Crawford, Murphy & Tilly, Inc. (CMT) has named four new associates.
“On behalf of CMT, I’m delighted to congratulate Jacque, Nikki, Neil, and Matt and welcome them as new associates,” said CMT CEO Bill Bailey. “We appreciate your contributions, dedication, and the tremendous value you provide to the clients and communities we support.”
CMT’s new associates are as follows:
Jacque Knight, AICP, brings nearly 12 years of transportation planning experience, including three years at CMT, where she has built and led the Transportation Planning practice within the St. Louis, MO, Surface Transportation Group. Under her leadership as Transportation Planning Lead, the team has expanded CMT’s work across Missouri and Illinois, supporting mobility-focused planning, public engagement, and multidisciplinary pursuits. She is also deeply engaged in the professional and civic community, strengthening CMT’s visibility and relationships throughout the region.
Nikki Patke, PE, has spent her 12-year career at CMT and is a licensed professional engineer in Missouri, Indiana, and Tennessee. Nikki has consistently demonstrated strong leadership, stepping forward during pivotal moments to support CMT’s growth. Her contributions have included taking on key management responsibilities, guiding complex projects, and helping strengthen the firm’s presence in emerging markets. Her active roles in the Women’s Transportation Seminar (WTS) and the American Society of Highway Engineers (ASHE) have enhanced CMT’s visibility and reputation across Tennessee’s transportation community.
Neil Ralston, AAE, is a senior project manager within CMT’s Aviation Planning Group and brings 27 years of experience in airport planning and management, including leadership roles with prominent airport authorities. Neil has been instrumental in supporting CMT’s aviation team during a period of transition, providing stability, coaching, and technical leadership, particularly in Kansas City, MO. His focus on developing people, strengthening technical foundations, and supporting teams where needed reflects a servant-leadership mindset that aligns strongly with CMT’s values.
Matt Sainz, PE, joined CMT in 2016 and has grown into a trusted project manager and technical leader within the Water Resources business unit in St. Louis, MO. Matt is known for his steady leadership, strong client relationships, and ability to mentor and develop staff while managing complex technical work. His engagement extends beyond project delivery through active participation in professional organizations, internal initiatives, mentoring, and strategic planning efforts.
