAmerica Airport provides a public transit link across the bi-state region. Keil led survey efforts to establish property lines and right-of-way for the extension, with survey encompassing 35 sections and over 400 parcels.
• Highland, Illinois recognized a need to study a roadway corridor around and through the city to connect major routes, provide access to developing areas, and prevent congestion. Keil was part of the team that laid the foundation for infrastructure around the city 30 years ago and designs new routes and road improvements for the community to this day.

Keil built his technical expertise and grew into leadership roles with Oates Associates. He has held various positions with the company, transitioning from a survey and project manager to a principal and director that provides guidance on complex projects. Having served on the company’s board of directors, he was part of a team that provided strategic insight and direction for success.

“We are grateful for Steve’s long-standing dedication and service to Oates Associates. He has helped deliver many of our most complex and significant infrastructure projects. His commitment and contributions have played an important role in our continued success. As he steps into retirement, we extend our sincere appreciation for his contributions and best wishes for this next chapter,” said Chief Executive Officer Jeffrey Rensing, PE, SE.

Oates Associates is a 100% employee-owned multi-disciplined design firm with offices in Collinsville and Belleville, Illinois and St. Louis and St. Charles, Missouri. Oates provides engineering and surveying services for transportation and building projects. Specifically, this includes transportation and traffic engineering, ADA transition planning, stormwater management, site design, building and bridge structural design and inspections, surveying and drone operations. For more information, visit www.oatesassociates.com or call 618.345.2200.