Celebrating 35 Years of Zannino Engineering
A celebration of the people and relationships that have built our foundation since 1991.
On October 8, Zannino Engineering welcomed employees, former colleagues, clients, project partners, friends, and community leaders to River City Roll to celebrate an important milestone: 35 years in business.
Founded by Tom Zannino on October 1, 1991, Zannino Engineering began as a small, family-owned business with a commitment to quality engineering and strong client relationships. Over the next three and a half decades, the company grew alongside the Richmond region, contributing to thousands of projects throughout Central Virginia and beyond.
From major infrastructure projects like the Richmond Floodwall to commercial developments, healthcare facilities, schools, neighborhoods, and the everyday places that make up our communities, our work has helped shape the region we call home.
Over the years, the types and scale of projects we’ve supported have evolved alongside the needs of a growing region. Through changing construction practices, new technologies, and continued development across Central Virginia, Zannino Engineering has remained focused on providing the technical expertise and reliable service our clients depend on.
Today, our geotechnical engineering, construction materials testing, and special inspections services continue to support projects of all sizes, from individual homes to major commercial and public infrastructure developments.
But our 35th anniversary wasn’t just about looking back at the projects we’ve completed. It was about celebrating the people who made them possible.
Celebrating the People Behind Zannino Engineering
The reception brought together familiar faces from across ZEI’s history, including current and former employees, longtime clients, project partners, and friends of the company. Throughout the afternoon, guests reconnected, shared stories, and enjoyed a look back at ZEI’s history through a slideshow highlighting projects, people, and milestones from the past 35 years.
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Guests reconnect and celebrate 35 years of Zannino Engineering.
ZEI President Rob Childree shared remarks reflecting on the company’s journey, recognizing the people and relationships that have shaped its success, and looking toward the future.
We were also honored to welcome Virginia Senator Schuyler VanValkenburg, Henrico County Supervisor Rev. Roscoe Cooper, and representatives from ChamberRVA, who joined us in celebrating this milestone.
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Seeing people from different chapters of ZEI’s history together was a reminder that our company’s foundation is built on more than engineering expertise. It’s built on the dedication of our employees, the trust of our clients, and relationships that have endured for decades.
Building on Our Foundation
This anniversary also comes at an important moment in ZEI’s history.
In 2025, Rob Childree assumed ownership and the role of President, carrying forward the family business founded by Tom and Lisa Zannino. While leadership has evolved, ZEI remains grounded in the same commitment to technical expertise, dependable service, and lasting relationships.
As we look toward the years ahead, we’re proud of the foundation built by those who came before us and excited to continue building on it with our employees, clients, and partners.
To everyone who has been part of the Zannino Engineering story over the past 35 years: thank you.
Whether you’ve worked alongside us, trusted us with a project, supported our business, or joined us to celebrate, you’ve helped make this milestone possible. Here’s to 35 years of building on our foundation, and to everything still ahead.
For more about our beginnings, early projects, and longstanding client relationships, read Our Story: 3 Decades of Zannino Engineering.
Event photography by DesignsbyBritt Media, LLC.