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Richard (Rich) Beattie is a 1992 graduate of Gannon University with a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering. In addition, he holds a master's degree in business administration. During his years at Gannon University, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, and is a decorated combat veteran of Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm.
Upon graduation, Beattie was hired by the Trane Company and began his career as a systems engineer designing applied HVAC systems. After completing a six-month graduate training program in Lacrosse, Wis., he was transferred to Maryland where he lives today. In 1995, he left the Trane Company to pursue his passion for construction. He was recruited by a large mechanical contracting firm as a project engineer. By 1998, he had risen to the position of vice president. In 2003, he resigned and founded Mechanical Engineering and Construction Corporation (MEC2).
MEC2 is a design and construction firm headquartered in Maryland that serves the mid-Atlantic region of the country. The company constructs applied HVAC and controls systems to service the commercial, industrial and defense markets. MEC2 celebrated its 20th anniversary this August with its 165 employees. The firm is the recipient of dozens of awards for excellence in construction and was recognized nationally in 2016 for excellence in diversity.
Outside his work, Beattie is heavily involved in workforce development efforts in Baltimore City. He has championed programs to create careers for formerly incarcerated individuals, those recovering from addictions and those who have simply fallen through the cracks of society. In addition to advocating changes in workforce hiring policies, his firm has hired and trained more than 30 individuals who are now licensed plumbers, pipefitters and sheet metal mechanics. Beattie was a recipient of Baltimore City's Urban Visionary Award in 2018.
Beattie credits his liberal arts education and student experience at Gannon as well as his time spent as a member of the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity for helping to instill in him the importance of leadership.
He has been a member of the Gannon Board of Trustees since 2016. He and his wife, Marie, have three children and live in the Baltimore area.
In recognition of his distinguished career and dedicated service, Gannon is proud to proclaim Richard E. Beattie Doctor of Humane Letters, honoris causa.
