The 2024 Georgia Engineering Awards
were held Friday, February 23, 2024
Gas South District | Thomas P. "Tommy" Hughes Ballroom
TITLE SPONSOR:
Join engineers, owners, and clients for this fun-filled, black-tie awards event celebrating exceptional engineers, engineering projects, and the achievements of the industry! In addition to our esteemed honorees, specially invited VIPs will also be in attendance.
Confirmed Special Guests Include:
- Congressman Sanford Bishop, Georgia's 2nd Congressional District, US House of Representatives
- Collie Greenwood, General Manager & CEO, MARTA
- Congressman Rich McCormick, Georgia's 6th Congressional District, US House of Representatives
- Commissioner Russell McMurry, GDOT
- Anna Roach, Executive Director & CEO, Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC)
- Mike Alexander, Chief Operating Officer, Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC)
- Kwadwo Atta, Deputy Chief Operating Officer, City of Atlanta
- Lisa Benjamin, Chief Operating Officer, City of Atlanta
- Stacy Blakley, Board Member, MARTA
- Solomon Caviness, Commissioner, City of Atlanta DOT
- Jack Cebe, Stitch Development Manager, Atlanta Downtown
- Lewis Cooksey, Director, Gwinnett County Department of Transportation
- Alyssa Davis, Executive Director, Sugarloaf CID
- Houston Gaines, Representative, Georgia House of Representatives
- Lisa Glover, Chief of Staff, City of Atlanta DOT
- Steve Gooch, Senate Majority Leader, Georgia Senate
- Krystal Harris, Program Director, ATL Airport CIDs
- Hameed Malik, Director of Engineering, Augusta
- Gregory Moore, Deputy Commissioner, Capital Delivery, City of Atlanta DOT
- Gifton Passley, Deputy Executive Director, GSFIC
- Drew Raessler, Director, Cobb DOT
- Carrie Rocha, Chief Capital Officer, Division of Capital Programs, Expansion & Innovation, MARTA
- Ed Setzler, Senator, Georgia Senate
- Rebecca Shelton, Director, Gwinnett County Department of Water Resources
- Brad Thomas, State Representative, Georgia State House of Representatives
- LaTeeka Washington, Assistant General Manager, Centralized Program Management Office, MARTA
- Malika Wilkins, Chief External Affairs & Strategy Officer, Atlanta Regional Commission
Presenting Sponsor:
Engineering Influence & Engineering Impact Awards
ACEC Georgia’s Engineering Influence and Engineering Impact Awards honor individuals, one from the public sector and one from the private sector, whose outstanding leadership and achievements have benefited the entire state of Georgia.
Honorees are chosen based on accomplishments that have had a positive impact on the engineering industry and business community of Georgia, such as –
- Demonstrating exceptional leadership and commitment to addressing the infrastructure challenges of a locality, region and/or the entire state;
- Making significant contributions to the economic vitality or business climate of a locality, region and/or the State of Georgia; and
- A direct impact on the growth and success of their organization.
Engineering Influence Award
Senate Majority Leader Steve Gooch
Georgia State Senate District 51
Senator Steve Gooch has influenced Georgia's engineering and economic sectors in the State Senate since 2011. Representing District 51, Sen. Gooch's early life on a farm shaped his understanding of rural needs and development. His tenure in the Senate is marked by a focus on fostering economic opportunity and supporting business enterprises, both large and small.
As the Senate Majority Leader, Sen. Gooch plays a pivotal role in shaping legislation that encourages economic development and job creation, with a particular emphasis on engineering and infrastructure projects. His efforts in these areas have been recognized by the Georgia Chamber of Commerce, which named him the 2023 Legislator of the Year, highlighting his commitment to promoting free enterprise and his strategic advocacy for economic growth in Georgia.
Sen. Gooch's legislative work is characterized by his support for innovative solutions to state-wide challenges, ensuring Georgia remains a top state for business. His dedication to improving Georgia's infrastructure and business climate through engineering advancements has made a significant impact on the state's development and prosperity.
Engineering Impact Award
Michael & Jerome Russell
H. J. Russell & Company
Herman J. Russell, the visionary founder of H. J. Russell & Company, established a legacy of entrepreneurship and empowerment that has significantly impacted Atlanta's landscape and community. With its inception in 1952, the company emerged as a symbol of resilience and innovation, navigating the complexities of civil rights and urban development to build some of Atlanta's most iconic structures. Herman's journey, from a young entrepreneur during the Great Depression to a revered leader in construction and real estate, exemplifies a dedication to breaking barriers and fostering economic growth. His commitment to community and civic leadership was evident through his involvement in key urban development projects and significant contributions to the civil rights movement, setting a powerful example for future generations​​.
Continuing this legacy, Herman's sons, Michael and Jerome Russell, have taken the reins, guiding the company with a vision that mirrors their father's principles. Michael, as CEO, and Jerome, as President, have not only sustained the company's founding values but also propelled it into new ventures, ensuring its relevance and impact in the modern era. Under their leadership, H. J. Russell & Company has maintained its status as a pioneer in the construction and real estate sectors, while expanding its influence through initiatives like the Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs (RICE). This dedication to nurturing entrepreneurial spirit and community empowerment echoes Herman's original vision, ensuring the Russell family's enduring legacy in Atlanta's growth and prosperity.
2024 Engineering Excellence
Award Winners:
Category 1 - Studies, Research and Consulting Engineering Services
Honor Award (2nd Place)
Public Engagement for SR 4/US 25BU @ Savannah River
@ South Carolina State Line
VHB
Merit Award (3rd Place)
Eastern Wharf Development
Terracon Consultants
Category 2 - Building/Technology Systems
Honor Award (2nd Place)
Atlanta Humane Society HQ Facility
CROFT & Associates
Category 3 - Structural Systems
Honor Award (2nd Place)
Grand Bohemian Lodge
PES Structural Engineers
Honor Award (2nd Place)
SR 10 @ Sweetwater Creek
Parsons Transportation Group
Merit Award (3rd Place)
The HUB for Community Innovation
CRANSTON
Merit Award (3rd Place)
North Houston Sports Complex
PES Structural Engineers
Category 4 - Surveying and Mapping Technology
Category 5 - Environmental
Honor Award (2nd Place)
Atlanta BeltLine Southside Trail; Segment 1
United Consulting Group
Category 6 - Water Resources or Waste and Storm Water
Honor Award (2nd Place)
Crooked Creek Water Reclamation Facility Improvements Project Construction Package 4 (CP-4)
Jacobs/Hazen & Sawyer
Honor Award (2nd Place)
V.D. Parrott Jr. Water Treatment Plant Improvements
Barge Design Solutions
Merit Award (3rd Place)
SR 4 @ North Fork Spirit Creek
Parsons Transportation Group
Category 7 - Transportation
Honor Award (2nd Place)
Airside Design Salt Lake City International Airport Terminal Redevelopment Program
AERO Systems Engineering
Honor Award (2nd Place)
County Road (CR) 274/Bellville Road (Exit 2) Interchange Facility
Jacobs Engineering Group
Merit Award (3rd Place)
Cheshire Bridge Road Bridge over South Fork Peachtree Creek
Michael Baker International, Inc.
Merit Award (3rd Place)
PDK Atlantic Aviation Hangars K, L, Q
Aulick Engineering
Merit Award (3rd Place)
I-75 @ SR 20 Diverging Diamond Interchange
Jacobs Engineering Group
Category 8 - Energy
Category 9 - Industrial and Manufacturing Processes and Facilities
Category 10 - Small Projects
Honor Award (2nd Place)
WJ Hooper WPP Dechlorination System Design and Construction Services
R2T
Category 11 - Special Projects
Honor Award (2nd Place)
Savannah Transload Facility
AECOM
Honor Award (2nd Place)
Columbia County Performing Arts Center
CRANSTON
Merit Award (3rd Place)
Buffington Road Improvements from Royal South Parkway to SR 14/US 29
WSP USA Environment & Infrastructure
Merit Award (3rd Place)
Georgia State University Convocation Center
Kimley-Horn
Merit Award (3rd Place)
Midtown Union
Kimley-Horn
Platinum Sponsors
2024 Engineer of the Year Awards:
Michael C. Ray, P.E., F. ASCE, F. AACE, CCP, PSP, PMP
Lifetime Achievement Award Winner
John Koon, PhD, P.E., F.ABET, F.ASCE, NAE
Engineer of the Year
Matt Tanner, P.E., M. ASCE
Engineer of the Year in Construction
Gregory Wiles, PhD, P.E.
Engineer of the Year in Education
Ryan Bales, PhD, P.E.
Engineer of the Year in Government
Richard L. Curtis, P.E., D.GE, F. ASCE
Engineer of the Year in Private Practice
Baren K. Talukdar, PhD, P.E, M. SEI, F. ASCE, F. ACI, F. IE(Ind)
Engineer of the Year in Industry
David Glassman, P.E.
Young Engineer of the Year
Ryan Waltman
Engineering Student of the Year
Luke Sanders
Engineering Technology Student of the Year
Eberly & Associates
Small Engineering Employer of the Year
Dewberry
Large Engineering Employer of the Year
Lowe Engineers
Mid Size Engineering Employer of the Year
University of Georgia
Public Sector Employer of the Year
Caroline Campbell Smith, EIT, CFM, EnvSP
Engineering Organization Volunteer of the Year
Gold Sponsors
Silver Sponsors
