Michael J. Henneman, P.E.
Senior Vice President/Chairman Emeritus
Michael Henneman has been an integral part of Henneman Engineering and its tremendous growth since the firm was founded by his father, Ralph J. Henneman, in 1961. Throughout his career at Henneman, Michael has held multiple positions including draftsman, electrical designer, engineer, vice-president and corporate secretary. In 1991, he became President of the engineering firm and served as President/CEO until 2014. He also served as Chairman of the Board from 1996-2016. Under Mr. Henneman’s leadership, the firm has grown to eight offices in 3 states.
Michael is a University of Illinois graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (BSEE) in 1975, and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree in 1983. He is a registered professional engineer in the states of Illinois, Arizona, Texas, Missouri, Wisconsin and Indiana. He is also a member of the American Consulting Engineering Council, National Society of Professional Engineers, and an affiliate of the American Institute of Architects. In 1986, Michael designed and engineered a computer-based energy management system for the University of Illinois chilled water air conditioning system. The design was cutting edge innovation and Mr. Henneman received a Design Award of Excellence from the United States Secretary of Energy, John S. Harrington.
Mr. Henneman co-founded Royal Properties in 1979 with Beta fraternity brother Rick Schmidt. Michael currently serves as Royal’s Chairman of the Board. Royal is a real estate development company, which develops, constructs, owns, operates and manages multi-family student housing on university campuses throughout the United States. Royal Properties has developed student housing projects consisting of over 10,000 beds on major university/college campuses. Mr. Henneman served as a Board Member for 3 years for American Campus Community (ACC-NYSE). ACC is the largest student housing REIT in the United States. For more information visit www.royalproperties.com
Mr. Henneman’s community involvement has focused on the founding of a new Catholic High School in Champaign, Illinois. Also, in addition Mr. Henneman donated to the High School of Saint Thomas Moore a charitable gift, earmarked for the construction of a new football and track field. In 2007 Mr. Henneman and family donated a gift in support of the construction of the new Champaign Public Library.
Michael serves as a Board member of CEO (CEO.org) currently and served in the past as Chairman of the Champaign County Chamber of Commerce, Chairman of Illini Chapter of Young Presidents Organization(YPO), Board Director of Bank Champaign, Director of the Urbana-Champaign Economic Development Corporation, past Co-Chairman of St. Mathew School Education Commission, member of University of Illinois President’s council, the fighting Illini Athletic Scholarship Fund, and Chairman of the Sigma Rho chapter (University of Illinois) Beta Theta Pi Fraternal Building Corporation. He has also served on the City of Champaign Zoning and Building Code committees. State of Illinois Professional Engineering Energy Committee, and the University of Illinois Professional Practice Group of the Department of Architecture.
Mr. Henneman is a native of Champaign, Illinois, and currently resides in Naples, Florida. Michael enjoys family (5 children), boating, golf, art and travel.
