Engineering Georgia May/June 2025

May | June 2025

35 UNDER 35 WOMEN

TO KNOW

[100]

MOST INFLUENTIAL WOMEN In Georgia Engineering

MEET THE WOMEN

REDEFINING FACILITIES at Georgia's Universities

TABLE OF CONTENTS

20 COVER STORY:

7

Trailblazers

THE PULSE

MEET THE WOMEN REDEFINING FACILITIES AT GEORGIA STATE COLLEGES

News Coverage From In And Around The Engineering Community

15

POLITICAL PULSE

28 50 100 Most Influential Women In Georgia Engineering

A LOOK AT WOMEN IN AND OUT OF THE INDUSTRY WHO ARE MAKING AN IMPACT ON THE STATE OF GEORGIA’S BUILT ENVIRONMENT

35 Under 35 Women To Know THESE WOMEN ARE QUICKLY BECOMING INNOVATORS, INFLUENCERS, AND EXPERTS IN THEIR FIELDS

Stay Up-To-Date With Political News That Affects Engineers In Georgia

55

ASSOCIATION NEWS Updates From The Associations That Make Up The Georgia Engineering Alliance

66

A LOOK BACK A Back-Page Throwback Picturing Georgia’s Most Historic Landmarks

ON THE COVER The women redefining Georgia’s higher education facilities - Priti Bhatia, Gwynne Darden, Nicole Dobbs, Melanie Ford, Amanda Mewborn, and Sheree Srader

EDITORIAL BOARD

Publisher: Michael “Sully” Sullivan Editor-in-Chief: Brett Hillesheim Creative Director | Designer: Sabrina Tongren www.in8-design.com Contributing Editors: Rachael Sadler Alia Sims Contributing Writers: David Caraviello Brett Hillesheim Christy Tarallo Contributing Photographer: Jennifer Stalcup Accounting Services Manager: Melisa Beauchamp Advertising Sales Manager: ACEC Georgia 229 Peachtree Street NE Suite 1800 Atlanta, GA 30303 brett.hillesheim@acecga.org (404) 665-3539

CODY ROGERS, PE / ASCE Georgia CANDANCE SCALE / SAME CHAD BECKER Kimley-Horn STACEY CHAPMAN CIT, Croft Architecture and Engineering STEPHANIE DAMMEN-MORRELL Hussey Gay Bell MICHELLE ERSTE CPSM, iParametrics / SMPS Atlanta LIGIA FLORIM PE, Cobb County DOT / WTS Atlanta PHILLIP HATCHER PE, SE, Uzun + Case / SEAOG JENNY C. JENKINS PE, VHB / ASHE Georgia CATHERINE JOHNSON AECOM / NSBE KELLY PATRICK PE, PTOE, Cobb County DOT / ITE Georgia JOHN PIERSON PE, Georgia Tech Research Institute / ASCE Georgia RANDAL RIEBEL PE, Delta Air Lines / GSPE THOMAS TRUE PE, LS, Maser Consulting SASHA UGI Croy Engineering BILL WELLS ITS Georgia

Send change of address to: ACEC Georgia 229 Peachtree Street NE, Suite 1800 Atlanta, GA 30303 or email editor@engineeringGA.com

Facebook.com/EngineeringGA @Engineering_GA www.EngineeringGA.com Engineering Georgia 2025 is published bi-monthly by the American Council of Engineering Companies of Georgia (ACEC Georgia) and its partner associations ASCE, ASHE, GEF, GSPE, ITE, ITS, SAME, SEAOG, SMPS and WTS. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without permission is prohibited.

In8 Design, ACEC Georgia, and its partner associations ASCE, ASHE, GEF, GSPE, ITE, ITS, SAME, SEAOG, SMPS and WTS, as well as their representatives, employees and agents, are held harmless from any claim, demand, liability or action on account of, or in any way arising out of, the client’s advertising, products and services, or its participation in Engineering Georgia.

Atlanta Post

E

Each year, this issue of Engineering Georgia stands out as one of the most inspiring and impactful editions we produce—and this year’s is no exception.

We’re proud to once again present our annual 100 Most Influential Women in Georgia Engineering list. These women are more than leaders in the A/E/C industry—they are innovators, decision-makers, and mentors who are shaping the built environment of our state and setting an example for the next generation. As always, the volume and caliber of nominations we received made the job of our Selection Committee incredibly difficult— and we’re grateful for their thoughtful work narrowing it down to this outstanding group.

Also returning this year is our 35 Under 35: Women to Know list, which spotlights rising stars who are quickly establishing themselves as experts, leaders, and changemakers. Their drive, creativity, and technical excellence remind us that the future of our industry is in very capable hands.

Also in this year’s issue is our Trailblazers feature—a powerful story highlighting the women who are redefining campus infrastructure across Georgia’s state colleges.

These women are leading transformational projects, from design and construction to planning and execution, ensuring that the spaces where students learn, grow, and prepare for their own careers reflect both function and vision. Their work is foundational—literally and figuratively—to the next generation of talent.

What all of these honorees share is a commitment to excellence and a passion for making a difference. By honoring them here, we hope to also inspire young women across Georgia to see themselves in these roles—to recognize that leadership, influence, and impact in engineering aren’t reserved for someone else. They’re possible because of trailblazers like these.

As always, we welcome your feedback.

Whether it’s story ideas, suggestions, or just a note about how this issue has impacted you— we’d love to hear from you. Drop me a line at sully@acecga.org and let us know what you’d like to see in Engineering Georgia.

GET SOCIAL SULLY@ACECGA.ORG 770-356-3769 @MICHAELLSULLY MICHAELLSULLY MICHAELLSULLIVAN

Michael L. "Sully" Sullivan President / CEO, ACEC Georgia Publisher, Engineering Georgia

NEWS BRIEFS

KENNESAW STATE TO LAUNCH BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN AEROSPACE ENGINEERING DEGREE PROGRAM

Kennesaw State University will launch a new Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering program in Fall 2025, following approval from the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia. The program, housed within the Southern Polytechnic College of Engineering and Engineering Technology (SPCEET), will be only the second undergraduate aerospace engineering degree offered in the state.

The new degree aims to meet growing industry demand and expand Georgia’s aerospace workforce. Georgia ranks among the top five states for aerospace manufacturing, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects aerospace engineering jobs to increase by 9.6% in the state by 2033. SPCEET Dean Lawrence Whitman emphasized the program’s long-term impact, noting that 68% of KSU graduates remain in Georgia five years after graduation.

NATIONAL INFRASTRUCTURE TOUR SPOTLIGHTS MURMUR TRESTLE MADE FAMOUS BY R.E.M.

The National Engineering & Public Works Roadshow made its 17th stop in Athens, Georgia to spotlight the transformation of the historic Murmur Trestle—now officially known as the Firefly Trail Bridge— and to mark the 45th anniversary of R.E.M.’s first performance under its iconic name.

Building on the success of its aerospace engineering minor, which currently enrolls more than 250 students, the program will prepare graduates for careers with leading companies such as Lockheed Martin, Delta TechOps, Gulfstream, Boeing, and Northrop Grumman.

Students will engage in research, industry collaboration, and skills development aligned with the demands of a sector that has seen 224% growth since 2006.

“Kennesaw State is powering Georgia’s aerospace future,” said Marwan Al-haik, Chair of the Department of Mechanical Engineering.

“This new program creates direct pathways to high-paying careers and positions our students to drive innovation and economic development in a booming field.”

The event brought national attention to a key infrastructure project that blends engineering innovation with cultural preservation.

Originally featured on the back cover of R.E.M.’s 1983 debut album Murmur, the aging trestle had deteriorated for decades before being reimagined as part of the Firefly Trail. Engineering firm Kimley-Horn led the redesign, converting the trestle into a structurally sound, modern trail bridge while preserving its historic silhouette. The bridge now serves as a key link along the 39-mile Firefly Trail that connects Athens to Union Point.

With R.E.M. lead guitarist Peter Buck in attendance, speakers included Athens-Clarke County Mayor Kelly Girtz and longtime R.E.M. Manager and Attorney Bertis Downs, who reflected on the band’s early days and the role the trestle played in R.E.M.’s visual legacy. The event also honored the anniversary of the band’s first performance as R.E.M. on April 19, 1980, at the 11:11 Koffee Club in downtown Athens.

The Roadshow, a joint effort by the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC), the American Public Works Association (APWA), and the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), launched in 2022 to highlight the social, economic, and resilience benefits of public infrastructure. The Athens stop underscored how thoughtful engineering can celebrate community heritage while enhancing public access and regional connectivity.

With more than 85 million records sold and induction into multiple halls of fame, R.E.M.’s legacy helped elevate Athens to international cultural prominence. The Murmur Trestle project stands as a tribute to that legacy—and to the power of infrastructure to preserve the past while building a stronger future.

GEORGIA POWER BEGINS CONSTRUCTION ON 765MW BATTERY STORAGE PORTFOLIO, EXPANDS CLEAN ENERGY INFRASTRUCTURE STATEWIDE

Georgia Power has officially begun construction on 765MW of new battery energy storage systems (BESS) at sites across the state, significantly expanding its role in Georgia’s clean energy infrastructure.

The initiative follows the Georgia Public Service Commission’s unanimous vote in December 2024 to certify the utility’s initial BESS plans, which at the time totaled 500MW of capacity. N

engineering ga [ feature the pulse [ news briefs ]]

May | June 7

With the latest announcement, Georgia Power has increased the planned capacity—most notably through a two-phase expansion of the McGrau Ford BESS project.

The portfolio includes sites strategically located to leverage existing infrastructure. The Robins and Moody BESS facilities will be developed adjacent to their respective Air Force Bases, using pre-existing solar transmission systems to avoid new substation construction.

Similarly, the Hammond BESS will repurpose transmission lines from the retired Hammond coal plant.

Georgia Power noted that the McGrau Ford site will benefit from previously completed site work, land acquisition, and contracting.

Phase I will use company-owned land and an existing construction team to streamline development, while also expanding an existing substation and tie line to avoid building new infrastructure.

The utility previously secured a battery and equipment supply agreement with Tesla in September 2024 for the overall BESS portfolio, though it has not confirmed whether the McGrau Ford Phase I project is included.

In parallel, Georgia Power is working with the PSC to pursue an additional 1,000MW of BESS capacity and is also advancing a 13MW demonstration project at Fort Stewart Army Installation.

Described as a scaled-down version of the immersive Las Vegas Sphere, the Cosm venue is already under construction with the first piece of steel set to go vertical. This will be the company’s third U.S. location, and while a completion date has not been finalized, the venue’s fan zone is expected to be ready ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Adding to the development’s momentum, Centennial Yards has also secured a long-term lease with Live Nation, bringing a steady lineup of concerts and events to downtown Atlanta. The site, which spans from Wild Leap Brewery to the former CNN building, is envisioned as a vibrant blend of residential, retail, and entertainment space, playing a central role in the city’s next phase of urban renewal.

MERCER UNIVERSITY SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM STRENGTHENS GEORGIA’S ENGINEERING WORKFORCE

As the U.S. faces a growing shortage of engineering professionals, Mercer University is working to address the demand through its Scholarship for Engineering Education—an innovative, servicecancellable loan program designed to keep engineering talent in Georgia.

Launched to help close the gap identified in a 2023 national study, which found the U.S. needs approximately 400,000 new engineers annually, the scholarship provides Mercer engineering students with $3,500 per year, totaling $14,000 over four years. In return, recipients commit to working one year as an engineer in Georgia for each year they receive the scholarship. If they do not fulfill the service requirement, the funds convert into a loan.

CENTENNIAL YARDS ACCELERATES TRANSFORMATION OF DOWNTOWN ATLANTA WITH COSM VENUE AND LIVE NATION DEAL

Downtown Atlanta’s skyline is undergoing a major transformation as the $5 billion Centennial Yards development continues to progress in the area long known as The Gulch. With two buildings already completed and several more on the way, the 50-acre mixed-use project is quickly gaining momentum and redefining the heart of the city.

A key milestone will be marked Thursday with the “steel rising” for Cosm Atlanta, a 70,000-square-foot, three-level immersive entertainment venue. The venue is designed to offer a unique fan experience and serve as a downtown destination for visitors before and after major events. “They can come down early and spend time or they can come after the game or concert, they can hang out and stay downtown,” said Brian McGowan, President of Centennial Yards.

For Pierce Mastrion, a 2023 Mercer graduate now employed at Terracon Consultants in Macon, the scholarship was a deciding factor in selecting Mercer. “I had an eye-opening experience to be poured into and be educated and loved by the Macon community,” said Mastrion. “Now I get to work in Macon and be a part of bringing new industry to the area.”

Mercer Executive Vice President for Enrollment Management Penny Elkins emphasized the program’s statewide impact. She noted that nearly 90% of scholarship recipients remain in Georgia to work, and that 25% of the engineers at Robins Air Force Base—whose initial request helped launch Mercer’s School of Engineering 40 years ago— are Mercer graduates.

“It’s a great asset for the state,” said Elkins. “Either students serve the workforce needs here in Georgia or the funds are repaid, making it a win-win for the taxpayer and the state’s economy.”

The Georgia General Assembly has allocated $1.26 million in next year’s budget to continue funding the scholarship program, reinforcing the state’s commitment to strengthening its engineering pipeline. A

engineering the pulse [ news ga [ feature briefs ]]

May | June 9

ATHENA ENGINEERING

has announced two key additions to its leadership team, signaling continued growth in its core service areas. Ahmet Urgen, PE has been appointed President.

With over 30 years of industry experience, Ahmet Urgen Urgen will oversee company operations and drive strategic growth initiatives. His appointment marks a professional reunion with Owner Emilee Woods, PE, with whom he previously collaborated successfully. Their renewed partnership strengthens the firm’s executive leadership.

Enis Baltaci

Abby Basinger

Enis Baltaci has joined as Water Resources Practice Lead, bringing extensive experience in drainage design, bridge hydraulics, MS4 reporting, erosion control, and transportation infrastructure. His expertise reinforces Athena’s capabilities in water resources engineering.

Jim Teel

CROY has named Jason Gaines, AICP,

as its new Director of Planning. In this role, Gaines will oversee planning initiatives, support client development, and guide community-focused projects across the Southeast. Gaines brings 20 years of Jason Gaines experience in urban planning, economic development, and local government administration. His background includes leadership roles with cities and counties, with a focus on integrating transportation and land use. He holds degrees from Miami University and Georgia Tech and is actively involved in regional leadership organizations. Gaines is based in Croy’s Marietta, Georgia office.

GOODWYN MILLS CAWOOD (GMC)

has announced a series of key leadership appointments aimed at supporting strategic growth and operational excellence across the firm. Galen Thackston has been named President of GMC’s wholly owned subsidiary, Galen Thackston Headwaters. A founder of both GMC’s environmental division and Headwaters, Thackston brings over three decades of experience in mitigation banking. He will also serve as Chairman of GMC’s Board of Directors for the next two years.

Chris Engel

Marc Warren

10 Engineering Georgia

Chris Engel has been promoted to Chief Operating Officer (COO). Engel previously served as Executive Vice President of Architecture, overseeing a team of more than 200 professionals and leading the architecture division past the $100 million revenue mark in 2024.

Marc Warren has been appointed Executive Vice President of Architecture. Based in Columbia, South Carolina, Warren has led operations in the Carolinas since 2017 and brings nearly 30 years of experience in delivering high-profile, award-winning projects across the region.

Jason Harper

In addition to these senior executive roles, GMC has created new firmwide leadership positions to support its continued growth: Abby Basinger has been named Vice President of People and Culture. A 12-year GMC veteran, Basinger will oversee corporate communications, learning and development, and employee engagement initiatives.

Jim Teel has been appointed Vice President of Market Strategy. Teel previously served as Regional Vice President of Georgia, growing the state’s team to more than 100 professionals. In his new role, he will lead the firm’s marketing, brand positioning, business development, and governmental relations efforts.

Jason Harper has been selected as Vice President of Governmental Relations, a new position within the market strategy division.

Harper brings extensive public service and funding experience, including roles with Congressman Robert Aderholt and the Tennessee Valley Authority.

HUSSEY GAY BELL

has appointed Jeremy S. Gaston, PE as Water Resource Market Lead for Tennessee and Georgia. Gaston brings over 32 years of experience in planning, designing, and Jeremy Gaston managing complex water and wastewater infrastructure projects, including treatment plants up to 400 MGD, high-rate facilities, pump stations, and major conveyance systems. His expertise spans process design, water quality analysis, construction oversight, and startup operations. In addition to his technical acumen, Gaston has led initiatives in program management, alternative delivery, regulatory documentation, and professional development. He holds a civil engineering degree from the University of Akron and is a licensed PE in 16 states. He also serves in leadership roles with the Water Environment Federation.

Hussey Gay Bell has also welcomed Ishmael Lee, EIT, to its Atlanta office as a Transportation Design Engineer. Lee brings nearly a decade of experience in roadway design and land development, with expertise in roundabouts, intersections, sidewalks, Ishmael Lee grading, drainage, and utility planning.

He also has a strong background in permitting and regulatory coordination, ensuring compliance with zoning and environmental standards. Lee holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Auburn University.

KCI TECHNOLOGIES

has added Megan Kennedy to its South Region business development team. With more than 10 years of A/E/C marketing experience, Kennedy brings expertise in Megan Kennedy brand strategy, digital communications, collateral development, and graphic design. In her new role, Kennedy will lead efforts to elevate KCI’s brand presence, develop strategic marketing initiatives, and drive growth through targeted campaigns and social media outreach across the region.

engineering the pulse [ on gathe [ feature move ]]

KECK & WOOD

has welcomed four new professionals to its team, enhancing its capabilities across roadway engineering, landscape architecture, community development, and corporate services. Maria Luchey has joined Maria Luchey as Project Manager – Roadway. A graduate of the University of South Carolina, Luchey brings over 12 years of engineering and leadership experience with the North Carolina DOT, Georgia DOT, and U.S. Department of Transportation.

David Young

Eric Huffine

Brian Chesna

David Young, PLA has been named Senior Project Manager – Landscape Architecture within the Community Development practice. A University of Georgia alumnus, Young brings two decades of expertise in land development and parks and recreation design.

Justin Cadman

Eric Huffine, PE joins the Community Development team as Senior Project Manager. Huffine offers 30 years of experience in civil engineering, construction, and project management, with a strong focus on land development.

Olaitan Adesanya

Brian Chesna has been appointed Project Accountant within Keck & Wood’s corporate services team. Chesna, an economics graduate of Georgia State University, brings a background in job cost accounting specific to the A/E/C industry.

THOMAS & HUTTON

has announced multiple new hires across its Georgia offices, reinforcing capabilities in civil design, environmental engineering, and project coordination. Taylor Songy has joined as a Civil Designer. A Georgia Southern University graduate, Songy Taylor Songy supports site development projects through detailed construction drawings and the design of water, sewer, and storm drainage infrastructure. She also assists with permitting for residential, commercial, and industrial projects.

Ricardo Menchaca

Tyler Davidek

Griffin Savedge

In the Savannah office: Tyler Davidek has joined as an Environmental Project Manager, with experience in public and private sector water and wastewater engineering. A Michigan State University graduate, Davidek manages infrastructure project delivery, staff coordination, and technical design tools such as Civil 3D, WaterCAD, and SewerCAD. Justin Cadman joins as a Civil Designer, supporting site development projects and infrastructure design. Cadman holds a degree from Savannah State University and brings practical experience from prior drafting roles.

Olaitan Adesanya has been hired as a Civil Project Coordinator, assisting with planning, scheduling, and stakeholder communication.

A U.S. Marine Corps veteran, Adesanya holds degrees in Civil Engineering Technology and an MBA from Savannah State University and brings multidisciplinary experience in engineering, finance, and housing initiatives.

Thomas & Hutton has also announced that Griffin Savedge has earned his Professional Engineer (PE) license in the state of Georgia.

Savedge passed the Principles and Practices of Engineering Civil exam with a focus on Water Resources and Environmental and met all required professional experience criteria.

VHB has welcomed Jay Jenkins as its new

Georgia Real Estate & Institutions Market Leader. With more than 20 years of industry experience, Jenkins will lead efforts to expand VHB’s presence in Georgia’s real estate, healthcare, and higher education sectors. In Jay Jenkins his new role, Jenkins will collaborate with VHB’s multidisciplinary team of engineers, planners, scientists, and designers to deliver infrastructure and development solutions that support institutional growth, healthcare innovation, and resilient real estate planning across the state. A

Ricardo (Ric) Menchaca, PE has been named Civil Project Manager. A University of Kentucky graduate, Menchaca brings experience in commercial land development, mixed-use communities, residential site design, and utility-scale solar projects. He will lead project scopes, schedules, and budgets, aligning execution with strategic goals.

the pulse [ on the move ]

ON THE MOVE May | June 11

12 Engineering Georgia

TOP 5 FIVE Infrastructure Innovations Shaping Georgia's Future

As Georgia continues to grow, so does the demand for smarter, more resilient infrastructure. From transportation breakthroughs to green energy integration, these five innovations are transforming how engineers design, build, and maintain the state's critical systems.

1 2 3

Project:

TRANSFORM 285/400 IMPROVEMENT PROJECT

A massive GDOT undertaking aimed at improving traffic flow and safety at one of metro Atlanta’s busiest interchanges. It incorporates intelligent transportation systems (ITS) and cutting-edge construction phasing to minimize disruption.

Learn more: dot.ga.gov Technology:

SMART PAVEMENT SENSORS

Piloted on key Georgia highways, embedded sensors monitor real-time traffic patterns, temperature changes, and structural health — providing engineers with data to guide proactive maintenance and safety improvements.

Highlighted by: Georgia Tech Research Institute

4

Program:

GEORGIA EV INFRASTRUCTURE PLAN (GEVIP)

Georgia’s statewide plan to build out an electric vehicle charging network supports the clean energy transition while modernizing roadway infrastructure and expanding access across urban and rural corridors.

Read the full plan: georgiaevip.org

5

Research:

RESILIENT INFRASTRUCTURE THROUGH UGA'S I-STORM CENTER

The University of Georgia’s I-STORM Center is leading research into stormwater management and climateresilient design, helping communities adapt infrastructure for increased rainfall and flooding events.

Explore more: istorm.uga.edu

Innovation:

RECYCLED PLASTIC BRIDGES IN MACON

Engineers are testing short-span bridge replacements using recycled plastic composites — a lightweight, corrosionresistant alternative to traditional materials, offering sustainability without sacrificing performance.

Pilot supported by: FHWA + local DOTs

the pulse [ top 5 ]

May | June 13

POLITICAL PULSE Infrastructure Investment: A Key to Georgia’s Long-Term Success

F

CHRISTY TARALLO

Few topics can bring political rivals together more quickly than griping about a growing pothole, the perpetual state of construction that some interchanges in the state seem to be in, or bemoaning an interminable rush hour commute.

Infrastructure and transportation, at their core, are nonpartisan issues. This reality is why over the past several years both Republicans and Democrats have advocated for substantial infrastructure investment within Georgia and across the nation.

Last year, Governor Brian Kemp poured $1.5 billion into the state’s budget to boost funding for Georgia’s transportation infrastructure.

This year, he added roughly $2.2 billion to the overall infrastructure investment pot to invest in water and transportation projects and to backfill the revenue lost from the gas tax suspension prompted by Hurricane Helene devastation.

Last year’s funding infusion more than doubled aid to local governments transportation improvement projects, increasing the Georgia Department of Transportation’s (GDOT) capital construction program by 58% and repaving programs by 32%. It also funded part of the freight and logistics program that transportation and economic development advocates have been working on for years to the tune of $500 million.

Future proofing our roadways has been a concern of GDOT for years.

The Department’s Planning Division has taken on the Herculean task of predicting the needs of Georgia’s state and roadway system with an eye towards population and freight growth estimates. With these concerns in mind, the Department has prioritized roadway capacity improvement and maintenance. In fact, in 2024, GDOT’s Director of Planning stated that 80% of that $1.5 billion would go towards increasing roadway capacity. The projects on deck include the completion of the Bibb County interchange, and express lane expansion south of Atlanta to allow simultaneous north and southbound traffic. According to GDOT, the Governor’s 2024’s transportation investments expedited 44 projects by over 40 years and made another 19 “shovel ready.”

This year, part of Governor Kemp’s $2.2 billion funding investments went towards more than just transportation infrastructure. $250 million went to the Georgia Environmental Finance Authority for water infrastructure grants and loans and another $501 million went to surface water investments in the coastal region. However, transportation wasn’t forgotten. The Governor’s funding increased the annual investment for local government transportation projects by $250 million and added $46.4 million to the Georgia Transportation Infrastructure Bank to provide low-interest loans and grants for local government transit projects and improvements.

The amended fiscal year 2025 budget passed earlier this year— which revises the final months of the fiscal year ending in June—included funding to the tune of $500 million for the Freight Infrastructure Program which is supporting widening projects for Interstate 16, Interstate 95, and SR 96 from I-75 to I-16.

Another $100 million went to the Capital Maintenance fund for resurfacing projects where the costs exceeded initial estimates.

The state’s own coffers aren’t the only players in the game. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment Act has also played a crucial role in funding infrastructure priorities throughout the Peach State. The state received $125 million in grants or principal forgiveness loans for water projects to upgrade drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater facilities. Those funds will also aid the replacement of lead pipes and the removal of PFAS, or “forever chemicals”, contamination. Five metro areas across the state are beneficiaries of $122 million for public transportation improvements aimed at safety upgrades, accessibility improvement, modernization of facilities and transit methods, and increased access for in-need communities.

Additionally, the feds infused $120 million for general aviation improvements—on top of the $98 million in airport aid from the Kemp administration—to fund runway upgrades, taxiways, and improve airport safety. While Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Airport did receive a lion’s share of the federal aid, numerous regional airports witnessed $100,000+ funding infusions. The investments go far beyond existing infrastructure improvements. The City of Atlanta received more than $150 million in grants for “The Stitch” which will be a greenspace “cap” over a portion of the Downtown Connector to reconnect parts of Downtown Atlanta that are separated by the interstate. The money will fund rightof-way acquisition, preliminary engineering, and construction.

Georgia’s infrastructure investments go beyond dollars. This past session lawmakers began dabbling in planning for a truly Jetson’s style future with the passage of House Bill 156 by Representative Todd Jones (R-Forsyth), which gives GDOT authority over “vertiports”, which are landing stations for helicopter like transit options that would allow users to fly over congested roadways. The legislation is aimed at ensuring the industry can develop and thrive in Georgia, through what could be “lilypad” type landing stations for these futuristic vehicles. Sign me up for that T-SPLOST! While the impacts from some transportation projects in Georgia may seem painful at the moment, the positive outcomes will be well worth it when completed. Fortunately, our state’s leaders are poring over other shortfalls and are actively investing in those pain points.

After all, we all have to drive over the same potholes and sit in the same traffic. A

engineering [ political gapulse [ feature ] ]

May | June 15

the pulse

OUT & ABOUT ACEC Georgia's Rachael Sadler, Christy Tarallo, and Board member, Dan Wallace (Triple Point Engineerying) work the ACEC Georgia table at ACCG.

ACEC Georgia Lunch-n-Learn with Westside Engineering.

The Women in A/E/C event.

Nikki Parris, Claudia Bilatto, Audra Rojek, Lisa Exley, Charlotte Weber, and Rachael Sadlet at the Women in A/E/C event.

ACEC Georgia's Brett Hillesheim & Michael "Sully" Sullivan enjoy fresh air at ACEC Georgia's Annual Strategic Planning Retreat in Savannah.

Sasha Ugi (Croy), Stephanie Dammen-Morrell (Hussey Gay Bell), and Holly Painter (KCI) at Thirsty Thursday Savannah

Incoming Board Chair, Holly Painter, poses with Rachael Sadler and Michael "Sully" Sullivan at this year's Strategic Planning Retreat.

Adam Bieber of Logic Speak poses with Rachael Sadler of ACEC Georgia.

ACEC Georgia members and staff pause for a photo during the Women in A/E/C event.

Nikki Parris (AtkinsRealis) with Rachael Sadler at the women in A/E/C event.

Bill Cornell (Precision Planning) At ACCG.

the pulse

GEORGIA NUMBERS by the

1

First woman to serve as U.S. SENATOR from Georgia: Rebecca Latimer Felton was appointed in 1922— though only for one day, she made history as the first woman to hold this office in the entire country.

UNIVERSITY

55%

UNIVERSITY

Percentage of Georgia’s

COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY STUDENTS

who are women—contributing to leadership across engineering, health care, education, and beyond.

600,000+

Estimated number of WOMEN-OWNED BUSINESSES in Georgia, making up nearly 43% of all businesses in the state.

60,000+

UNIVERSITY

Number of annual visitors to the GIRL SCOUTS' BIRTHPLACE MUSEUM in

Savannah, UNIVERSITY honoring founder Juliette Gordon Low, a Georgia native who sparked a movement for girls’ leadership over a century ago.

5

Number of women inducted into the Georgia Women of Achievement HALL OF FAME in 2024, celebrating contributions in science, education, civil rights, and the arts.

May | June 19

Meet the women redefining facilities at Georgia universities DAVID CARAVIELLO

T

The glass and steel structure stands three stories tall, and features a striking roof overhang that juts skyward, like a wing about to take flight. The 60,000-square-foot edifice is the new Aviation Training Academy at Chattahoochee Technical College, where students at the Paulding County school will learn aircraft maintenance. And every time Nicole Dobbs drives past it, she feels a sense of pride.

“It’s the most beautiful building you’d ever want to see, and it's got the most up-to-date technology in it to help any student who is interested in becoming an aircraft mechanic,” said Dobbs, Regional Program Director for the Office of Capital Planning and Facilities at the Technical College System of Georgia. “To see the building come out of the ground, and to see it be one of the most beautiful buildings that TCSG has on any campus, was a delight for me.”

Understandably so, given that Dobbs’ role is to guide projects like the Aviation Training Academy through the funding, design, and construction stages, all the way to ribbon-cutting. She was even able to fund the purchase of an airplane to keep in the facility’s hangar, so students can have more of a real-world educational experience. She’s one of several trailblazing women serving in similar roles at public colleges and universities throughout Georgia, and redefining campus infrastructure in the process.

At the University of Georgia, there’s Associate Vice President for Facilities Planning and University Architect Gwynne Darden, and Senior Director of Construction Melanie Ford. At Georgia Tech, there’s Associate Vice President for Planning, Design and

20 Engineering Georgia

Construction Amanda Mewborn, and Priti Bhatia, Director of Facilities and Capital Planning for the Ivan Allen College of Liberal Arts. At the University of West Georgia there’s Sheree Srader, Senior Director of Planning and Construction Services.

Each of them took different career paths and faced different challenges along the way. But all of them are shaping the facilities that enhance the student experience at Georgia’s public colleges and universities, and are able to appreciate the results of their work each time they walk through each of their respective campuses.

“One of the coolest things about being part of the university system is the physical experience, because that affects everybody—it affects faculty, staff, students, and community members if they're coming here for an event,” Srader said. “So it's one of those things where you get to really have a hand in transforming a student's experience throughout their entire college career. When you walk into a space, you want to feel like you belong there.”

The facilities they help shape convey a sense of permanence, given that they’re designed to serve one generation of students after another. “Most of these buildings we’re building are going to live longer than we are,” Mewborn said. And they all have their favorites—like Dobbs, who’s particularly fond of not just the new Aviation Training Academy at Chattahoochee Tech, but also the forthcoming main campus building to be named for Hank Aaron at Atlanta Technical College.

engineering ga [ feature ]

For Srader, it was the renovation of the same Humanities Building that she once took classes in as a student at West Georgia. “Even back then, it looked like the 1970s building that it was,” she recalled. “So some of the changes that we've made have involved opening it up and making it a lot more modern. It’s truly a Brutalist building, so I thought, if they’re not going to let me tear this down, why not actually do something with it?”

For Bhatia, it’s the ongoing renovation of the D.M. Smith Building, which was constructed in 1923 and is being transformed into IT’S THE MOST BEAUTIFUL BUILDING YOU’D Georgia Tech’s Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter School of Public Policy. “It has EVER WANT TO SEE, AND IT'S GOT THE MOST provided a unique set of challenges UP-TO-DATE TECHNOLOGY IN IT TO HELP ANY and learning opportunities that have expanded both my personal STUDENT WHO IS INTERESTED IN BECOMING and professional horizons,” she said.

AN AIRCRAFT MECHANIC. “Being part of a project that blends Georgia Tech’s rich history with a –Nicole Dobbs forward-looking academic mission has been incredibly rewarding.”

For Darden, it was the athletic training facility adjacent to Georgia’s Stegeman Coliseum, which was the first big project she tackled on her own. For Ford it was the renovation of Georgia’s R.C. Wilson Pharmacy Building, to which she added dashes of color, and the Structural Engineering Testing Laboratory with its 6-foot thick floor and 26-foot tall strong wall for destructive testing. For Mewborn it was the Marcus Tower at Piedmont Atlanta Hospital, which she worked on prior to accepting her current role at Georgia Tech. N

engineering ga [ feature ]

May | June 21

“The environment that we created is supporting the highest level of care that’s available in the state of Georgia,” Mewborn said. “The team that we worked on that project with was absolutely amazing.

We brought folks on early, like our construction and engineers, and even brought our trades on early to be involved in the design. We just bonded so much as a team working on that project. I’m still friends with the folks who were on that team to this day.”

‘WHAT DO I HAVE TO LOSE?’

For Srader, it all started with paint and pansies. She was 15 years old when she signed up for summer work at West Georgia, painting and cleaning dorm rooms so they’d be freshened up for students arriving for the ensuing fall semester. At one point, she helped plant 10,000 flats of pansies. “I’ve never planted a pansy since,” she said. “It scarred me for life.”

Safe to say, it wasn’t exactly a summer job that inspired a career in facilities development. Srader had initially planned on going to law school—but then she got married, and started working in coordinating faculty promotion and tenure for the University System of Georgia. She shifted to facilities contracts and services in 2005, but the buildings she saw were only in stacks of paper. In 2024 she returned to West Georgia as a procurement contract manager, getting her hands on real bricks and mortar, and putting her on track for her current role.

“Coming back to campus, it was a different vitality,” Srader recalled. “And I got to see what the students were experiencing, and how they were using the spaces.”

Mewborn also experienced a career shift. The Georgia Tech graduate worked 25 years in healthcare, including four as a nurse at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. She was at a healthcare-oriented IT startup when the person scheduled to give a presentation to 30 architects called in sick— SO IT'S ONE OF THOSE THINGS WHERE so Mewborn gave the presentation herself, YOU GET TO REALLY HAVE A HAND IN and six months later one of those architects from Perkins+Will called to offer her a job.

TRANSFORMING A STUDENT'S EXPERIENCE

THROUGHOUT THEIR ENTIRE COLLEGE

“I about fell out of my chair laughing,” Mewborn recalled. “I cannot draw like a stick figure. I have no artistic talent. I have YOU WANT TO FEEL LIKE YOU BELONG THERE. no business hanging out with architects. He said, ‘Just come in and talk with us. I think –Sheree Srader you could have a lot to offer, and you'd love working here.’ So, I went in and talked with him. I was like, ‘Well, what do I have to lose?

I'll try it.’ So, I went to work for him, and I fell in love with planning, design and construction, and I've worked in this space ever since.”

CAREER. WHEN YOU WALK INTO A SPACE,

Eventually Mewborn oversaw the planning, design and construction of highly advanced healthcare facilities.

22 Engineering Georgia

engineering ga [ feature ]

She began to specialize in billion-dollar “mega” projects like Marcus Tower, a curved 16-story edifice with 408 beds and 16 operating rooms.

In January, she accepted her current role at Georgia Tech, where she leads a team of 50 people that coordinates all planning, design, and construction on the institute’s campus.

“When I was in healthcare, the opportunity to build an environment that makes it better for people to have a baby or manage a cancer diagnosis was really motivating for me,” Mewborn said. “In higher ed, this is where they’re getting trained. This is where they’re learning. This is where their expectations are set. To be able to create the environments to support that kind of learning and research, especially at Georgia Tech, is incredible.”

Darden had always loved art and graphic design, and decided in high school to go into architecture. “That part was straightforward,” she said. “What wasn’t straightforward is, I didn’t know you could be a campus architect. I didn’t know that people worked for campuses and did this. So that was all new to me.”

After receiving degrees from Washington University in St. Louis and MIT, Darden happened to be worked in Athens for a small firm when someone encouraged her to apply for an opening at the University of Georgia. She started at UGA as a Project Manager in 2001, and has been there ever since.

THIS IS WHERE THEIR EXPECTATION IS SET. TO BE ABLE TO CREATE THE ENVIRONMENTS TO SUPPORT THAT KIND OF LEARNING AND RESEARCH, ESPECIALLY AT GEORGIA TECH, IS INCREDIBLE. –Amanda Mewborn

“I love the university’s education mission, and building the spaces that support that,” she said. “That doesn't mean necessarily a classroom, but all of the environments that support the university— from developing green space, to dining halls and residence halls, to making all the places where peoples’ lives can change. People meet their best friends for life on campus, or there’s a research breakthrough. Those kinds of things happen every day on a campus. And we provide the background so it can happen.”

Ford’s role is big-picture oversight for all construction projects at the university, ensuring they’re on budget and on schedule. She’s often out on the job site, ensuring the work complies with university design standards. Ford also initially studied to become an architect—but as a student at Auburn University, realized she was enjoying her building sciences classes a lot more than her design classes, so she switched.

While Ford landed at Georgia as a project manager for construction services in 2007, her big break came years earlier when she was named project manager for the Classic Center, the convention and entertainment venue in Athens. “Blasting rock, clearing the site, the whole nine yards” she recalled. “I even got to dust 2,150 seats in the Classic Center because our cleaning crew quit. That’s how invested I was.” N

engineering ga [ feature ]

May | June 23

It all proved worthwhile, in more ways than one. “I thought it was going to be a project that lasted two years,” Ford said. “Instead, it ended up changing the rest of my life because I fell in love with the town of Athens and decided not to leave.”

Bhatia, who oversees management and strategic planning of facilities at Georgia Tech’s Ivan Allan College, was introduced to facilities during an internship with Georgia Power. “What intrigued me most was the diversity of work involved and the essential role these teams play in supporting operations,” she said. “I discovered my own path into the field through planning, design, and construction. It was during my transition into higher education facilities management that I truly came to appreciate the impact and level of engagement the role requires.”

For Dobbs, construction was the family business. Her father was a small minority contractor in Atlanta, and she worked for him for 10 years before moving on the federal government and eventually TCSG. “I enjoy seeing ideas go from programming to design to construction,” she said. “But at the end of the day, what I’m most proud of is being able to drive back by a building and tell people we did that, because we knew there was a community need for it.”

‘YOU MUST BE THE ADMIN’ I CAN’T SEE YOU TELLING SOME 50-YEAR-OLD, HARDHAT-WEARING,

Ford can recall the line as if it were uttered yesterday: “I can’t see you telling some 50-year-old, hardhatwearing, tobacco-chewing man where the hell he can put his steel.”

TOBACCO-CHEWING MAN

That was Ford’s introduction to the construction business, delivered by the dean of Auburn’s building PUT HIS STEEL. science program, who seemed baffled as to why she wanted to –Melanie Ford switch from architecture into his testosterone-driven field. More indignities were to come—being so derided by a male table mate at an awards banquet that she had to leave her seat, having an interviewer (again, male) in the Auburn job placement office literally pack up his bag and walk out after Ford entered the room.

WHERE THE HELL HE CAN

“I remember thinking, I’m never going to have a career. I’m never going to get a job in this industry,” Ford recalled.

Ultimately she did thanks in part to Arnie and Robert Silverman, two brothers from New York who purchased Atlanta’s Winter Construction and

24 Engineering Georgia

engineering ga [ feature ]

held more progressive views on women in the workforce. The whole experience led Ford to team with two other construction project managers and found Athens Area Women in Construction, a nonprofit whose goal is to educate and inspire girls who might consider the industry as a career.

“We go speak at career fairs for the kids, we host a tiny summer camp where rising 11th- and 12th-grade girls get to come for one free week and get some hands-on experience,” Ford said. “We teach them how to make a lamp out of concrete—they get to wire it up, form and pour the concrete, and take it home. We partner with somebody here who lets them drive some heavy equipment. We do job site tours with them, we talk to them about possible careers in the industry, we've built planters and done some other fun stuff. So yes, we definitely try to mentor people.”

Understandably so, given that climbing the career ladder in male-dominated fields like facilitates and construction is not without its challenges—even for women in positions of authority. “I've shown up on job sites to do an inspection or my job site walk, and I've been received there as if, ‘OK, you're here to take notes. You must be the admin for this project,’” Dobbs said. “Some of those things are very hurtful, but I've learned how to correct people without them assuming I'm upset or aggressive. That's a thin line I DISCOVERED MY OWN PATH INTO THE women have to learn to adjust to in this industry.”

FIELD THROUGH PLANNING, DESIGN,

AND CONSTRUCTION. Early in her career, Bhatia said she often found herself as the only woman –Priti Bhatia in the room, “and there were times when I needed to push harder to earn credibility or be taken seriously,” she said. “However, rather than allowing that to hold me back, I used it as motivation. What kept me going was a clear focus on excellence. I knew that if I consistently delivered results, maintained high standards, and built strong relationships, my work would speak for itself. Over time, it did.”

Srader had the benefit of a mentor who, during her summers painting dorm rooms at West Georgia, ensured she knew enough about mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems to convey expertise on the subject. But even now, she admits, the answer to a question can occasionally be different depending on whether it’s being asked by a woman or a man.

“In my experience in the facilities arena, it's almost like when you go buy a car,” she said. “I remember my husband and I went looking, and they're telling my husband, who bless his heart, wouldn't know the engine from the gas tank, all this stuff about how the car operates. And then they look at me, and they're like, ‘It's got 12 cup holders.’ So it's one of those things where in 2025, yes, we still deal with that. But it’s not quite in the same way.

Most people aren't as obvious about it as they used to be.” N

engineering ga [ feature ]

May | June 25

Progress on that front is being made, beyond the fact that there are so many women in positions of leadership within the state’s public higher education system. Srader said she’s seeing more women at industry conferences, and more women in construction and trades. Darden has a former intern who’s now running her own business as an independent structural engineer. Mewborn has done an introduction to industrial engineering workshop with the Girl Scouts. Dobbs mentors girls interested in engineering at the high school she once attended in Atlanta.

“It gives me great satisfaction in sharing with them that this space is not just for the male-dominated individual,” Dobbs said.

“If this is something that you want to do, you just have to make a decision and forge ahead with it.”

And don’t let potential challenges dissuade you, Mewborn added. “In any profession you decide to go into, there are going to be barriers and hurdles,” she said. “You’re going to hear, ‘Oh, it’s male-dominated,’ or ‘Girls aren’t good at math,’ or whatever other things people are going to try to worry you with.

Whatever you're passionate about, just pursue it. If you don't PEOPLE MEET THEIR BEST FRIENDS FOR end up liking it, you can always change later. I love construction.

LIFE ON CAMPUS, OR THERE’S A RESEARCH Obviously, I love healthcare. So, I BREAKTHROUGH. THOSE KINDS OF THINGS would just encourage people to pursue their passions.”

HAPPEN EVERY DAY ON A CAMPUS. AND WE

PROVIDE THE BACKGROUND SO IT CAN HAPPEN. –Gwynne Darden

That exact approach has led Mewborn, Darden, Srader, Dobbs, Ford, Bhatia and others to positions of authority and influence within the facilities and construction sectors of the Georgia state college and university system. Together, they have helped enhance the college experience for thousands of students in the Peach State—and in the process, blazed a professional trail for those women who will follow it next.

“If my journey can help shift perceptions and open doors for more women in this field, then it’s all been worthwhile,” Bhatia said. “We belong in this space— not as exceptions, but as leaders shaping the future of the industry.” A

26 Engineering Georgia

engineering ga [ feature ]

May | June 27

INFLUENTIAL WOMEN –– in Georgia Engineering ––

Selected by ACEC Georgia’s 100 Influential Women in Engineering Committee

A

COMPILED & EDITED BY BRETT HILLESHEIM

Across Georgia’s engineering landscape—from bustling transportation corridors to rising skylines and resilient utility systems—women are not just participating in progress; they are leading it. The 2025 100 Influential Women in Georgia Engineering list shines a spotlight on the trailblazers, problem-solvers, mentors, and visionaries who are shaping the future of our state through expertise, innovation, and bold leadership.

Each honoree represents more than a title or a role—they represent the power of dedication, the strength of collaboration, and the impact of leadership grounded in purpose. Whether driving major infrastructure projects, guiding firms through strategic growth, or mentoring the next generation of engineers, these women are redefining what excellence looks like in the built environment.

28 Engineering Georgia

This year’s list reflects the growing presence—and growing influence— of women across every facet of engineering in Georgia. From CEOs and principals to rising leaders in the public and private sectors, their stories offer inspiration and insight into the diverse paths of leadership within our profession.

Nominated by their peers and celebrated by their communities, these women exemplify what it means to lead with integrity, to innovate with courage, and to serve with heart. They are building more than roads, bridges, and systems—they are building legacies. As we honor the 2025 class of Influential Women in Georgia Engineering, we celebrate not only their accomplishments but the remarkable future they are helping to create. Their work stands as a testament to what’s possible when talent, passion, and opportunity meet—and the entire state is stronger for it.

engineering ga [ feature ]

NILA ABUBAKAR, PE

Principal, Managing Director / Walter P Moore Abubakar is a Principal and Managing Director of Diagnostics at Walter P Moore’s Atlanta office, with 15 years of civil and structural engineering experience.

Licensed in seven states, she specializes in forensic engineering, structural assessments, and expert witness testimony on construction defects and design deficiencies. Previously, she led forensic investigations and technical litigation support. Her expertise spans facility assessments, bridge design, and construction management. Nila has driven the growth of Walter P Moore’s Atlanta Diagnostics Group and was recognized as a 2025 ENR National 40 Under 40 Honoree, solidifying her status as a leader in engineering.

CECILIA ARANGO, CPSM

Principal, Director of Marketing / Thomas & Hutton Arango is a Principal, Marketing Director, and self-declared Chief Officer of Fun at Thomas & Hutton. A CPSM with 24 years of experience, she leads marketing, communications, and culture efforts across the firm. Passionate about community, she serves on boards including TEDxSavannah, Leadership Southeast Georgia, SMPS, United Way, and GEDA. Named SMPS Atlanta’s 2024 Marketer of the Year, her accolades also include Georgia Trend’s 40 Under 40. A marathoner aiming to run in all 50 states, she founded Read, Run & Rant Book Club and is a proud Leadership Georgia, Leadership Southeast Georgia, and Leadership Savannah alumna.

ANITA ATKINSON

Vice President and Department Head / Patterson & Dewar Engineers, Inc. Atkinson is the Vice President of Engineering & Surveying at Patterson & Dewar Engineers, where she leads a multidisciplinary team of electrical engineers, civil engineers, and surveyors focused on designing critical power delivery infrastructure for electric utilities and data centers.

A licensed professional engineer in seven states, Anita brings over 20 years of experience in transmission and distribution line design, technical training, and consulting. Anita is the current President of the ASCE Georgia Section and serves on the External Advisory Board for the Georgia Tech School of Civil and Environmental Engineering. She is also a board member of the Gwinnett County Stormwater Authority and a past president of the Georgia Engineering Foundation.

MALORY ATKINSON, MBA, CPSM, LEED GA

Co-Founder & Managing Partner / Shear Structural Atkinson is the Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Shear Structural, a 100% women-owned structural engineering firm based in Georgia. A proud Georgia Tech yellow jacket, and with a background in building construction and an MBA in marketing, Malory blends technical expertise with strategic leadership to oversee the firm’s financial operations, marketing, business development, and company culture. She is passionate about designing spaces that serve communities and advancing inclusive leadership in the AEC industry.

Malory is actively involved in professional and nonprofit organizations, where she advocates for the next generation of engineers and women in business. Her work reflects a commitment to innovation, integrity, and impact-driven design.

LYNETTE BAKER

Senior Director Delivery Solutions / Jacobs Engineering Group Baker leads the sustained growth and development of their leaders of the future. She’s passionate about people development and works to advance diversity and inclusion, strategic technical talent, long-term career development, and a sense of belonging in a global company. Her successes at Jacobs span almost 23 years, with a background in transportation, city administration, and environmental planning and conservation.

JENNIFER BALL

COO / Central Atlanta Progress Ball significantly contributes to the urban renaissance of Downtown Atlanta through her role with Central Atlanta Progress. Ball oversees pivotal areas such as economic development, urban planning, transportation, and sustainability initiatives. Her stewardship includes transformative projects such as the Atlanta Arts & Entertainment District and the Downtown Atlanta Master Plan, with ongoing efforts channeling over $40 million into public space improvements. Ball's educational foundation includes bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the Georgia Tech College of Design.

TAMI BARRON

Senior Vice President, Distribution / Georgia Power Company Under Barron's leadership, Georgia Power reliably serves 2.8 million customers in 155 counties across Georgia with a grid of more than 77,000 miles of distribution lines. Previously, Barron served as Southern Company SVP of Supply Chain leading the organization’s efforts to provide purchasing of services and materials of $8 billion annually to support the company’s goals to provide clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy. N May | June 29

NAKEETA BATSON, CSM

SARAH BLACKBURN

Deputy Program Manager-Senior Associate / Gresham Smith Batson is a seasoned program management professional with a proven track record in leading multi-billion-dollar transportation and infrastructure programs. As deputy program manager for GDOT, she oversees safety and traffic operations with a focus on strategy, compliance, and efficiency. NaKeeta excels in program controls, stakeholder engagement, financial oversight, and team leadership. She also brings strong business development skills, helping firms expand their reach and win major contracts. An Atlanta native, she is deeply committed to community impact and supports The Power of Girls, a nonprofit that empowers young girls to become confident global leaders through education and mentorship.

Owner, Georgia Roadway Design Department Leader / Gresham Smith Blackburn has over 17 years of experience connecting people and places across Georgia. With a focus on safety and efficiency, as well as expertise in GDOT’s design policies and design software, she is pushing boundaries toward multi-modal, technology-driven transportation solutions. She is well respected in the engineering community and an active member of ASHE Georgia Chapter, receiving numerous awards and is the Past President. Additionally, Sarah serves on Gresham Smith’s company-wide Workforce Development committee and is leading the formalization of a mentorship program, which launched firmwide this year.

BRIDGETTE BEATO

STACY BLAKLEY

Co-Founder / Lumenor Consulting Group Beato founded the company in 2007, and serves multiple modes of transportation including transit and rail, DOT and aviation. Prior to that, she worked in the supply chain and logistics field. She has served on multiple community and private sector boards, including a Georgia Tech Venture Labs firm.

SARAH BEESON

Vice President, Operations & Roswell City Councilmember / Oasis Consulting Services Beeson has been active in the engineering industry for over a decade. In addition to her role with Oasis, Sarah also serves on Roswell City Council as the youngest woman elected to the role. In her spare time, she is working on her PhD in Environmental Planning at the University of Georgia.

CLAUDIA BILOTTO, AICP

Southeast Region Executive / WSP Bilotto is responsible for steering the operations and growth of all WSP’s business lines in the region toward the objective of enabling WSP to be the preferred and trusted choice for clients, employees and partners. In addition to business operations, strategy and growth, her 25 years of industry experience include managing a wide range of major transportation projects, and stakeholder and public participation programs. Bilotto is active in civic and industry leadership activities, and currently serves as the co-chair of the Georgia Partnership for Transit Excellence.

30 Engineering Georgia

Founder & CEO / Douglas Consulting Group Blakley is a successful entrepreneur with 25 years of experience in civil engineering, working with national and local clients across multiple industries. Her firm, DCG, provides expertise in Aviation, Healthcare and Commercial Land Development civil design. Stacy is recognized as an active, proven leader in her region and state. A recipient of the Atlanta Business Chronicle Woman of Influence and Presidential Lifetime Achievement awards, she serves on the Boards of Georgia Tech’s Civil Engineering Advisory Board, Caring For Others, and the South Fulton Parkway Alliance. She is a past board director of MARTA, Aerotropolis Alliance, Airport Chamber & National Association of Black Women in Construction.

KERRIE BOYETTE, PE

Vice President, Regional Practice Leader / KCI Technologies, Inc. Boyette is a graduate of Georgia Tech with 25 years of experience in the transportation industry. She is a Vice President with KCI and leads their Georgia Transportation Design Regional Practice which includes roadway design, traffic, signal operations, and environmental services. She leads a group of 35 people and is responsible for the team’s projects, financials, marketing, and staff development. She has served as project manager on numerous projects for GDOT and local government agencies. Kerrie currently serves as the co-chair of the GPTQ Subcommittee for Program Delivery.

engineering ga [ feature ]

LENOR BROMBERG, PE, F.ASCE

NORMA CLICK

Deputy Commissioner, Engineering / City of Atlanta, Department of Transportation Bromberg has unique experience developing transportation infrastructure and in site development from planning through design and construction. She progressed from Project Engineer in the consultant industry to senior leadership in a major city government which has afforded her experience in operations and program management, environmental assessment and documentation, public engagement, design, and construction inspection. She holds a Bachelor of Civil Engineering from Georgia Institute of Technology and is a licensed engineer in Georgia and Florida.

Director Airside, Landside, Planning & Development, Department of Aviation / Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport Click oversees more than $700 million in airside and landside developments. With 38 years of experience in the aviation industry, Norma brings deep expertise in the planning, design, and construction of complex airfield projects. She is known for her passion for delivering projects with a focus on quality, precision, and efficiency. Before her tenure at ATL, she served 21 years in the United States Air Force, leading aviation operations and airfield construction efforts.

TONIA P. BROWN, PE

LORRAINE COCHRAN-JOHNSON

Highway Group Manager - Georgia Transportation / Jacobs Brown has 23+ years of project management and roadway design experience, a valued reputation for detailed project coordination, and in-depth knowledge in the development of all aspects of roadway plans. In her current role, she focuses on both sales and operations, developing client relationships, managing project budgets, scopes, and schedules, while directing the project team’s compliance with contract terms and ensuring quality in all deliverables. Tonia leads, inspires, and develops junior and mid-level staff while supporting and maintaining positive relationships at all levels as people are her priority.

STACEY CHAPMAN

CEO / DeKalb County Government Prior to becoming CEO, Johnson served as the Super District 7 Commissioner, where she saved taxpayers over $92 million using audit review. Johnson manages a $1.8 billion budget and passed the largest infrastructure investment in Dekalb County history with a 10-year rate increase that will generate $3.8 billion during her first 45 days in office. Lorraine authored the Small Box Store Ordinance and the DeKalb Video Surveillance System Ordinance adopted as model legislation on a national level. Lorraine was the 2023 Elected Official of the Year by the American Public Works Association and received The Lifetime Achievement Award by President Joe Biden in 2023.

REBECCA COLLINS, PE, CPESC

Principal & SVP / CROFT & Associates, Inc. Chapman leads the firm’s strategic direction and oversees its community engagement and outreach initiatives. She is widely recognized for her commitment to servant leadership, mentorship, and building lasting connections across industries. With a passion for empowering others, She plays a pivotal role in shaping the firm’s culture and expanding its impact. Her leadership is grounded in purpose, blending business strategy with a deep sense of civic responsibility. Through her work, Stacey continues to influence the AEC industry while making meaningful contributions to the communities CROFT serves.

Civil Engineer, Aviation / Kimley-Horn Collins graduated from Georgia Tech in 2001 with a degree in civil engineering. Beginning her career in transportation design, Rebecca parlayed her engineering specialty into aviation design. Over the past two decades, she has managed projects and engineering teams for site development, community planning, transportation, and aviation departments within a plethora of agencies, municipalities, and private developers. Prior to joining Kimley-Horn, Rebecca led a well-reputed aviation practice managing more than 30 on-call contracts with airports in the southeast. She joined Kimley-Horn in January 2023, bringing to the firm’s national, interdisciplinary teams a wealth of knowledge and invaluable aviation design experience. N

engineering ga [ feature ]

May | June 31

LISA CUPID

Cobb County Commissioner / Cobb County Cupid is the first black and first female Commission Chair of Cobb County. She has served on the Cobb County Board of Commissioners since 2013. Cupid is known as a strong advocate for the fair treatment of all Cobb’s residents and stakeholders regardless of geographic, demographic, or economic standing. She’s an attorney and former mediator, policy analyst, and manufacturing process engineer. She lives in Smyrna with her two children and husband, also an attorney, law partner, and former electrical engineer. Both are graduates of Georgia Tech and Georgia State Law.

ALYSSA DAVIS

Executive Director / Sugarloaf CID Davis leads the Sugarloaf CID, a hub for business and entertainment in the heart of Gwinnett County. Her work ranges from transportation improvements to safety initiatives to public art installations. Before joining the Sugarloaf CID, she worked for seven years at the Gateway85 CID where she managed the CID's plans and transportation projects. She has a master’s degree in City and Regional Planning from the Georgia Institute of Technology, and she is a member of the American Institute of Certified Planners. She is a graduate of Leadership Gwinnett and the Regional Leadership Institute. Prior to her experience working with CIDs, Alyssa participated in Teach for America in New York City.

EMILY DUNN

Board Member - 9th Congressional District / GDOT As well as serving on GDOT's board, Dunn is CEO of Tom's Amusement Company, Inc., a traditional street operator headquartered in Blue Ridge, Georgia. Dunn is no stranger to civic involvement and has served on numerous boards over the past two decades. She currently serves on the board of the Amusement and Music Operators Association (AMOA) and is a recent past president. She served as chair of AMOA's Government Relations Committee and was pivotal in directing AMOA's battling Operation Choke Point activities.

WENDY DYSON

Vice President, DOT Markets Lead / AtkinsRealis Dyson is a graduate of Georgia Tech and the DOT Markets Lead for AtkinsRéalis.

She brings more than 26 years of experience in transportation project development and delivery for state DOTs, and plays a pivotal role in strategic coordination, market diversification, and geographic expansion for AtkinsRéalis. Dyson is committed to driving innovation, technical excellence, and client service, and her passions also extend to professional development and mentorship. She currently serves on the steering committee for the Georgia Partnership for Transportation Quality (GPTQ), is the Tables Chair for the WTC Scholarship Luncheon, and the Regional Advisor for AtkinsRéalis’ Women in Leadership employee resource group.

FAYE DIMASSIMO

Chief of Planning and Economic Development / City of Savannah DiMassimo brings over 40 years of experience across federal, regional, and local agencies. She has led multimodal transportation systems and infrastructure programs in Atlanta, Cobb County, Nashville, and Savannah. Her previous roles include CEO of Chatham Area Transit and Senior Advisor to the Mayor of Nashville. A Fellow of the American Institute of Certified Planners, DiMassimo holds degrees from Auburn University. She is a member of Rotary Club of Savannah and was named to Engineering Georgia’s 100 Most Influential Women list in 2022, 2023, and 2024.

32 Engineering Georgia

HEATHER EDWARDS

NEPA Group Manager / Edwards-Pitman Edwards has 25 years of experience in the fields of environmental planning and cultural resources management, with specific expertise as a NEPA practitioner and project manager.

Heather specializes in personnel development, environmental project management, NEPA and NHPA documentation and analysis, environmental impact analysis, cultural resources, public involvement, environmental justice/community impact analysis. Heather has a passion for serving on transportation projects that have specific public outreach and environmental justice needs. She has been a certified planner with the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) since 2007. N

engineering ga [ feature ]

May | June 33

LINDA EDWARDS

Vice President / Edwards Pitman Environmental, Inc. Edwards, with over 35 years of engineering and environmental expertise, established Edwards-Pitman Environmental, Inc. in 1994, growing it to nearly 80 employees across Georgia and South Carolina. Her portfolio boasts countless transportation, airport, transit, and trail projects, earning her numerous accolades, including the Female Business Enterprise Phoenix Trailblazer Award. Edwards' influential contributions extend to her eight-year tenure on the Mayor’s Roundtable for Women and her role as a founding member of the WTS Atlanta Chapter. Actively engaged in local commerce, she is a member of both the Cobb County Chamber of Commerce and the Georgia Chamber of Commerce, embodying her commitment to professional excellence and community enrichment.

TERESA EPPLE

Former President and Owner / Southeastern Engineering, Inc. Born and raised in Charleston, South Carolina, Epple built a successful career as a businesswoman while embracing a traditional family life. With the support of her husband of 30 years, four children, and two grandchildren, she founded Southeastern Engineering, Inc. in 1996—a forward-thinking, multi-disciplined civil engineering firm specializing in civil, transportation, and traffic engineering, as well as surveying. Eppple recently transitioned out of her role as President and Owner but continues to support the firm’s new leadership. Her legacy remains one of innovation, mentorship, and trailblazing contributions to Georgia’s engineering community.

JENNIFER AULICK ETHERIDGE, PE

Senior Vice President and South Regional Leader / Kimley-Horn Fanney has spent 20 years progressing and developing communities and individuals in the Atlanta region.

With Kimley-Horn’s Development Services team, she led dozens of projects on transformative and impactful developments, including professional sports developments, such as Mercedes-Benz Stadium; adaptive reuse, such as Fourth Ward Atlanta along Beltline’s Eastside Trail, and Downtown’s Centennial Yards. Fanney recently assumed the role of South Regional Leader, overseeing Kimley-Horn’s business in Alabama, Tennessee, Mississippi, and Georgia, and is ultimately responsible for employee and client experience for a $250M revenue region. Specific to Georgia, she and the firm remain committed to investment with five offices, plans for two more, and over 400 employees, including over 150 Professional Engineers, Landscape Architects, and Planners!

LIGIA FLORIM, PE

District Engineer / Cobb County Florim is a registered Professional Engineer with over 25 years of experience in the design and management of transportation systems at the Local, State, and Federal level. Her experience includes roadway design, project management, entrepreneurship, and development services. She currently manages the Preconstruction Engineering team at Cobb County Department of Transportation, leading the design and delivery of the County’ multi-year transportation program.

ANDREA FOARD

President / Aulick Engineering When Aulick launched Aulick Engineering in 2011, she couldn't have imagined the journey ahead! What started as a small woman-owned business specializing in hydraulics and aviation is now a 60-person transportation powerhouse serving 136 clients. Aulick enjoys leading Aulick and serving as an ACEC-GA Board member. She finds meaning by giving back through the Aulick Cares program, serving local organizations such as Toco Hills Community Alliance and international initiatives in Guatemala.

Outside of work, she enjoys Pilates, traveling, time with her husband and active little boys, and cuddling with Harbins, the family doodle who makes their house a home.

34 Engineering Georgia

ANGELA FANNEY, PE, LEED AP

Transit Division Manager, Deputy Director / Cobb County DOT Prior to joining C2G, Foard served as the Transit Division Manager/Deputy Director for Cobb County DOT, where she oversaw the CobbLinc bus system, associated operations and capital projects, and other major initiatives. She’s experienced in the successful delivery of major transportation and development projects.

Foard received a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from UAB, a master's degree in City & Regional Planning from Georgia Tech, and a Master of Professional Studies in Real Estate from Georgetown University.

engineering ga [ feature ]

RHANDI GALLEGOS

Vice President/ Area Manager / STV, Inc. Galeegos' 28 years of broad experience in transportation engineering and management encompassing a wide range of projects. She is drawn to the challenge of analyzing and determining project solutions while her unique perspective allows her to envision a strategy for growth and diversification. Rhandi is an active member of ACEC, the Council for Quality Growth and is the Scholarship Chair for the WTS Atlanta Chapter. She also serves on the Civil Engineering Industry Advisory Committee at her alma mater, the University of Kentucky and was recently appointed to the Dean's Advisory Commission with the UK College of Engineering.

MERISSA GAMBA, PE, SE

Principal / Uzun + Case, LLC Gamba plays a vital role in both the firm’s business operations and the leadership of its structural design engineering teams. Her expertise and leadership have shaped several high-profile projects, including the Georgia Aquarium Predator Exhibit, 760 Ralph McGill Office Building, and Georgia Tech Campus Center. Merissa joined Uzun + Case as an entry-level engineer after graduating from Georgia Tech. She went on to obtained her PE and SE licenses and advanced through leadership roles in the firm. She is involved in SEAOG, AISC, ULI and the ACE Mentorship program.

ANNIE GILLESPIE

Director of Engineering / State Road and Tollway Authority Gillespie serves as the Chief Engineer for the State Road and Tollway Authority (SRTA), the Georgia Regional Transportation Authority (GRTA), and the Atlanta Regional Transit Link Authority.

Leading the Engineering and Delivery Division, she spearheads toll systems engineering, transit facility design, and agency-wide project management. Gillespie also oversees toll, transit, and customer service business intelligence, along with programs such as Developments of Regional Impact and SRTA’s Grant and Loan initiatives, cementing her pivotal role in shaping transportation infrastructure across Georgia.

STEPHANIE GRAHL, PE

Chief Engineer / MC Squared, LLC Having worked over 28 years in transportation, water and wastewater, industrial, energy, commercial, and municipal sectors, Grahl has extensive background and expertise in geotechnical engineering and geo-forensic engineering, particularly in subsurface explorations and foundation assessments for heavy civil infrastructure projects, including roadways, bridges, water conveyance systems, power plants, unstable slopes, dikes, and vertical construction. Her experience also includes managing laboratory programs, providing construction support services, and managing teams of geotechnical professionals for small to large scale projects throughout the United States and abroad. As Chief Engineer, Grahl thrives in guiding and empowering young and old engineers alike to think beyond the books and develop sound solutions to support the clients' needs.

KIM GREENE

Chairman, President, and CEO / Georgia Power Company Greene leads Georgia Power in serving its 2.8 million customers across the state. An admired leader in the energy sector, Greene joined Southern Company in 1991 as an engineer and has held positions across operations, finance and external affairs. Most recently, Greene served as CEO of Southern Company Gas. Greene’s community impact and influence spans across the state and country, serving on various boards including the Georgia Chamber, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Georgia Historical Society, Nuclear Electric Insurance Limited and Valero Energy Corporation. Greene earned degrees from the University of Tennessee, University of Alabama at Birmingham, and Samford University.

engineering ga [ feature ]

REGAN HAMMOND, AICP

Transportation Systems Director / VHB Hammond leads multimodal planning and traffic engineering teams to deliver transformative projects for communities across Georgia. With over 23 years experience, she’s a recognized leader in the Georgia transportation landscape with a passion for helping create places and mobility systems that enable people from all walks of life to have safe access to opportunity and a high quality of life. N

May | June 35

ANN HANLON

Executive Director / Perimeter CID Hanlon has overseen the organization’s daily operations and investments in transportation infrastructure since 2017. The CIDs have an annual operating budget of over $10 million. Previously, Hanlon was the Executive Director of the North Fulton CID. A native of South Georgia, Ann received a Bachelor of Arts degree with a double major in Government and Computer Science from the University of Notre Dame, and a Master’s of Public Administration Degree in Management and Finance from Georgia State University.

KRYSTAL HARRIS

Program Director / ATL Airport CIDs Harris is a seasoned professional with extensive experience in strategic transportation planning and high-level project management. She currently manages the ATL Airport CIDs capital program and has a deep understanding of projects from conception to construction, with the ability to grasp content data quickly and easily.

Harris has nearly 20 years of experience in both the public and private sectors, with her last 12 years spent at GDOT in various roles in Planning and Asset Management. She holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Civil Engineering from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.

KIMBERLY HUDGINS

Director of Government Relations / HNTB Corporation Hudgins has been at the forefront of advocacy and policy to improve Georgia’s transportation infrastructure and funding for more than two decades. With more than 14 years at HNTB delivering solutions for transit, roads, bridges, and airports, Kimberly is a trusted advisor to elected and appointed state, county and municipal leaders, DOT leaders, transit agency heads and airport general managers throughout the country.

Kimberly serves on the Board of Directors for the Council for Quality Growth and the Georgia Transportation Alliance.

KAREN JENKINS, AIA, PE, SE

Managing Partner / Shear Structural Jenkins has worked in the design profession for over 35 years with experience as both an Architect and a Structural Engineer. Karen is one of the co-founders of Shear Structural, a women owned structural engineering firm in Atlanta Georgia serving the southeast. As a Georgia Tech alum, Karen serves as the Board Chair for the External Advisory Board for the School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, a board member of the The College of Engineering and teaches part time in the School of Architecture, College of Design. She also serves as a mentor to the College of Engineering students.

NICOLE LOVE HENDRICKSON

Chairwoman / Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners Hendrickson leads Georgia's second-most populous and diverse county of nearly one million residents. Under Hendrickson's leadership, Gwinnett County prioritizes building a more inclusive community, emphasizing transportation improvements and mobility for all with a new transit development plan. She champions housing affordability through the creation of an affordable housing development fund and revitalizes the local economy, ensuring economic security for small and minority businesses.

JILL HODGES

Chief Design Engineer / VHB For over three decades, Hodges has dedicated herself to delivering toptier transportation design projects.

She’s left an indelible mark on state and local transportation initiatives across Georgia. Hodges' extensive project portfolio spans a diverse range, encompassing two-lane and multi-lane rural and urban roadways, interstate facilities, pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure, traffic operations studies, drainage analysis, and erosion control plans. She drives innovation and excellence in transportation engineering, ensuring the continued advancement of Georgia's infrastructure landscape.

36 Engineering Georgia

ALIA JOHNSON, PE

Engineering Manager / DeKalb County Watershed Management Johnson is a Registered Professional Engineer with 20 years of experience in water and wastewater engineering.

Johnson is an Engineering Manager for DeKalb County Department of Watershed Management and has been working with the County for 14 years where she currently leads a group of 15 staffs comprised of Principal Engineers, Senior Engineers, and Staff Engineers. Johnson has extensive leadership background and project management experience, particularly in the assessment and rehabilitation of sanitary sewer collection systems. Over the past 14 years, she has managed a variety of water and wastewater system upgrade projects of varying sizes and is now overseeing these projects as her role of Engineering Manager. N

engineering ga [ feature ]

May | June 37

JUDY B. JONES, PE

Water System Agency Director / Cobb County Jones oversees the county's comprehensive water infrastructure, including stormwater management, customer service, engineering, and water protection divisions. With over 30 years of experience in civil engineering and public utilities, Jones has been instrumental in implementing sustainable water management practices and ensuring compliance with environmental regulations. A licensed Professional Engineer, she earned her degree from the Georgia Institute of Technology and has dedicated her career to enhancing public water systems. Jones is also committed to mentoring emerging engineers and actively participates in community outreach programs to promote environmental stewardship.

STACEY KEY

Board Member - 5th Congressional District / GDOT Key is the President and CEO of the Georgia Minority Supplier Development Council (GMSDC), Georgia's leading advocacy organization for supplier diversity and small business development. Key is a 25-year veteran with a variety of global brands, including IBM, Bellsouth/AT&T, Schlumberger, and Samsung Telecommunications. She’s actively involved in the community and serves on the Board of Directors of GDOT, Emory University Center for Ethics, the College Football Hall of Fame, the Georgia Chamber of Commerce, and the Midtown Alliance.

KATIE KIRKPATRICK

NANCY JUNEAU

Owner and CEO / Juneau Construction A proud alumna of the University of Georgia, Juneau is the CEO of Juneau Construction Company. She and her husband Les started Juneau in 1997 with the goal of leaving our communities better than we found them.

Her passion for construction, combined with her outstanding leadership skills, have led to the success of Juneau, which now operates across the Southeast with offices in Miami, Tampa, and Atlanta. Juneau’s vision for building best-in-class people and places has been paramount in leading one of the Southeast’s leading construction management firms.

President & CEO / Metro Atlanta Chamber Kirkpatrick is the president and CEO of the 166-year-old Metro Atlanta Chamber (MAC), representing businesses, colleges, universities, and nonprofits across the 29-county metro Atlanta region‚Äîthe nation’s sixth-largest market. With over 17 years at MAC, she is known for her public policy prowess. Previously MAC’s chief policy officer, she connected the metro business community with local, state, and national governments while leading priorities in business climate, talent development, infrastructure, and community growth. Before MAC, she was director of environmental engineering at Gold Kist, Inc., overseeing regulatory compliance, treatment system design, and strategic planning. A registered professional engineer, she holds licenses in multiple states.

KELI KEMP

Co-Founder / Modern Mobility Partners Kemp oversees the marketing and growth strategy for the company, as well as manages pioneering transportation planning projects.

With almost 25 years of experience in transportation planning, Kemp brings thought leadership to the industry as co-host of the Modern Mobility Podcast, a ground-breaking transportation planning podcast that provides practical step-by-step solutions to modern-day transportation challenges.

38 Engineering Georgia

MARY KAY KNIGHT, PE, SE, F.SEI, F.ASEC

Principal / Uzun + Case, LLC Knight earned her degrees from Rice University and began her career in structural engineering in 1983. Knight joined Uzun + Case in 1999 and became a Principal in 2014. She is an award-winning expert in designing and constructing commercial structures, including cultural projects, large-scale hospitality and entertainment developments. In addition to leading her engineering projects, Knight serves as the firm’s Chief Financial Officer and oversees the administrative staff. She is an active member of ASCE’s Structural Engineering Institute, serving on the Business Practices Committee and several ad hoc committees, including the 2025 Structures Congress National Technical Program Committee.

engineering ga [ feature ]

DANA LEMON

Board Member - 13th congressional district / GDOT Lemon currently serves on the Trustee Board for Clayton State University in Morrow, Georgia. Lemon is also serving her fifth term as the first woman elected to the Transportation Board of Georgia.

Prior to her election, she served on the Davidson College Alumni Association and Henry County Chamber of Commerce. Her life of service was recognized in 2018 by the Georgia Senate and in 2012 by the Georgia House of Representatives, where she received resolutions and commendations for her contributions to the State of Georgia and unselfish and dedicated public service.

CRISTY LLEWELLYN LAWRENCE, PE, LEED AP, MBA

Senior Director, Capital Projects Management / City of Savannah, Georgia Lawrence is a seasoned civil engineer with 29+ years of experience and has served as Senior Director of Capital Projects Management for the City of Savannah for six years, successfully completing over $300 million in capital projects that align closely with the City’s strategies of improving infrastructure, increasing access to recreation, investing in new public safety facilities, increasing affordable housing opportunities, and transitioning staff into new/renovated facilities. Since 2013, Cristy has served as President of the Board of Directors of the Savannah Engineering Academy, a nonprofit STEM summer camp for high school students.

JENNIFER LOTT, PE

Business Manager/Engineer / Aulick Engineering, LLC Lott has 16 years of diverse experience in the transportation design industry. As an engineer, she provided all aspects of horizontal and vertical roadway design, stormwater design, erosion control, and signing and marking plans. Currently serving as the Business Manager at Aulick, she plays a strategic role in managing critical functions. Jennifer oversees finance and human resources operations. Her dual perspective bridges the gap between the technical and administrative aspects of the business. She currently serves on the Board of ASHE GA and is active in ACEC GA.

KARYN MATTHEWS, PE

Preconstruction Program Manager / Arcadis Matthews serves as Preconstruction Program Manager at Cobb DOT where she leads a team of engineers and professionals assisting Cobb County deliver the SPLOST program. She has been the PM for numerous award-winning projects. She is the President of the ASHE Southeast Region and helped co-host the inaugural ASHE Region Conference in Chattanooga.

She is an active member of Leadership Cobb Alumni Association and the Cobb Chamber.

JULIE MCLEAN, PE, CFM, F.ASCE

City Engineer/Senior Director of Development Services / City of Savannah McLean is a licensed Professional Engineer and Certified Floodplain Manager with 37 years of comprehensive experience in civil engineering design, construction, management and leadership, including 23 years with the City of Savannah. During her tenure with the City, she has managed the design and construction of public capital improvement projects exceeding $150 million, and overseen regulatory plan reviews, permitting and inspections for public and private development projects valued at more than $7.5 billion, amid a period of unprecedented growth and development in the City of Savannah.

KIM MENEFEE

Executive Director / Cumberland CID Menefee leads efforts to partner with commercial investors, government officials, and stakeholders to advance key transportation and infrastructure projects that enhance the Cumberland community and the region. She spearheads the growth of One Cumberland to bolster the work of the CID by broadening its reach, funding, and impact. Prior to joining the CID, Menefee served in senior leadership roles for WellStar Health System, Georgia’s largest not-for-profit health system, for 25 years. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism from the University of Georgia’s Henry W. Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication. N

engineering ga [ feature ]

May | June 39

JANNINE MILLER

Director of Planning, Executive Director for SRTA / GDOT / State Road and Tollway Authority Miller holds a multifaceted role as the Executive Director at the State Road and Tollway Authority, Georgia Regional Transportation Authority, and AtlantaRegion Transit Link Authority, appointed

by Governor Kemp. Additionally, she serves as his appointee for Director of Planning at GDOT. With an illustrious career spanning various government and private sector roles, Miller has served as Deputy Assistant Secretary and Senior Advisor to Secretary Elaine Chao at the U.S. Department of Transportation, Senior Advisor to the U.S. Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue, and Director of the Center of Innovation for Logistics at the Georgia Department of Economic Development. Miller is a distinguished alumna, holding a Masters of Business Administration in Global Commerce from Georgia Tech and a Masters of Public Administration from Georgia State University.

ERIN MURPHY

Environmental Services Director / VHB Murphy is responsible for the growth of the environmental services practice, quality management, project execution, and client relations. Murphy leads a large and diverse group of environmental professionals for a range of transportation, energy, and private development projects.

In addition, she serves as the corporate-wide cultural resources discipline lead, providing guidance and support across VHB's footprint. Murphy has played a key role in the strategic and rapid growth of VHB within the Atlanta, Georgia market since 2015. In 2021, she was named by ENR Magazine as one of the National Top 20 Professionals Under 40.

SHAYLA NEALY

Principal, Public Policy & Programs / Stantec Nealy has been a water industry leader in Georgia for 22 years by developing and implementing policies, programs, and capital improvement projects that support services for stormwater collection, water supply and distribution, and wastewater plant upgrades, as well as public education and outreach initiatives. She develops strategy to meet the evolving business needs through client relationships, project management, and policy. During her successful two terms as Councilmember in Union City, she secured seven large Fortune 500 companies (8,000 new jobs), several million dollars in private investments, and acquired nearly $1M in federal funding. Her leadership helped turn a vacant mall into Atlanta Metro Studios and repurposed an old elementary school into a state-of-the-art multipurpose facility.

40 Engineering Georgia

KIMBERLY NESBITT

State Program Delivery Administrator / Georgia Department of Transportation Nesbitt's office is responsible for over 1100 projects that accounts for three plus billion dollars in funding. She began her 25-year GDOT career as a civil engineering technologist in the Office of Traffic Operations and progressed to various project and personnel management roles in the offices of Consultant Design, Traffic Safety and Design, and Program Delivery. Nesbitt has a Bachelor of Science in civil engineering technology from South Carolina State University.

She served eight years in the United States Air Force Reserves and was honorably discharged as a staff sergeant.

IRIS ORTIZ

Senior Project Manager, Associate Vice President / HNTB Corporation Ortiz has an impressive 24-year career spanning transportation finance, transportation engineering and planning, grant writing, and project development.

She moved to Atlanta in 2017 to join the HNTB Program Management Consulting (PMC) team charged with strategic planning and delivery of major transportation projects as part of the Georgia Department of Transportation’s Major Mobility Investment Program (MMIP).

HOLLY PAINTER, PE

Client Account Manager / KCI Technologies, Inc. Painter has 21 years of experience in client account management and business development across the Southeast. As a Client Account Manager at KCI, she works with DOTs, CIDs, and municipalities throughout the southern U.S. She serves as Incoming Chair of ACEC Georgia, Vice President of ITS Georgia, and is active on several committees, including the ACEC STEM Task Force, Women in the Workforce, and the ACEC Georgia/GPTQ Procurement Subcommittee. A 2024 FELI graduate, she also serves on the KCI ESOP Board. Her honors include ENR Southeast’s ‚ÄúTop 20 Under 40,‚Äù 2020 GSPE Young Engineer of the Year, and the 2022 ITS Georgia President’s Award.

ERICA PARISH

Deputy Director / Paulding County DOT Parish boasts a career dedicated to local government, and has served various roles in Paulding County and Cobb County.

Parish is a graduate of Southern Polytechnic State University, holding a bachelor's degree in civil engineering technology and a Professional Engineer certification. She resides in Paulding County with her husband, Jason, and their three children. N

engineering ga [ feature ]

May | June 41

NIKKI PARRIS, PE

Sr. Project Director / AtkinsRéalis Parris is a graduate of Georgia Tech and has more than 26 years of experience as a transportation engineer, working the past 21 years with AtkinsR√©alis as a Program Manager for several local governments and community improvement districts in the Atlanta metro area. She is an active member of the ASHE Georgia Chapter previously serving on their National Board.

In addition, Parris is an active member of several of ACEC’s committees and has just recently joined their board. She also co-leads the national AtkinsR√©alis women’s diversity group that empowers women to be leaders in their professional and personal lives.

HIRAL PATEL

Division of P3 / GDOT Patel began her lifelong career at GDOT as a Construction Project Engineer in the Atlanta, Georgia office. Over the next 25 years, she served in several roles: Area Engineer in the Gainesville District, Senior Project Manager, Assistant State Program Delivery Administrator, and State Environmental Administrator.

Currently, Patel is an active participant on several committees: the Steering Committee of AASHTO Council of Active Transportation, AASHTO Work Zone Subcommittee (Vice Chair), AASHTO Active Transportation Research Subcommittee (Chair), GDOT Consultant Pre-Qualification Committee (Chair), and GPTQ Consultant Relations Committee (Co-Chair).

ANN PURCELL

Board Member - 1st Congressional District / GDOT Purcell, a former state legislator, is serving her third term on the State Transportation Board representing the 1st Congressional District. Her district encompasses 17 counties in Southeast Georgia including Bacon, Brantley, Bryan, Camden, Charlton, Chatham, Clinch, Echols, Effingham, Glynn, Liberty, Long, Lowndes, McIntosh, Pierce, Ware, and Wayne. She’s the Chair of the Statewide Transportation Planning/Strategic Planning Committee and the Vice Chair of the Intermodal Committee and the Legislative Committee. Purcell is also a member of the Finance Committee, Program Delivery Committee, and the Gateways Committee.

TORI PUSTOTNIK, PE

Assistant Vice President, Civil Engineering / WSP USA Inc. Pustotnik is a lead highway engineer with experience working as a roadway design engineer and deputy project manager.

Services she provides include preparation of roadway plans, right of way plans, erosion, sediment and pollution control plans, as well as construction cost estimates. She has performed conceptual, preliminary, right-of-way, and final design. Her experience encompasses all aspects of horizontal and vertical roadway design, drainage facility design and signing, and marking and signal design. She has designed hydraulic structures, storm drains, drainage channels, and box culverts; she has also conducted traffic capacity analysis and developed signing and marking, and signal plans.

MEG PIRKLE

Chief Engineer / GDOT Pirkle oversees engineering, construction, and project management for the Department’s $2.5 billion statewide capital program. Pirkle also oversees the P3 program, statewide maintenance, traffic operations, and intermodal programs.

Pirkle earned a bachelor's degree in civil engineering from Vanderbilt University and a master's degree in civil engineering from Georgia Tech and is a registered Professional Engineer.

42 Engineering Georgia

engineering ga [ feature ]

TRACY RATHBONE STYF

Executive Director / Town Center CID As Executive Director of Town Center CID, Tracy works collaboratively with local, state and federal leaders to invest the approximately $3.5M of commercial tax funds received each year to develop infrastructure, parks and trails. Responsibilities include oversight and direction of all aspects of the CID’s strategy and execution, providing executive leadership, and ensuring the appropriate management of the tax funds received.

PRASHANTHI REDDY

President & CEO / Accura Engineering and Consulting Services, Inc. Reddy is responsible for strategic development initiatives and the firm’s overall management. Through the years, Prashanthi has overseen the expansion of the firm's services and market segments and has been instrumental in developing the company into a respected firm known throughout the US. The firm grew from providing engineering services to now performing a complement of services including surveying, utility coordination, construction management and inspections. Accura’s growth is due in large part to Prashanthi’s commitment to delivering excellent customer service and reliable and quality-driven performance.

MALIKA REED WILKINS, PHD

Chief Strategy Officer, Chief External Affairs Officer / Atlanta Regional Commission Wilkins heads the agency’s governmental affairs, strategic planning, corporate and community engagement, sponsorships and fundraising, board member relations, and communications. Wilkins has more than 25 years of experience in public policy, organizational communications, business development, revenue generation and building longstanding partnerships in the public, private and nonprofit sectors.

Dr. Wilkins previously served as the Managing Director of Mobility Services and Georgia Commute Options as well as serving the State of Georgia in various executive-level roles with the State Road and Tollway Authority (SRTA), and the Georgia Regional Transportation Authority (GRTA).

SALLY RIKER, F.SAME

Vice President, Strategy & Growth / Atlas Riker has over 27 years in the A/E/C industry. A recognized leader, she served as 2024 Chairwoman of the Council for Quality Growth and serves on the Foundation Board for SAME, ULI's Women’s Leadership Initiative Americas Executive Committee, President of the Mt. Paran Northside Citizens Association (Atlanta), and on the University of Georgia Board of Visitors. She has played a pivotal role in shaping policy, leadership programs, and mentorship initiatives. Sally’s commitment to developing people and strengthening communities is evident in her service-driven leadership and her enduring impact on both the profession and the public good.

EMILY RITZLER, AICP

Southeast Regional Planning Lead / WSP USA Ritzler has a strong track record of delivering regionally significant initiatives for local governments, state DOTs, and transit agencies. She and her team are at the forefront of innovative tools and techniques to transform the state of planning. Emily has a passion for mentoring the next generation of leaders and empowers her team to create lasting, meaningful impact through every project.

ANNA ROACH

Executive Director & CEO / Atlanta Regional Commission Roach's vision is to create One Great Region by fostering thriving communities for all within the Atlanta region through collaborative, data-informed planning and investments. Roach manages the agency’s $104 million operating budget and leads a talented team that works with local governments and community partners to improve life in the Atlanta region. ARC's portfolio includes regional transportation planning, aging services, community development, water resources management, workforce development, and homeland security coordination. Roach also serves on the following boards: Leadership Atlanta, Drawdown Georgia, Learn4Life, the Partnership for Inclusive Innovation, Council for Quality Growth, and the Atlanta Fire Rescue Foundation.

JENNIFER ROACH, PE, CFM

Deputy City Engineer / City of Savannah Roach joined the City in May 2024. In her role, she helps oversee work programs within the City’s Development Services Department, including floodplain management, site development permitting and inspections, surveying, and GIS. She is responsible for enforcing the City’s Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance and ensuring compliance with FEMA’s Community Rating System (CRS) program. Previously, Jen spent 17 years as a Project Manager at Thomas & Hutton, specializing in stormwater and floodplain management. With extensive expertise in floodplain modeling, she was the company’s lead on FEMA analyses and LOMC applications. N

engineering ga [ feature ]

May | June 43

KELLY ROBERTS

Managing Director, Principal / Walter P Moore Roberts has nearly 20 years of structural design experience ranging from educational, hospitality, and healthcare facilities to high-rise office and mixed-use towers.

She was promoted to Principal at the age of 33, she is currently the Managing Director of Walter P Moore's Atlanta Structural Engineering Group. She spearheads internal initiatives to make integrated design workflow more efficient and reliable across Walter P Moore’s working groups. Kelly has also made a personal impact on Walter P Moore’s success through her mentoring, participation, and leadership. She was a lead author of the firm's second stewardship report, Embodied Carbon, Insights Into Carbon Impact, which was released in 2024.

STEPHANIE ROBERTS

Environmental Transit Planning Manager / VHB Roberts is well-versed in developing innovative strategies, identifying schedule savings and risks, and streamlining project delivery for projects. Her experience includes project management, National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) document preparation, and alternative analysis for various Federal and State agencies across the United States. Through specializing on transit over her 25+ year career in the private sector, she has worked on large infrastructure projects across the United States. She is proud to take her national experience to assist Georgia's with transit and highway concerns. Stephanie is an AICP certified planner and is certified ENV SP.

LORI SAND

Associate Vice President - Transit Planning Director / HNTB Sand's 25 year career has been committed to transit excellence in both public and private sector roles. She has served in significant leadership roles with an eye to industry and community leadership at all times.

She began her career committed to public service, including leadership roles as the general manager in Asheville, North Carolina and Augusta, Georgia. In transitioning to the private sector, Lori has been a transit system planning leader in metro Atlanta, working on major expansion and strategic initiatives for ATL and MARTA. Lori’s commitment to planning and engineering is founded in her commitment to community.

BETH ANN SCHWARTZ, PE

Senior Associate and Technical Manager / Michael Baker International Schwartz is dedicated to advancing transportation in Georgia for 30 years. She has been instrumental in countless transportation projects and excels at moving projects forward while focusing on the client’s / citizen’s needs. She is passionate and active in the engineering community through numerous leadership roles in WTS Atlanta chapter and memberships in ACEC-Georgia, WTS and ASHE. Schwartz is impassioned about her projects, clients, DE&I, mentorship, recruitment, family, and volunteering to give back to the engineering community. With her extensive experience and dedication to both her projects and the people she serves, she has made a significant impact over the years.

CARRIE ROCHA, PE, CCM

Chief Capital Officer / Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) Rocha oversees the Division of Capital Programs, Expansion & Innovation (CPEI).

The Division of CPEI is responsible for planning, developing, designing, and delivering capital projects to expand transit services that meet the growing needs of MARTA's service area, as well as improving the reliability and safety of MARTA's system through the State of Good Repair Program.

Rocha is responsible for a portfolio of over 150 projects and an annual budget of over $500 million in the capital improvement program.

44 Engineering Georgia

JULIE SECRIST, PE, F.ASCE

Founder & CEO / Red Stone Group Development & Engineering, LLC Secrist identifies the best use of land, leads design, and provides support throughout construction. In her 20-year career, Julie has worked on public and private sector projects. Public sector includes aviation design for Hartsfield-Jackson while private sector includes commercial, residential, office, and mixed-use projects such as Halcyon and Avalon.

Julie serves as President for Georgia Engineering Foundation, Past-President of ASCE Georgia, Past-Chair for UGA’s College of Engineering Advisory Board, and Co-Chair for the Georgia Infrastructure Report Card. She was just named Georgia’s 2025 Engineer of the Year in Construction. N

engineering ga [ feature ]

May | June 45

REBECCA SHELTON, PE

ANGELA SNYDER

Director / Gwinnett County Department of Water Resources Shelton leads a large metro Atlanta water, wastewater and stormwater utility with a $400 million per year budget serving over one million residents. While more than half of her career has been spent at Gwinnett Water Resources, her experience also includes public works at the City of Alpharetta and sewer evaluation and rehabilitation at the City of Atlanta. She is active in her community, volunteering with Rotary, local food banks, her church and the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE). She is an active member of ASCE’s Committee for America’s Infrastructure, two time Past-President of the Rotary Club of Buford/North Gwinnett, and current Region 5 Governor for ASCE.

President / Practical Design Partners Snyder is an active member in the engineering community, dedicating over two decades to various leadership roles within ACEC Georgia, WTS Atlanta, and the Georgia Engineering Alliance. Currently, she chairs the K-12 sub-committee of the STEM Workforce Task Force and serves on the ACEC Georgia Board of Directors.

Snyder actively serves as a leader in her neighborhood and her church.

Since co-founding Practical Design Partners (PDP) in 2020, she has been excited to see its growth and engage with the employees and clients that they happily serve providing quality solutions and an engaging culture.

KENYATA SMILEY

CONTENTE TERRY

Transportation Planning Director / HNTB Smiley is a results-oriented and solution-driven. She is adept at cultivating relationships, listening and understanding the needs in any community she is working in. She coordinates with key decision-makers, understanding what they value and focuses on their success in serving their communities.

She has over 20 years of experience managing multimodal projects, transportation plans, and grant programs across multiple departments, jurisdictions, and organizations. She has a thorough knowledge of federal, state, regional, and local rules, requirements and brings strong management skills in both people and project leadership. She has worked with Gwinnett County, MARTA, City of Atlanta, ARC and GDOT.

ALISHA SMITH

RUKIYA THOMAS

Director of Projects and Planning / Town Center CID Smith helps advance the vision of the TCCID by implementing a strategic approach to infrastructure and placemaking projects that address transportation and quality of life needs for the Town Center community. Alisha oversees the TCCID’s portfolio of projects and collaborates with both internal and external partners to ensure that these investments are managed wisely and achieved on time. She is also responsible for overseeing capital projects and community programs and planning. She works closely with local, regional and federal partners to identify funding for larger infrastructure projects and studies.

46 Engineering Georgia

Founder/ CEO / Contente Consulting, Inc. Terry is a seasoned entrepreneur and leader in urban planning and transportation. As the founder of Contente Consulting, a DBE-certified firm based in Atlanta, she has over 25 years of experience in developing and executing innovative, action-oriented public engagement programs for transit agencies, local governments, and non-profit organizations. Since founding her firm in 2005, Contente has built an outstanding portfolio, leading communications and outreach initiatives that have influenced the development of the Atlanta region’s transit systems, multi-use trails, housing, and transit-oriented development. Her expertise in urban planning and community engagement has been integral to shaping the region’s growth.

Culture and Social Impact, Executive Lead / AtkinsRéalis Thomas spearheads Culture and Social Impact initiatives across the United States, driving a strategic plan aimed at fostering equal and equitable communities, diverse business, and inclusive culture. Joining AtkinsR√©alis in 2018 as Vice President of Regional Business Development & Strategy for Georgia, she leverages 22 years of experience to fortify client relationships and enhance market presence in the greater Atlanta, Georgia community. Thomas is dedicated to engineering a better future for both people and the planet through her leadership and strategic vision.

engineering ga [ feature ]

SUSAN THOMAS, AICP

Vice President / Edwards-Pitman Environmental, Inc. Thomas is a strategic leader driving operational excellence at Edwards-Pitman Environmental, a premier consulting firm specializing in environmental solutions for the transportation sector across the southeastern United States. Overseeing a team of more than 90 environmental professionals, she has been instrumental in shaping the firm's reputation as an industry leader.

In addition to her leadership at EdwardsPitman, Thomas supports operational advancements within the broader business of its parent company, Braun Intertec Corporation. A certified member of the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP), she remains actively engaged in the Georgia Partnership for Transportation Quality, contributing to the continuous improvement of environmental and infrastructure planning.

ERIN THORESEN, AICP

Owner, Georgia Planning Leader / Gresham Smith Thoresen brings nearly two decades of comprehensive planning experience, specializing in community and transportation planning. Her contributions have been instrumental in expanding Gresham Smith's Georgia Transportation Planning Department into a significant competitor in the market through an increasingly diverse mix of projects.

Erin's expertise continues to drive the department's growth and diversification. Additionally, she serves she serves as District 3 Director (Metro Atlanta area) and Chair of the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee on the Georgia Planning Association board.

AMANDA VON OLDENBURG

Deputy Program & Project Manager / AtkinsRéalis With over a decade of expertise in the environmental and transportation sectors. Throughout her career, she has successfully led and contributed to an array of complex, high-impact projects spanning transportation planning, environmental policy, and regulatory compliance. Amanda is a member of several professional and philanthropic organizations, including: Philanthropic Educational Organization (PEO) Chapter BQ Decatur, ACEC Georgia, Co-Chair of Georgia Partnership for Transportation Quality (GPTQ) Air & Noise Subcommittee, and current Vice President of Membership for the Women’s Transportation Seminar (WTS) Atlanta Chapter, demonstrating her unwavering dedication to leadership, education, and the advancement of the fields of transportation and environmental planning.

CAROLINE WHALEY

Executive Director / Gateway Marietta CID Whaley brings over two decades of experience in economic and land development, public-private partnerships, and nonprofit leadership. Since taking the helm at GMCID five years ago, she has spearheaded initiatives focused on safety, beautification, and infrastructure‚Äîadvancing the district’s ongoing revitalization and reinvestment. Caroline holds a Master’s degree in City and Regional Planning from Georgia Tech and is also Managing Partner at Strategic Community Partners. In this role, she advises on CID formation and management, economic development strategies, and government relations. Her current work is centered on driving continued economic growth and infrastructure improvements along the Franklin Gateway Corridor.

SASHA UGI

Vice President / Croy Sasha serves as Vice President for Croy, a Georgia-based consulting firm with more than 100 employees in offices across the Southeast. In this role, she supports critical operations – such as monitoring project P&L, performance, and staffing. This includes providing a consistent approach to project delivery, operational reporting, quality, and training for managers and staff.

She also provides leadership for the firm’s strategic direction, engagement, communication, and culture efforts. This ranges from overseeing all charitable giving, sponsorships, and conference/event attendance, to leading a team charged with internal and external marketing, communications, formal pursuits, licensures, and culture initiatives.

SHERL A. WHITE, DBIA

Civil Engineer/Senior Project Manager / Pont Engineering White has 35 years of experience within the transportation industry, Sherl’s portfolio includes managing highway, bridge, and rail projects in the Midwest and Southeast region.

She has managed Design-Build projects for the Georgia Department of Transportation since 2011.

Sherl was the project manager on Georgia’s first reversible express lanes project in Clayton and Henry Counties. Additionally, Sherl has worked on two high profile projects in the Atlanta Region. Sherl served as the Administrative Quality Lead on the $800M DBF 285/20 East Interchange Project and is currently the Federal DBE/EEO compliance Lead on the SR 400 Express Lanes project. N

engineering ga [ feature ]

May | June 47

Emi l eeWoodsi sal i c ens edpr of es s i onalengi neeri n Geor gi a.Sheobt ai ned herBSCE f r om Aubur n Uni ver s i t y and her MSCE f r om Geor gi a Tec h.I n2 02 4,a erel even year si nt he i ndus t r y and s er vi ng i na hi ghpr ofil epos i t i on i nt hepr i vat es ec t or , Emi l ee l aunc hed At hena Engi neer i ng,a womanowned, c er t i fiedDBEc i vi lengi neer i ng c ons ul t i ng fir m del i ver i ng des i gn and managements er vi c esi nMet r oAt l ant a. e fir mi so t oaqui c kandhi ghl ys uc c es s f ul s t ar t , gar ner i ng over whel mi ng s uppor t f r om t hemar ketandi ndus t r yl eader sands er vi ng t heneedsofc l i ent sac r os sdel i ver ymodel sandpr oj ec tt ypes .

AsOwnerandPr i nc i palEngi neer , Emi l eel ever agesherdi ver s ei ndus t r yexper i enc ei nbot ht r adi t i onalandal t er nat i vedel i ver yt odevel opandgr ow t he bus i nes s .

May | June 49

35 35 UNDER 35 WOMEN TO KNOW

E

in Georgia Engineering Selected by ACEC Georgia’s 100 Influential Women in Engineering Committee

Engineering Georgia’s 35 Under 35 Women to Know in Georgia Engineering is a celebration of the next generation of influential leaders within engineering and land development professionals.

These women are recognized by their peers for their dedication, innovation, and leadership as engineers, planners, strategists, and civic leaders.

COMPILED & EDITED

BY BRETT HILLESHEIM

50 Engineering Georgia

engineering ga [ feature ]

5 1

4

7

10

13

16

2

5

8

11

14

17

1. MITHRA ATHIAPPAN Staff Engineer | 2MNEXT

2. KELSEY BALDWIN, PE Southeast Operations Lead | Jacobs

3. ALLISON BELL, AICP 3

Transportation Planner | VHB

4. MELANIE BRUEGGEMANN, PE Municipal Utilities Director | Croy

5. ABIGAIL BURKS, PE Project Engineer | Athena Engineering

6. ANASTASIA BUSH 6

Zero Emissions Transportation Consultant 1898 & Co., a part of Burns & McDonnell

7. MACEY CARSON Project Coordinator | 2MNEXT

8. LAUREN DAVENPORT, PE, LEED AP, PMP, GSWCC L2 Project Manager | Thomas & Hutton

9

9. ALEXANDRA DAVIS Environmental Manager | Atlas Technical Consultants

10. KATELYN DAVIS Environmental Project Manager | Edwards-Pitman

11. MARCI EARLY Project Engineer | HNTB Corporation

12. ALLISON HARTNEY, EIT 12

Project Coordinator | Aulick Engineering, LLC

13. BRITTANY ISRAEL, PE Director of Water Resources & Environmental Compliance Lumenor Consulting Group

14. KATIE KELLY, EIT Bridge Engineer | Kimley-Horn

15. LAUREN KILGORE 15

Civil Engineering Analyst | Kimley-Horn

16. JOCELYN LION, MHP Senior Architectural Historian/NEPA Planner | WSP USA

17. MORGAN MURDOCK, PE Senior Project Manager | W&A Engineering

18. ANGELA NGUYEN, PE Senior Project Engineer | Practical Design Partners N

18 May | June 51

35 19. MARGARET ORTIZ, EIT Project Manager | Jacobs

20. LAURA OUDERKIRK, PE

Section Manager | Burns & McDonnell

19

20

21

21. JANINE PAYNE, PE jrpayne@vhb.com | VHB

22. AMANDA POWERS, PE Roadway Engineer/Associate Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc.

23. AMANDA ROSTIN

Vice President | Lead Edge Design Group

22

23

24

24. KATE SAUNDERS

Business Development & Ops Coordinator | 2MNEXT

25. MOLLY SCHENCK

Associate Director | Secretariat International

26. LAUREN SCHRAMM

NEPA Manager | Pond & Company

25

26

27

27. LEIGH SEXTON, PE

GA-AL/MS Water Business Group Manager | HDR

28. NICOLE STUHR, PE, CPESC

Senior Engineer | Geosyntec Consultants, Inc.

29. KARRI THOMAS Project Manager | Jacobs

30. MOLLY TURNER, PE

28

29

30

Project Manager | Benesch

31. SARAH UGOLIK, PE

Transportation Project Manager | Mofatt & Nichol

32. ELIZABETH VAN PELT

Express Lanes Project Manager/Project Engineer | HNTB

33. KATIE WEST

Project Manager and NEPA Services Lead | AtkinsRealis

31

32

33

34. JENNIFER YOUNG, PE Project Manager | Dewberry

35. BING ZHANG, PE, PTOE

Transportation Engineer/Associate Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc. A

34

52 Engineering Georgia

35

engineering ga [ feature ]

5

May | June 53

54 Engineering Georgia

DARREN MICKLER PELS Boards Executive Director www.sos.ga.gov

GEORGIA PELS BOARD UPDATE: THE GEORGIA PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERS AND LAND SURVEYORS (PELS) BOARD HAS IMPLEMENTED SEVERAL SIGNIFICANT UPDATES DURING MAY AND JUNE 2025, REFLECTING ONGOING EFFORTS TO ENHANCE LICENSURE PROCESSES AND PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS IN THE STATE.

1. NEW LICENSURE PATHWAY FOR PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERS On May 9, 2025, Governor Brian Kemp signed Senate Bill 125 into law, introducing a streamlined licensure process for Professional Engineers (PEs). Under this new legislation, applicants can now complete both the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) and Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exams before acquiring the requisite professional experience. This change eliminates the previous requirement for Board approval prior to exam registration, allowing candidates to apply for licensure after passing both exams and fulfilling the necessary experience based on their educational background. (pels.georgia.gov)

2. LAUNCH OF NEW PELS BOARD WEBSITE Effective April 17, 2025, the PELS Board unveiled its new official website: pels.georgia.gov. This platform offers enhanced navigation, updated resources, and streamlined access to licensing services, aligning with the Board's commitment to improving user experience and accessibility.

3. UPCOMING BOARD MEETINGS The PELS Board has scheduled its next meetings for August 14, October 9, and December 11, 2025. All meetings will be held from 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM at the Peachtree Center International Tower, 229 Peachtree St NE, Suite 1875, Atlanta, GA 30303. These sessions are open to the public, providing opportunities for stakeholders to stay informed and engaged with the Board's activities. (pels.georgia.gov)

4. ANNUAL LICENSE RENEWAL REMINDER Professionals are reminded that individual license renewals for engineers and land surveyors will commence on October 15, 2025.

Renewals should be completed through the Evoke System accessible via the PELS Board website. Timely renewal is crucial to maintain active licensure status and compliance with state regulations. (pels. georgia.gov, YMAWS)

5. UPDATES ON LAND SURVEYOR LICENSURE PROCESS The Board continues to refine the licensure process for Professional Land Surveyors (PLS). Key components include a mandatory two-year apprenticeship, submission of four certified plats, and completion of specific coursework. These measures aim to ensure comprehensive training and uphold the profession's standards. (YMAWS) For more detailed information and resources, please visit the Georgia PELS Board's official website.

56 Engineering Georgia

ANITA ATKINSON, P.E., F.ASCE Patterson & Dewar Engineers, Inc. ASCE Georgia President www.ascega.org

JOIN US FOR THE ASCE 2025 CONVENTION IN SEATTLE! Mark your calendars for October 8–11, 2025, as the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) hosts its premier membership event at the Seattle Convention Center. This year's convention, themed Inspiring Innovative Infrastructure, promises to be a dynamic gathering of civil engineering professionals from around the globe.

WHY ATTEND? • Engaging Sessions: Dive into cutting-edge topics such as artificial intelligence in civil engineering, cybersecurity, disaster response, equity in infrastructure, modular design, renewable energy, and more.

• Professional Development: Earn Professional Development Hours (PDHs) through a variety of educational sessions designed to enhance your skills and knowledge.

• Networking Opportunities: Connect with fellow engineers, industry leaders, and innovators during plenary sessions, panel discussions, and social events.

• Honoring Excellence: Celebrate the achievements of distinguished members, including the induction of the 2025 class of Distinguished Members on October 9.

• Younger Member Engagement: Explore the Younger Member Poster Session, showcasing emerging engineers' contributions to the field.

VENUE: Seattle Convention Center 705 Pike Street Seattle, WA 98101 Don't miss this opportunity to be part of a transformative event that shapes the future of civil engineering. For more details and to register, visit the ASCE 2025 Convention website. (convention.asce.org) We look forward to seeing you in Seattle!

association [ news ]

May | June 57

SARAH BLACKBURN, PE Gresham Smith ASHE Georgia President www.georgia.ashe.pro

RECAP OF ANNUAL POKER TOURNAMENT We held our annual poker tournament on March 27th. Thanks to United Consulting for hosting and a big thank you to our sponsors, volunteers, and table captains for making the event successful. Congratulations to our winners!

1st Place: Alex Stone 2nd Place: Brad Robinson 3rd Place: Tom Ziegler

LAWRENCEVILLE CO-OP FOOD BANK VOLUNTEERS Thank you to all ASHE Georgia members who volunteered at the Lawrenceville Co-Op Food Bank!

RECAP OF PICKLEBALL SOCIAL ASHE Georgia held its first Pickleball Social on April 24th. Thanks to everyone who came out and made it such a fun time and a big thank you to TranSystems for sponsoring!

We look forward to the next outing!

RECAP OF APRIL LUNCHEON The April Luncheon was held on April 18th at Maggiano’s in Buckhead. We had Peter Sewczwicz, Brian O’Connor, and Rob Dell Ross from their respective cities to hold a panel discussion on the North Fulton area Public Works. It was a great presentation accompanied by a chance to network and enjoy awesome food. Thank you to all who came out!

UPCOMING EVENTS October 8th – 10th 2025 ASHE SE Region Conference

58 Engineering Georgia

association [ news ]

MIHYEON [CHRISTY] JEON, PH.D., PE, PTOE, AICP, ENV SP AtkinsRéalis Georgia Section ITE President www.gaite.org

2025 MARCH AND APRIL MONTHLY MEETING Many of us gathered and heard from SueAnne Decker, PE, Assistant Director of Strategic and Systems Planning at the GDOT Office of Planning in our March Meeting. Our April meeting was held at Georgia Tech and featured students’ research presentations.

2025 SDITE MOVITE ANNUAL MEETING About 30 members attended the 2025 Annual Meeting in Memphis in April, and we’re so proud that our section and members were recognized with many awards including the Outstanding Section Award!

INTRODUCE A GIRL TO ENGINEERING DAY We had a great time volunteering and interacting with future female engineers at our Georgia ITE booth! Participants had a lot of fun competing with each other (and their parents) in our junior Traffic Bowl activity!

association [ news ]

May | June 59

ANDREW FARMER, PE Gresham Smith GEF Secretary andrew.farmer@greshamsmith.com www.gefinc.org

GSU AWARDS CEREMONY – APRIL 18, 2025

THE GEORGIA ENGINEERING FOUNDATION (GEF) WOULD LIKE TO CONGRATULATE ALL OUR SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS FOR OUR 2024-2025 SCHOLARSHIP YEAR! This year, through our scholarship endowment and generous donations from our partner firms, professional organizations, and individuals, GEF was able to award 57 scholarships totaling $136,050!

GEF was able to award most of the scholarships this year at ceremonies held on campus at the engineering universities in Georgia: Georgia Tech, Kennesaw State University, Georgia Southern University, and University of Georgia.

UGA AWARDS CEREMONY – APRIL 16, 2025

_______________________

The Georgia Engineering Foundation is a 100% volunteer 501(3)c organization made up of a wide range of organizations and societies that have joined together to implement a common scholarship program and promote STEM for the benefit of students from Georgia.

GT AWARDS CEREMONY – APRIL 21, 2025

60 Engineering Georgia

association [ news ]

AUSTIN DUEHR, PE GSPE President www.gspe.org

UPCOMING GSPE EVENTS: ENGAGE, LEARN, AND CONNECT

The Georgia Society of Professional Engineers (GSPE) is dedicated to promoting the ethical and competent practice of engineering. GSPE offers a variety of events throughout the year, providing opportunities for professional development, networking, and community engagement.

MONTHLY CHAPTER MEETINGS

ANNUAL EVENTS

GSPE's regional chapters host regular meetings featuring expert speakers on topics relevant to the engineering profession. These gatherings offer Professional Development Hours (PDHs) and networking opportunities.

New PE Recognition Event Celebrate newly licensed Professional Engineers in Georgia. _______

Atlanta Metro Chapter: Meets on the second Monday of each month at 7:00 PM. Meetings are held virtually at GSPEng YouTube Channel. _______

PDH Day: Earn up to 8 hours of continuing education in a single day. _______

Cobb Chapter: Meets on the second Wednesday of each month.

Meeting dates and times are posted on the GSPE Events Calendar. _______

Engineer of the Year Awards: Honor outstanding engineers who have made significant contributions to the profession. _______

Augusta Chapter: Meets on the fourth Thursday of each month at 12:00 PM. RSVP by the preceding Monday by emailing GSPEAugusta@cranstonengineering.com.

MATHCOUNTS: Support middle school students in a nationwide math competition.

For more details and to register for events, visit GSPE's Events Page.

Stay connected and continue advancing your engineering career with GSPE.

CONNECT WITH US ON SOCIAL MEDIA! Facebook.com/gspeorg

Linkedin.com/company/Georgia-society-of-professional-engineers

www.youtube.com/GSPEng

TO LEARN MORE VISIT GSPE.ORG | TO JOIN VISIT NSPE.ORG/MEMBERSHIP/JOIN-NOW association [ news ]

May | June 61

MATT GLASSER, PE Arcadis ITS Georgia President president@itsga.org www.itsga.org

CRISTINA AND CHRIS RESPOND TO QUESTIONS FROM THE AUDIENCE

GDOT AND HTNB PRESENT ON THE AKERS MILL REVERSIBLE EXPRESS LANES RAMP Cristina Barry (Georgia Department of Transportation) and Chris Gallien (HTNB) joined ITS Georgia in March at Maggiano’s Cumberland to share their experience on the design and implementation of the new express lanes ramp from Akers Mill Road. The new ramp features gates at both the entry and exit points, alerting drivers to the direction the express lanes are serving. The new ramp at Akers Mill is expected to improve mobility and reliability of commutes to and from the Cumberland area, which is currently Atlanta’s fifth largest job center.

provided excellent insight into the status and on-going challenges that the Georgia Department of Transportation faces when rolling out new initiatives and cutting-edge products. Thank you, John, for engaging with our community and sharing your experience!

CATCHUP ON OUR MONTHLY MEETINGS ON YOUTUBE All of ITS Georgia’s technical content is loaded onto our YouTube channel (youtube.com/@ITSGeorgia). If you are unable to attend a meeting, we hope you are able to find time to join us after the fact to catch up on the exciting content that you missed! Remote options are always available if you cannot attend in person but want to catch our meetings live!

CRISTINA BARRY PROVIDES AN UPDATE ON THE AKERS MILL RAMP

CHRIS GALLIEN DESCRIBES THE OPENING DAY OF THE AKERS MILL RAMP

Cristina and Chris provided an overview of the design and decisionmaking process for the new ramp and provided valuable insight and lessons learned on the implementation of the ramp. The implementation of the new ramp documented the lead-up to the ramp opening and first day activities, including riding along with HERO units who are tasked with confirming that the reversible express lanes are functional and safe prior to any directional change. Thank you, Cristina and Chris, for sharing the knowledge collected on this challenging project with us!

JOHN HIBBARD TEACHES ITSGA ABOUT THE ABCVS John Hibbard (Georgia Department of Transportation) provided an update on connect vehicles, autonomous vehicles, the National Electric Vehicle Program, and the newly released Transportation Operations Manual at ITS Georgia’s April meeting at Monday Night Garage. John

62 Engineering Georgia

ITS WORLD CONGRESS IS COMING TO ATLANTA IN 2025 The 2025 ITS World Congress will be hosted in Atlanta, GA this year between August 24th-28th. The ITS World Congress is a global event for intelligent transportation and typically draws over 14,000 attendees from over 50 countries across the world. Over 5 days of programming including 230+ technical sessions, 300+ exhibitors, and 20 technical tours will be occurring throughout the conference making this a once in a lifetime opportunity for ITSGA members to expand their network and make an impact worldwide.

ITSGA will not be hosting an annual meeting this year considering this event, and we encourage all of our members to join in the fun at the Georgia World Congress Center this August! Registration will be available at a later date but sign up to receive updates here: itsamericaevents.com/world-congress/en-us/pre-register.html

association [ news ]

CHRIS LYTLE Uzun & Case Engineers, LLC SEAOG President www.seaog.org

The Structural Engineers Association of Georgia (SEAOG) has had an eventful May 2025, showcasing excellence in structural engineering and fostering community engagement.

Below are the key highlights from this month's activities:

SPOTLIGHT ON STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING EXCELLENCE On May 14, SEAOG hosted its monthly chapter meeting at Maggiano’s Perimeter Mall, featuring presentations from the 2024 Georgia Structural Engineering Excellence (SEE) Award winners. The evening included insightful discussions on: • Emory Health Sciences Research Building II by HOK: A LEED Gold-certified biomedical facility emphasizing sustainability and advanced structural design.

• 159 Armour Drive by Stability Engineering: An adaptive reuse project transforming a 1950s warehouse into a modern office space, blending historical elements with contemporary engineering.

• Atrium Health Amphitheater by Uzun+Case and Stanley D. Lindsey & Associates: A collaborative effort resulting in a regionally significant outdoor venue with innovative structural solutions.

These presentations highlighted the ingenuity and collaborative spirit within Georgia's structural engineering community. (seaog.org)

SE3 COMMITTEE FOCUS ON DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION The Structural Engineering Engagement and Equity (SE3) Committee continues its mission to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion within the profession. This month's "Read.Watch.

Listen" installment revisits the business case for DEI, emphasizing the benefits of a diverse and inclusive workplace. Members interested in contributing to these efforts are encouraged to get involved.

Visit the SEAOG News Page for upcoming events.

association [ news ]

May | June 63

ANGEL MALLARD, CPSM SMPS President www.smpsatl.org

64 Engineering Georgia

THANK YOU TO OUR ANNUAL SPONSORS

association [ news ]

IRIS ORTIZ WTS Atlanta President iortiz@hntb.com www.wtsinternational.org/atlanta

MESSAGE FROM THE WTS PRESIDENT WTS Atlanta members have been busy!

Our chapter hosted seven events during the past two months, including two community service events (Habitat for Humanity Build project and Atlanta Beltline cleanup), student engagement (including participating in ACEC’s Introduce a Girl to Engineering) and a happy hour with Gwinnett County DOT. Stay tuned for future events… we look forward to meeting you!

Iris Ortiz WTS Atlanta President

association [ news ]

May | June 65

A LOOK BACK The Inauguration of Rebecca Latimer Felt Felton was sworn in on November 21, 1922, and served just 24 hours. At the age of 87, she was the oldest freshman senator to enter the Senate.

Felton was the only woman to have served as a senator from Georgia until the appointment of Kelly Loeffler in 2020, nearly 100 years later.

66 Engineering Georgia