Across the country, communities are investing in modern water infrastructure that can meet changing regulations, withstand seismic events and support long‑term population growth. A major regional initiative in the Pacific Northwest reflects this movement, leveraging alternative delivery through a Construction Manager/General Contractor (CM/GC) approach to combine advanced treatment technology with seismically resilient pipelines — protecting a critical drinking water supply for generations to come.

At the heart of this program is a new state‑of‑the‑art filtration facility capable of treating 135 million gallons of water per day. Paired with new pipeline infrastructure to replace aging components, the project will remove sediment, organic material, microorganisms and other contaminants, including Cryptosporidium from the city’s drinking water supply.

Supporting Quality, Safety and Reliability Throughout Construction

As an essential partner on this CM/GC-delivered project, �鶹TV��վ provides comprehensive inspection and quality oversight, spanning grading, concrete, coatings, pipeline installation, electrical systems and mechanical components. This work supports alignment with contractual requirements, regulatory expectations and the rigorous safety standards essential for a project of this scale.

Within the collaborative CM/GC delivery environment, �鶹TV��վ strengthens coordinated decision‑making by offering clear documentation, real-time communication and multidisciplinary field support. Early contractor involvement enables proactive identification of constructability challenges, informed cost and schedule decisions and effective management — helping maintain compliance with state and federal water regulations while keeping construction moving efficiently.

Protecting Health, the Economy and the Future

This investment in upgraded treatment facilities and resilient conveyance infrastructure delivers benefits that extend far beyond regulatory compliance — protecting public health, supporting economic vitality and enhancing long-term system resilience in the face of seismic risk and future demand. ��

A Model for Modern Water Delivery

“This project demonstrates the value of alternative delivery, particularly the CM/GC model, in addressing complex water infrastructure challenges,” said Tom Price, �鶹TV��վ Infrastructure President. “By working collaboratively with the owner, designer and contractor early in the process, our team helps manage risk, maintain consistent quality and adapt as field conditions evolve. �鶹TV��վ’ integrated role supports informed decision-making and contributes to the long-term reliability of this essential water system.”

Learn more about �鶹TV��վ’ alternative delivery solutions and connect with us at the annual , being held April 13-15, in Grapevine, Texas. Visit us in Booth #638.

Project earns an ACEC Georgia Engineering Excellence Award.

Babak (Bobby) Shayan, David McKenney, Alexandra Davis, Andrew Pankopp and Andy Casey accept award on behalf project team.��

Spelman College has long been recognized for its academic excellence and leadership in liberal arts and sciences. As the college envisioned its first major new academic building in more than 25 years, campus leaders saw an opportunity to create something extraordinary — a space where the arts and sciences could finally converge and inspire one another.

The result is the 82,500‑square‑foot , a landmark building positioned at one of the campus’s most prominent corners. Designed to foster interdisciplinary collaboration, the Center includes performance spaces, classrooms, dance studios, a museum, a café and the Arthur M. Blank Innovation Lab — an advanced maker space inviting students from across disciplines to experiment and create.

The project recently earned statewide recognition, receiving an , in the Special Projects category. This award highlights the successful collaboration and technical excellence that brought this transformational building to life.

Engineering a Shared Vision

�鶹TV��վ is proud to have played a significant role in delivering the site design solutions that made this bold vision possible. Our team provided comprehensive services, including site planning, grading and drainage, stormwater management, utility design, erosion control, Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) documentation, permitting and construction support.

Designing within a dense, historic and active campus environment required meticulous planning and coordination. The project site, formerly a faculty parking lot, contained a complex web of existing utilities critical to campus operations. �鶹TV��վ conducted extensive investigation and subsurface utility exploration to minimize relocations, protect essential systems and see that construction could move forward without disrupting campus life.

This careful groundwork proved invaluable, especially when designing the foundations for the pedestrian bridge that connects the new Center to the campus core. Bridge footings were needed in an area crowded with existing and proposed utilities. �鶹TV��վ worked closely with the structural engineering team, using designating and targeted test pits to verify the exact location and elevation of utilities.

Sustainable Solutions Below the Surface

While much of the Center’s beauty is visible in its open, sun‑lit architecture and inviting outdoor “porch” spaces, some of its most impactful engineering features lie underground.

Located within — an area historically affected by pollution and flooding — the site required thoughtful water management strategies. �鶹TV��վ designed a 63,200‑gallon underground cistern, constructed from 84‑inch‑diameter pipe, to capture runoff from both landscaped areas and building rooftops. Pretreatment through vegetated swales and a high‑capacity First Defense system improves water quality, reduces downstream flooding and gives Spelman a sustainable irrigation source that reduces reliance on the city’s potable water supply.

During utility evaluations, �鶹TV��վ also identified opportunities to enhance segments of the existing sanitary sewer system serving a large portion of campus. The team designed a new watertight sewer main, improving system performance and safeguarding both campus operations and nearby natural environments.

The Center for Innovation and the Arts has already catalyzed new activity and programming on campus, creating a vibrant hub for creativity and discovery. For �鶹TV��վ, the project represents the impact of thoughtful civil engineering — solutions that operate quietly beneath the surface yet play a pivotal role in a building’s performance, sustainability and long‑term campus value.

“Earning the 2026 ACEC Georgia Merit Award underscores the significance of this achievement. The Center stands as a testament to what can be accomplished when visionary design meets technical precision: a building that not only serves Spelman College today but strengthens its legacy for generations to come,” said Tom Price, �鶹TV��վ Infrastructure President.

Additional Award-Winning Contributions

Alongside the Merit Award for the Spelman Center for Innovation and the Arts, �鶹TV��վ was also recognized for its contributions to the Big Creek Water Reclamation Facility Expansion and the Brookhaven City Center, which earned a State Award and an Honor Award, respectively.

By Alex Hartig, Program Manager and A.J. Alshammasi, Senior Engineering and Operations Manager

This week, we’ll be in Bakersfield, California, joining peers from across the country at the 2nd Annual Orphan, Idle & Marginal Wells California Conference. For those of us working directly on well plugging and abandonment, this gathering comes at an important moment.

Across California — and well beyond — states are facing a growing inventory of orphan, idle and marginal wells. Many of these wells, drilled in the early and mid-20th century, were left without proper documentation or closure, leading to methane leaks, soil and groundwater contamination and safety risks to nearby communities.

From our perspective, conferences like this matter because they create space for honest, technical conversations about what is working, what is not and where programs still struggle.

Why This Work Matters to Us

Both of us dedicate our days to the intricacies of well abandonment, engaging in project planning, navigating regulatory requirements, coordinating field teams and addressing unforeseen issues that arise once operations commence. Each site and well presents unique challenges, frequently extending beyond purely engineering concerns to include data deficiencies, community considerations and long-term land use planning.

Alex’s work focuses heavily on subsurface investigations and remediation across Southern California, including sites with complex contamination histories and limited documentation. Much of that effort involves review of historical aerial photos, available public/private records and aligning closure activities with broader environmental compliance goals.

A.J.’s role centers on leading engineering, operations and risk management for complex orphan, idle and marginal wells — reconstructing incomplete well histories, designing abandonment programs that are technically sound, regulatorily defensible and executable in the field. That often means balancing cost, safety, environmental protection and uncertainty, all at once.

What connects our work is the belief that successful closure programs rely on collaboration — between engineers, geoscientists, regulators and communities — and on the smart use of modern tools.

Sharing Lessons from the Field

At the conference, A.J. will be presenting “A Well Abandonment Journey Overview,” which draws directly from real‑world project experience. The presentation will walk through how teams are approaching complex abandonment projects today, including:

• Reconstructing well histories when records are incomplete or missing.
• Using drone‑based geophysical tools to help locate undocumented wells.
• Integrating engineering design with field execution to reduce surprises.
• Applying risk‑based planning to prioritize work and protect communities.

These are not theoretical concepts — they’re lessons shaped by what we see on the ground. Our goal in sharing them is to contribute practical insights that others can adapt to their own programs.

The Value of Coming Together

The technical challenges around orphan and idle wells are significant, but so are the opportunities. We’re seeing encouraging progress as states invest in closure programs and as the industry becomes more open to new technologies and cross‑disciplinary approaches.

What we value most about this conference is the opportunity to listen — to hear how others are addressing similar challenges, to learn from different regulatory environments and to understand community perspectives that shape how projects move forward. These conversations help refine practices and, ultimately, improve outcomes.

As national efforts to address legacy wells continue to scale, the path forward depends on shared learning and sustained collaboration. We’re looking forward to being part of that conversation in Bakersfield — and to carrying those insights back into the work that continues long after the conference ends.

Learn more about �鶹TV��վ’��Orphan, Idle and Marginal Well Closure services.

Michelle Lynch
�鶹TV��վ Engineer

Q: What does the WIC Week theme “Level Up. Build Strong.” mean to you as a woman working in construction sector?

To me, “Level Up. Build Strong.” means continually raising the bar on myself, the quality of our work and how we support one another in this industry. From the beginning of my career supporting complex projects like the San Francisco–Oakland Bay Bridge, I learned that success requires constant growth, including refining how I document contract records, improving communication and mastering the details that drive infrastructure forward.

Attention to detail means anticipating potential issues, making informed decisions and adapting quickly to evolving project needs. It is this commitment — to both communication and detail — that elevates the professionalism of the construction industry, allows teams to learn from past projects and helps each project contribute to lasting progress.

Q: How has your career given you opportunities to build stronger communities?

Much of my work directly impacts community safety and mobility. For example, on the Los Angeles Metro (LA Metro) inspection project where our team is evaluating 235 structures, including tunnels, aerial stations, bridges and underground platforms, I coordinate inspection schedules, organize operational documents and manage communications across multiple agencies and departments. This work requires a high degree of collaboration and meticulous planning due to the complexity and scale of the transit system. My role involves not only making sure that inspections are conducted efficiently and thoroughly but also that each assessment meets stringent safety and quality standards. By coordinating with engineers, project managers and local authorities, I help identify and address potential issues before they can affect service or rider safety. This proactive approach is essential in a system as heavily used as LA Metro, where even minor disruptions can have significant ripple effects on the community.

Ultimately, all these efforts contribute to building public trust in the transportation network, supporting the mobility needs of Los Angeles residents and enhancing the overall quality of life in the region. Every inspection is an opportunity to not only maintain but also improve the infrastructure, making sure the transit system is safe for the millions who depend on it every day.

Q: In what ways have you had to level up throughout your career?

Early on, working on federal and state projects required me to quickly develop a deep understanding of quality assurance, federal specifications, progress payment systems and contract closeout procedures. My roles supporting the Federal Highway Administration required me to review construction contract records, perform detailed Quality Assurance (QA) reviews, reconcile project documentation and communicate findings clearly to the construction support team. I had to level up my performance by taking on several tasks simultaneously, learning complex systems and consistently meeting deadlines across multiple active contracts. Those experiences built both my confidence and capabilities.

Q: Do you have a special mentor that has influenced your career? How do you hope to make a lasting impact on the construction industry?

I’ve been fortunate to work with leaders who modeled professionalism and helped me grow, from reviewing detailed contract claims to drafting final payment packages and organizing project systems to meet federal compliance standards.

��I want to help build a future where our work continues to strengthen the communities around us and provide meaningful careers.

I believe that this year’s theme, “Level Up. Build Strong.” serves as a reminder that every project, every inspection and every contract review is an opportunity to strengthen something bigger than ourselves. When women lead in construction and support the bigger initiative, we strengthen:

• Communities, by improving the safety and reliability of transportation networks.
• Careers, by opening doors for others and raising the standards of practice.
• Futures, by ensuring the next generation inherits infrastructure and an industry that is better than what we found.

We are building more than bridges and tunnels. We are building possibility, and that might be the ultimate level up.

�鶹TV��վ’ Francis Mouafong, PE, MBA is a Senior Project Manager at �鶹TV��վ and currently works as a Construction Quality Assurance Manager on Georgia’s I-285/I-20 East Interchange project. He shares why he loves working as an engineer, helping oversee the various aspects of transportation systems that play such an important role in connecting people.

Engineers play a critical role in helping communities flourish by creating the systems that connect people. Nowhere is that impact more visible than in the transportation industry. Thoughtfully designed roads, bridges, transit systems, trails and other transportation networks form the backbone of a thriving community. ��

For �鶹TV��վ’ Francis Mouafong, engineering is about more than just building roads or seeing that specifications are met on paper. To him, engineering is an act of stewardship and a commitment to creating environments where people can flourish and communities can thrive. Throughout his career, Francis has contributed to several high‑impact transportation projects across Georgia, including:

• I‑285/I‑20 East Interchange project, a major mobility project being done for the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) that involves reconstructing the I-285/I-20 East Interchange ramps with more direct alignments, constructing new lanes, adding auxiliary lanes, replacing bridges and constructing new noise barriers.
• Harbins Road Interchange project, an interchange project that involved bridges, box culvert extensions, retaining walls, ramps, storm drainage, grading, graded aggregate base (GAB) placement, asphalt paving, concrete flatwork, traffic signal installation and more.
• Northwest Corridor project, a transformative design-build regional mobility initiative that consisted of building 30 miles of reversible toll lanes and the construction of bridges and walls.
• Gwinnett County SPLOST Road Program, a program that is designed to support the county’s growing population and address its infrastructure needs.

These projects not only improve travel efficiency—they increase economic opportunity, enhance safety and reduce congestion for millions of commuters.

In his current role as Construction Quality Assurance Manager on Georgia’s I-285/I-20 East Interchange project, Francis is helping to see that one of the state’s busiest and most complex transportation upgrades is built to the highest standards. When completed, this transformative project aims to improve traffic flow and safety at what has long been considered one of the region’s most congested bottlenecks.

Safeguarding quality on such a project means that Francis sees that designs are implemented correctly, safety standards are met, future failures are avoided and the impacted infrastructure remains accessible to everyone.

A Commitment to Growth, Learning and Leadership

With more than 33 years of roadway and bridge construction experience, Francis has learned many lessons along the way and honed his leadership style. Today, he carries forward a key lesson on every project. Projects might look similar, but they are different. You cannot simply ‘copy and paste’ because a one size fits all solution does not always solve the problem. Rather, engineers must adapt to the specifics of each one.

This mindset reflects his dedication to thoughtful, context‑driven engineering. It also informs how he mentors others. Francis is grateful for the supervisors who have helped shape his career, and he truly understands the importance of paying it forward to engineers just starting out. Leadership, to Francis, is not about titles—it’s about integrity, ownership and a commitment to excellence for the sake of the communities served.

Through Francis’ technical expertise, principled leadership and a deep sense of responsibility, his work as an engineer is about bridging gaps:

• Between design and implementation.
• Between present needs and future resilience.
• Between infrastructure and the people it serves.

His work ensures that communities are not just connected—but empowered to flourish and thrive. For Francis, “Bridging the Gap” is not a metaphor—it is a daily responsibility. He describes it as the essential work of aligning plans, specifications and field conditions during construction to ensure that what is designed is what is faithfully and safely delivered.

This alignment matters because infrastructure is more than concrete and steel—it directly shapes the lived experience of communities. The integrity of a bridge, road or interchange impacts safety, mobility and access. Ensuring that designs translate accurately into reality is how Francis helps close the gap between vision and impact.

�鶹TV��վ’ Mike Filmyer reflects on his 40‑year engineering journey in water, wastewater and stormwater infrastructure. Mike highlights some of the memorable projects he has been involved in and offers advice to up and coming engineers who are interested in making a difference to protect public health, preserve natural resources and help communities flourish and thrive.

For more than four decades, I have had the privilege of contributing to the design, management and improvement of water, wastewater and stormwater systems that millions of people rely on every day.

These essential yet often unseen systems form the backbone of healthy, sustainable and resilient communities. My journey in engineering has been shaped by a deep belief that infrastructure is more than pipes, pumps, tanks and treatment processes — it is about protecting public health, preserving natural resources and ensuring that communities can thrive.

A Dual Foundation in Biology and Engineering

My path into engineering began with a strong grounding in biology from St. Joseph’s University, followed by a second degree in Environmental Engineering Technology from Temple University.

The combination of biological insight and engineering rigor helped me understand not only how infrastructure works, but why it matters — especially when dealing with water quality, ecological health and regulatory compliance. Early in my career, this interdisciplinary knowledge proved invaluable as I began working in Baltimore before returning to my hometown of Glenside, Pennsylvania, where my roots and career both continued to grow.

Engineering in Service of Communities

Across my career, I’ve worked on hundreds of projects spanning water treatment plants, wastewater facilities, stormwater systems, pump stations, force mains, storage tanks and complex regulatory programs.

Each project brought its own unique challenges, but the most rewarding aspect has always been the impact on the communities we serve. Some of the highlights that continue to make me proud include:��

• An Anaerobic Digestion & Cogeneration Facility, where waste biogas was transformed into renewable energy for the community.
• An 18-inch force main installed via Horizontal Directional Drilling under the Lehigh River, a technically complex project that protected both infrastructure and the river ecosystem.
• A 3.4-million-gallon underground Combined Sewer Overflow storage facility, which eliminated millions of gallons of polluted discharges into local waterways. This tank was placed under a local university’s tennis courts, which were replaced as part of the project.

These projects, and many others like them, illustrate the critical role engineers play in public safety and environmental stewardship.

Technology as a Transformational Force

Over the past 40 years, technology has continually reshaped how we design and operate infrastructure. I’ve seen firsthand how advanced SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) systems, new materials, better treatment technologies and improved hydraulic modeling have expanded what’s possible. My work on SCADA upgrades for regional authorities brought real‑time system visibility and operational reliability to facilities that previously operated with limited monitoring.

Technology has enabled us to make systems smarter, safer and more sustainable, and it will continue to drive the future of engineering.

Sustainability and Environmental Responsibility

Sustainability has been a thread running through my entire career, long before it was a buzzword. Whether designing Best Management Practices (BMPs) to reduce pollutant loads, preparing National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit renewals or implementing stormwater reduction plans, I have seen how thoughtful engineering can dramatically improve environmental outcomes.

Projects such as stormwater BMPs, streambank restoration efforts or regenerative stormwater conveyance systems illustrate how engineered solutions can harmonize with natural systems.

Our responsibility as engineers is not only to solve today’s problems, but to protect ecosystems for generations to come.

Advice to the Next Generation of Engineers

One unique aspect of my career is the long-standing relationships I’ve built with my colleagues, many of whom I’ve worked with for decades. That continuity of people, knowledge and a shared mission has allowed us to take on increasingly complex challenges with confidence and collaboration.

To those entering the profession, or early in your careers, I offer a few guiding principles:

• Stay curious. Engineering changes constantly; lifelong learning is essential.
• Remember who you serve. Infrastructure exists for people and the environment, so keep communities at the center of every design.
• Embrace the details. In our field, precision saves money, prevents risk and protects lives.
• Seek mentors and be a mentor. Much of what I know came from generous colleagues who shared their expertise.
• Stand proudly in the impact you make. Engineers often work behind the scenes, but our work shapes the world.

A Career Built on Purpose

From wastewater treatment plants to pump stations, SCADA systems to stormwater BMPs, my career has been shaped by the belief that engineering is a public trust. Every design, every calculation and every decision carries with it the responsibility to safeguard communities and the environment.

As I reflect on more than 40 years in this profession, I am grateful for the opportunities I’ve had, the people I’ve worked with and the communities our work has contributed to. And as new generations begin to lead, I am confident the future of engineering will continue to bring innovative, resilient and sustainable solutions to the challenges ahead.

Hillary Hagen-Peter is a Senior Engineering Geologist at �鶹TV��վ, currently working on Oklo Inc.’s Aurora powerhouse project at Idaho National Laboratory near Idaho Falls. As fieldwork lead and now project manager, Hillary is helping assess and prepare this Aurora powerhouse site, which supports advanced reactor technology designed to deliver low to near‑zero emission energy. Hillary explains how geoscience bridges the environmental challenges of past energy practices with the sustainable, low‑carbon solutions needed for the future.

“I am deeply passionate about my work on the Oklo Aurora powerhouse project and other advanced nuclear initiatives that are opening doors to a cleaner energy future. With today’s��ability to recycle and reuse spent fuel through advanced nuclear technologies, I see this work as a vital bridge between the environmental impacts of past energy practices and the sustainable, low‑carbon solutions we need moving forward.” –Hillary Hagen-Peter

My path into geology began long before my professional career. I was inspired by my older brother, whose undergraduate and graduate fieldwork took him from Mongolia and Italy all the way to Antarctica. Hearing his stories about working in remote, rugged places sparked my curiosity about a field that blends science, exploration and global travel. I signed up for an introductory geology course soon after and was immediately hooked. The combination of fieldwork, problem‑solving and understanding how the Earth shapes our infrastructure and communities set me on the path I’m on today.

So far, my work as a geologist has taken me across the Pacific Northwest, where I’ve led complex geotechnical and geohazard evaluation programs for nuclear and technology infrastructure projects throughout the United States and Canada. Whether hiking through steep terrain, flying by helicopter to remote sites or working in extreme weather, including temperatures dropping to –40°F (the rare point where Fahrenheit and Celsius finally agree), each location brings its own challenges and a distinct set of potential geohazards.

At �鶹TV��վ, I’ve managed large scale geotechnical programs involving comprehensive hazard assessments. One of the most meaningful has been leading geotechnical work for the Oklo Aurora powerhouse project at the Idaho National Laboratory in Idaho Falls. This project is advancing a more resilient and sustainable energy future, and I’m proud to contribute to efforts that support the broader transition to clean, reliable nuclear energy.

On this project, I started out as a Fieldwork Lead for subsurface drilling and geophysical investigations before moving into full project management, overseeing drilling operations, laboratory testing and final reporting, all in compliance with the American Society of Mechanical Engineers Nuclear Quality Assurance (ASME NQA1) requirements. This work is meticulous and often challenging, but it is foundational to building safe, sustainable infrastructure.

Through both my studies and field experience, I have seen how geoscience directly shapes the success of advanced nuclear projects, helping see that innovative clean‑energy technologies are built on safe and resilient ground. From evaluating hazards such as flooding, expansive and collapsible soils, landslides, faulting, seismicity and volcanic activity, to leading subsurface drilling and geophysical investigations, geoscientists provide the critical data that informs design, safety and long‑term performance.

I’m especially inspired by the nuclear sector’s ability to recycle and reuse spent fuel through advanced nuclear technologies. This capability represents a vital bridge: connecting the environmental impacts of past energy practices with the low‑carbon solutions we need moving forward. When paired with renewable sources like solar and wind, advanced nuclear energy becomes part of a resilient, diversified path toward achieving the United Nation’s global goal of net‑zero carbon emissions by 2050.

Across all of these efforts, I am reminded that sustainable energy isn’t just a technological challenge; it’s a geotechnical one. The future we build must stand on solid ground, and I’m proud to help ensure that the next generation of clean‑energy infrastructure is resilient, responsible and built to support communities for decades to come.

Engineering for Impact: Leadership, Innovation and the Future of Infrastructure

�鶹TV��վ’ Sector Lead & Director of Operations – New York & New Jersey, Angel Cambero, P.E., MSI shares how his parents inspired him to become an engineer and how he finds meaning in serving his community through his engineering profession.

For me, engineering has always been more than a profession—it’s a legacy. Growing up with two civil-engineer parents, I learned early how ideas on paper become real structures that shape people’s daily lives. That exposure gave me a deep respect for the discipline and ultimately guided me toward a career where creativity, logic and community impact intersect.

Today, in my role leading operations across the New York and New Jersey regions at �鶹TV��վ, I still approach challenges the way I did as a young engineer: with curiosity, precision and a commitment to quality. While my focus now spans strategy, financial performance and team leadership, the engineer in me remains central. A technical mindset enables better decisions, supports our project teams and ensures that quality isn’t a goal—it’s a standard.

One of the most meaningful projects I’ve led is our work at the South Brooklyn Marine Terminal. This project is part of a multi‑billion-dollar investment in renewable energy and represents exactly where the industry is headed. Our team oversaw the special inspections and materials testing across a 73‑acre offshore wind hub, ensuring structural integrity and safety for infrastructure that will power New York’s clean energy future. It was a reminder that engineering isn’t just about building structures; it’s about building progress.

Technology is accelerating that progress at an unprecedented pace. Tasks that once required days of manual calculations can now be completed in minutes from a mobile device. Digital reporting, real‑time data tools and advanced testing equipment are transforming how we deliver projects, enabling greater accuracy and faster, more informed decision‑making. As these tools evolve, engineers will spend less time processing information and more time interpreting it—shaping outcomes instead of reacting to them.

Yet despite the rapid pace of innovation, the fundamentals remain unchanged. Field experience, humility and collaboration continue to define exceptional engineers. My advice to aspiring engineers is simple: stay curious, ask questions and embrace every opportunity to learn. The field will teach you as much as the classroom ever will, and each role—no matter how small—gives you a new lens through which to understand the built world.

At �鶹TV��վ, engineers play a vital role in ensuring public safety and the resilience of our infrastructure. Whether through inspections, materials testing or technical guidance, our work directly affects the communities we serve. That responsibility is both grounding and motivating. It reminds us that engineering will always matter, no matter how much technology evolves.

A century ago, the challenges were different, but the mission was the same: build safely, wisely and for the future. This Engineers Week, I’m proud of the work �鶹TV��վ is doing to help transform the future and enable our communities to flourish and thrive. As we look ahead, I’m excited to help shape what the next century of engineering will look like—and to support the next generation of engineers who will carry that mission forward.

Leading with Quality, Inspiring Confidence

Aaron Hisel-Ritz
Quality Assurance Project Manager

Q: Can you recall a specific moment or project outcome that reminded you your work directly benefits the community?

One moment that clearly reminded me my work directly benefits the community was during the completion of the SR 99 bridge. It was the final structure I served on as the lead field inspector, and although it appeared to be a relatively modest piece of infrastructure, its purpose was significant. The bridge was built nearly at grade so that a future project could excavate beneath it to complete the SR 509 expressway connection from Interstate 5 to SeaTac Airport.

Standing on that completed structure, I realized that our work on this single bridge would support not only the new rail line, but also a future regional highway connection that will reduce congestion, improve safety and shorten travel times for thousands of people every day. Seeing how this one element would unlock two major transportation improvements made the contribution feel very real and reminded me of the lasting value our work delivers to the community.

Leading with Purpose

Aaron’s leadership is hands-on and built around efficiency. On the Federal Way project, he streamlined reporting and documentation workflows, accelerating response times and enabling more agile decision-making, helping keep the team on schedule while maintaining quality standards.

Q: Can you estimate how your process improvement helped improve coordination between three contractor teams?

Although our systems evolved throughout the project, we were able to estimate meaningful improvements from the scheduling process overhaul. When we assumed responsibility for the daily inspection schedule, the existing method of capturing updates wasn’t as effective as it could be.

I worked with the prime contractor to implement a formal inspection request system that required production teams to submit next-day needs. This enabled us to generate a consolidated, accurate schedule that was distributed to the owner, contractors and all jurisdictions with inspection authority.

As a result, we reduced schedule conflicts by an estimated 60 to 70 percent, cut daily schedule preparation time by more than half and significantly improved transparency for all parties. The new system ultimately became the governing daily schedule for the entire project and materially improved coordination between the owner, contractors and the quality team.

This focus on improving processes has been a constant throughout his career. Earlier on a major airport runway replacement, Aaron developed clearer sampling and testing methods that made results easier to apply in the field, changes that still inform project quality processes today.

His technical expertise spans specialized areas like post-tensioned concrete, masonry and shotcrete inspection — skills he’s built through continuous professional development and industry certifications that keep him at the forefront of quality assurance practices.

Investing in Others

Aaron’s greatest professional achievement isn’t a project milestone or a technical innovation. It’s watching the people he mentored step into leadership roles of their own. Many of the inspectors he’s coached have advanced into project management and supervisory positions, carrying forward the same approach to quality and collaboration he modeled for them.

On every project, Aaron promotes cross-training and teamwork to ensure that quality isn’t just managed but shared.

Q: What advice do you give to new inspectors starting their first major assignment?

My advice to new inspectors starting their first major assignment centers on three principles.

1. Do not be afraid to say you do not know.
   No one arrives with all the answers, especially on a large and complex project. The strongest inspectors are the ones who ask questions, seek clarification and use the knowledge of others to make sound decisions. Admitting uncertainty and requesting support is a sign of professionalism, not weaknes2.

1. Protect your integrity at all times.
   Our work relies on trust, transparency and accountability. Mistakes will occur, but what matters is how you respond. Be honest about what happened, communicate early and take corrective action. Consistent integrity will earn the respect of contractors, engineers and owners

1. Stay curious and continually expand your understanding.
   Pay attention to how the work is built, not just to the portion you are inspecting. Ask why something is done a certain way. Look for opportunities to improve processes or communication. When you try something new and it does not work perfectly, treat it as progress toward a better solution. Persistence and curiosity are what drive meaningful improvements in our field.

The best part of my job is seeing people gain confidence in what they do. When someone you’ve coached starts leading others, that’s a great feeling.

Grounded in Community

Outside of work, Aaron serves as a volunteer leader with his son’s Boy Scout troop, guiding young people through outdoor challenges, skill development and community service projects. The parallels to his professional life are unmistakable: setting clear expectations, building confidence through hands-on experience and teaching others to take ownership of their work.

Q: What about scouting resonates most with you? Any moment with the Scouts that feels similar to leading inspection teams?

What resonates most with me about scouting is how effectively it teaches foundational life skills. The Scout Law contains twelve simple words, but they represent a complete framework for how to conduct yourself. I rely on those principles every day in my professional work, especially when leading inspection teams.

Another element that stands out is the merit badge program. It introduces scouts to a wide range of subjects and requires them to develop a working understanding of each topic before they can advance. This structure reinforces curiosity, self-discipline and goal setting. It also shows young people the value of learning something new, even if it feels unfamiliar at first.

I see a strong parallel between guiding scouts through challenges and supporting new inspectors in the field. In both situations, you help others build confidence, develop practical skills and learn how to take responsibility for their decisions. Watching people grow into capable, reliable contributors is one of the most rewarding parts of both experiences.

Whether guiding scouts or inspection teams, Aaron leads by example: steady, supportive and driven by purpose. His work with the troop mirrors his professional focus on developing leadership and accountability, values he hopes to model for his son.

A Legacy of Quality and Leadership

Throughout his career on light rail, highway and airport projects across the Seattle region, Aaron has demonstrated that quality isn’t just about compliance. It’s about care, communication and continuous improvement. His work strengthens infrastructure and the teams and communities that depend on it.

Q: What motivates you to keep raising the bar for quality and team performance?

What motivates me to keep raising the bar for quality and team performance is the pride I take in the culture we have built. Our team has worked hard to establish trust, transparency and collaboration with one another, with the contractors in the field and with the owner’s representatives. That level of trust is not automatic. It is earned through consistent follow-through, clear communication and a shared commitment to doing the job the right way.

I also believe that continuous improvement is part of our responsibility. The work will never be perfect, but if we see an opportunity to strengthen our processes, reduce risk or support the project more effectively, we should pursue it. Knowing that our efforts directly influence project success and reflect on the integrity of the team is what pushes me to keep raising the standard.

Our job is to make sure what we build lasts. That takes consistency, trust and a genuine respect for the work and for the people doing it.

Inside the A-Team: The People of Atlas

Leadership is more than a title. It’s dedication to making a meaningful impact. Inside the A-Team spotlights the professionals at �鶹TV��վ who drive progress, inspire others and embody our core values. Their commitment to Life enhances the world around us by prioritizing quality and safety. With Heart, they uplift those around them. With Trust, they build strong teams and lasting partnerships and their Mastery fuels innovation and excellence. These are the people shaping the future, and we are proud to share their stories.

Sally Riker, F. SAME, didn’t set out to become one of the most influential figures in Georgia’s engineering and infrastructure space — but with more than two decades of impact, recognition is well earned. As �鶹TV��վ’ Southeast Regional Vice President for Strategy and Growth, she brings a rare blend of operational insight, civic leadership and mentorship to everything she touches.����

Named one of Engineering Georgia Magazine’s “100 Influential Women in Georgia Engineering” for the seventh consecutive year, Sally continues to shape the future of architecture, engineering and construction through strategic vision and dedicated service. Her leadership spans project delivery, community development and the forward-thinking that defines industry transformation.��

Q: You’ve spent more than 25 years in the AEC industry and continue to shape its future. What keeps you energized and inspired to lead in new ways?��

Honestly, people and relationships. I’m lucky to work in an industry where purpose and passion intersect. We get to shape communities, solve real challenges and build for the future. Every project is different, every client is unique, and the pace of change keeps me learning. I’m energized by big-picture thinking — strategy, growth and connecting dots across sectors — but what inspires me most are people.��

Q: Your involvement with the Society of American Military Engineers (SAME), Urban Land Institute (ULI), and the Council for Quality Growth reflects a strong commitment to civic and professional leadership. How have these experiences influenced your values and approach to leadership?��

These organizations have provided me with the space to grow as a leader beyond my technical work. Through SAME, I’ve developed a deep appreciation for service and mission-driven partnerships. The organization’s focus on supporting our military and building resilient infrastructure has taught me that leadership means serving something bigger than yourself. ULI challenges me to think about how we plan for resilient, inclusive communities by addressing today’s needs and tomorrow’s possibilities. The Council for Quality Growth consistently reminds me that policy and infrastructure are inseparable. These experiences have shaped me into a more intentional leader — one who leads with purpose and listens before acting.��

Q: What brought you to �鶹TV��վ, and how do you envision shaping growth in the Southeast region?��

I came to �鶹TV��վ because it felt like a natural fit: a company focused on integrity, innovation, and community. I saw an opportunity to help connect strategy with delivery and to build bridges across markets, people and ideas. The Southeast is growing fast, and I believe growth should be thoughtful, equitable and resilient. My focus is on positioning �鶹TV��վ as a trusted partner — one that not only delivers but also listens, adapts and adds real value to our clients and communities.��

Q: Being recognized among “100 Influential Women in Georgia Engineering” reflects your professional contributions, but what moments have reinforced your core values or changed how you see leadership?��

Some of the most defining moments haven’t come with a title or recognition. They’ve emerged during challenges. Leading through tough transitions, coaching others through uncertainty, or simply being the one to ask the hard question in a room full of silence. Those are the moments that test your values and reveal what kind of leader you really are. Over time, I’ve learned that leadership is far more about service, trust and consistency than it is about control or having all the answers. Influence means creating space for others to thrive and grow beyond what they thought possible. The most rewarding part of leadership is watching others succeed.����

Q: When you think about the next generation of engineers and infrastructure leaders, what would you most want them to know or believe is possible?��

I’d want them to know that there is no single path, and that’s a good thing. This industry needs creative thinkers, good communicators and people who can collaborate across disciplines and perspectives. I want them to believe that their voice matters, even in the early stages of their careers, and that they don’t have to wait for permission to lead or innovate. Most importantly, I’d remind them that leadership isn’t a title — it’s how you show up. If you lead with curiosity, integrity and heart, you’ll go further than you ever imagined.��

Sally’s influence extends beyond any single project or recognition. Through strategic thinking, authentic leadership, and unwavering commitment to developing others, she exemplifies how engineering leadership can shape entire communities and careers. Her story reminds us that true influence comes not from commanding attention, but from consistently creating value for others.����

Follow Sally’s lead and explore opportunities to grow with our team.����