Senior Project Manager Sean Phillips, P.E. of Hargrove Controls & Automation, an industrial automation system integrator and a subsidiary of global EPC firm Hargrove Engineers & Constructors, was presented the prestigious 2023 Rising Star Award at the 2023 Control System Integrators Association (CSIA) Executive Conference in New Orleans, LA.
CSIA recognizes individuals and organizations for their contributions to the industry at an annual award’s banquet held during the annual Executive Conference. There are five award categories and the ‘Rising Star Award’ is awarded to an individual who is relatively new to the industry yet has shown attributes of a leader. Recipients also demonstrate that they are a person whose career is on the rise due to their dedication to innovation.
“Sean consistently exemplifies excellence. In every facet of his work, our fundamental principles of safety, integrity, quality, teamwork, and innovation shine through,” said Hargrove Controls & Automation’s Leader of Projects Doug Sumpter. “Sean possesses an unwavering commitment to continuous learning and enhancing his performance in any role he undertakes. He never settles for merely meeting expectations; instead, he surpasses them and establishes new heights with each endeavor.”
Phillips began his career in Control Systems engineering in 2014, starting as a co-op with Hargrove Controls & Automation. With his aptitude as a life-long learner and ability to lead strategically, Phillips quickly gained an engineering lead position and began leading jobs within two years of graduating college from Auburn University. Since then, he has transitioned into a Technical Lead position and now serves as a Senior Project Manager (PM) at Hargrove Controls & Automation.
Phillips is a member of the Control Engineering/Plant Engineering’s Engineering Leaders Under 40 Class of 2022, which recognizes young professionals who have made a significant contribution to the success of their organization and community. He also serves as the President of the Mobile-Pensacola “Emerald Coast” Chapter of the International Society of Automation (ISA), where he is committed to helping develop talent and inspire action in the local community of industry professionals.
“My motto is use hard work to capitalize on unique opportunities. Lean on the ones who build you up, whether it be an inspirational granddad or an incredibly supportive significant other. Let them be the push you need to make an impact,” Phillips said at the awards ceremony. “In regard to opportunities, everyone has them in one form or another, albeit some greater than others. But recognizing the opportunities for what they are is difficult to do while remaining in familiar territory. That’s why I believe stepping out of the work environment for events such as the CSIA Executive Conference puts you at an advantage. How are you going to capitalize on the unique opportunities presented to you?”
