GSPE Engineer of the Year Awards

The GSPE Engineer of the Year Awards is an annual recognition program organized by the Georgia Society of Professional Engineers (GSPE). These awards aim to honor outstanding professional engineers who have made significant contributions to the engineering profession and their communities in Georgia.

The program includes different categories of awards to recognize engineers at various stages of their careers and from diverse engineering disciplines. These awards, presented by GEORGIA SOCIETY OF PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERS, are presented at the ACEC Engineering Excellence Awards program March 6, 2026.

Nominate someone today using the links to the right >>>

Who we celebrate

Award Catagories

The specific categories and criteria for the GSPE Engineer of the Year Awards may vary from year to year, but may include:

GSPE Lifetime Achievement in Engineering – This award is a tribute to a lifetime of dedication and contribution. Nominate someone for this award.

GSPE Engineer of the Year in Various Sectors (Construction, Education, Government, Industry, Private Practice) – Celebrating the best in each sector. Nominate someone for this award.

GSPE Young Engineer of the Year – This award acknowledges the achievements of a young professional engineer (usually under 35 years old) who has shown outstanding promise, early career success, and a commitment to the engineering field. Nominate someone for this award.

GSPE Engineering Student of the Year and Engineering Technology Student of the Year – Recognizing the brightest minds among engineering students. Nominate someone for this award.

GSPE Engineering Employer of the Year – Acknowledging organizations that foster outstanding engineering talent. Nominate someone for this award.

Engineering Organization Volunteer of the Year – Celebrating those who generously donate their time and expertise. Nominate someone for this award.

LEARN MORE AND REGISTER AT ACEC’S WEBSITE

Georgia Society of Professional Engineers Announces the 2026 GSPE Engineer of the Year Award Winners

Atlanta, GA – January 23, 2026 – The Georgia Society of Professional Engineers (GSPE) is proud to announce the recipients of the 2026 GSPE Engineer of the Year Awards. This annual awards program honors outstanding professional engineers, students, organizations, and employers whose achievements exemplify excellence, leadership, and service to the engineering profession and the citizens of Georgia.

The GSPE Engineer of the Year Awards recognize individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions across engineering disciplines, practice areas, education, and public service. This year’s honorees reflect the breadth and impact of engineering in Georgia and serve as role models for future generations.

“This year’s award recipients represent the very best of our profession,” said Amanda Hendley, Executive Director of GSPE. “Their dedication, leadership, and commitment to ethical and innovative engineering embody the mission of GSPE. We are honored to recognize their contributions and the positive impact they have made across Georgia.”

2026 GSPE Award Recipients
One of this year’s Engineer of the Year recipients will also be recognized as the 2026 GSPE Engineer of the Year – Overall, to be announced during the awards gala.

Lifetime Achievement Award
William Womack, P.E.

Engineer of the Year
Robert H. Barnes, P.E., P.G., M.ASCE
Christopher E. Brazell, P.E., PLS
Cameron Coates, PhD, P.E.
Suzanne V. Cooler, P.E., CFM, MPA, M.ASCE
Ian Harrison, PE
Guoming Lin, PhD, P.E., F.ASCE
Suleman Rana, MS, P.E.

Student Award Winners
Abriana Nyante, S.M., A.S.C.E.
Anastasia Morris

Engineering Employer Award Winners
Chatham County, Department of Engineering
Coleman Company, Inc.
Kimley-Horn

Engineering Organization Volunteer of the Year
Lauren Kilgore, M.ASCE

Each of these honorees has demonstrated exceptional dedication to the engineering profession and has made meaningful contributions within their organizations and communities. Their accomplishments reflect GSPE’s commitment to professional excellence, public service, and the advancement of engineering in Georgia.
The Georgia Society of Professional Engineers congratulates all 2026 award recipients and thanks them for their continued leadership and service to the profession.

About the Georgia Society of Professional Engineers
The Georgia Society of Professional Engineers (GSPE) is the state affiliate of the National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE) and the leading organization advancing the engineering profession in Georgia.
GSPE supports licensed professional engineers and aspiring PEs across all disciplines by promoting ethical and competent engineering practice, advocating for licensure, and protecting public health, safety, and welfare.
For more information, visit www.gspe.org
.

Winners

2022 GSPE Engineer of the Year Winners

The Georgia Society of Professional Engineers is pleased to announce the winners of the 2022 GSPE Engineer of the Year Awards:

  • Lifetime Achievement in Engineering – Nancy J. Turner, PE, M.ASCE, Kennesaw State University
  • Engineer of the Year – Richard O. Mines, Jr., PhD, P.E., F. ASCE, F. EWRI, F. ASEE, Life Member ASCE, Mercer University
  • Engineer of the Year in Construction – Richard Morales, M.Sc., P.E., F. ASCE, LB Foster Fabricated Bridge Products
  • Engineer of the Year in Government – James R. Emery, Jr., P.E., F.ASCE, County Engineer, Troup County Board of Commissioners
  • Engineer of the Year in Industry – Kenneth (Ken) S. Harmon, P.E., M. ASCE, Stalite Lightweight Aggregates
  • Engineer of the Year in Private Practice – Luis E. Babler, P.E., F. ASCE, Geo-Hydro Engineers, Inc.
  • Young Engineer of the Year – Jennifer Young, PE, M.ASCE, Rummel, Klepper & Kahl (RK&K)
  • Engineering Student of the Year – Shelby Logan, S.M.ASCE, University of Georgia
  • Engineering Technology Student of the Year – Carlos Marte, S.M.ASCE, Savannah State University
  • Engineering Organization Volunteer of the Year – Randal E. Riebel, PE, F.NSPE, Delta Air Lines

These winners were recognized Saturday, March 19, 2022.

2025 GSPE Engineer of the Year Winners

  • Thomas Gambino, PE– Lifetime Achievement Award Winner
  • Lawrence Kahn, PhD, PE, F.ASCE– Lifetime Achievement Award Winner
  • Julie Secrist, P.E., F.ASCE– Engineer of the Year in Construction
  • Eric Marks, Ph.D., P.E. – Engineer of the Year in Education
  • Lewis Cooksey, P.E. – Engineer of the Year in Government
  • Keith Cole, P.E., CHMM – Engineer of the Year in Private Practice
  • William (Billy) Anderson  Brundage III, PE, F.ASCE – Engineer of the Year in Industry
  • Austin Duehr, PE, ENV SP – Young Engineer of the Year
  • Noah Fornuto – Engineering Student of the Year
  • Matthew H. Hudson, S.M.ASCE – Engineering Technology Student of the Year
  • Earth Retention – Small Engineering Employer of the Year
  • Southeast Culvert– Mid-Size Engineering Employer of the Year
  • Geosyntec Consultants, Inc.– Large Engineering Employer of the Year
  • School of Civil & Environmental Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology – Public Sector Employer of the Year
  • Samuel Dennard, PE – Engineering Organization Volunteer of the Year

Georgia Society of Professional Engineers Announces the 2024 GSPE Engineer of the Year Award Winners

Atlanta, GA – 01/25/2024 – The Georgia Society of Professional Engineers (GSPE) is thrilled to announce the winners of the prestigious 2024 GSPE Engineer of the Year Awards. This annual program celebrates the remarkable achievements and contributions of Georgia\’s engineering professionals. The winning individuals and companies have demonstrated exceptional skill, innovation, and dedication, serving as inspirations for future generations of engineers in Georgia.

This year’s winners will be recognized at the 2024 Georgia Engineering Awards Gala, taking place on Friday, February 23, 2024, at the Gas South District in Duluth, Georgia. This event is a celebratory evening for the engineering community, marking an occasion of recognition and celebration.

\”We are immensely proud of the achievements of this year\’s GSPE Engineer of the Year Award recipients,\” said JP Halliwell, P.E., Board President of GSPE. “Each recipient represents the pinnacle of professional excellence and dedication in their respective fields. Their commitment to advancing engineering practices in Georgia exemplifies the spirit of GSPE and sets a benchmark for future generations of engineers.”

The 2024 honorees are:

  • 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

Each of these winners has shown extraordinary dedication to their profession and has made significant impacts not only within the engineering field but also in their communities. Their achievements reflect the high standards of excellence and commitment to the advancement of engineering in Georgia.

The GSPE and the broader engineering community congratulate all the award recipients for their outstanding achievements and contributions. This event not only celebrates their success but also inspires future generations of engineers to strive for excellence and make a positive difference in the world.

2023 GSPE Engineer of the Year Winners

The Georgia Society of Professional Engineers is pleased to announce the winners of the 2023 GSPE Engineer of the Year Awards:

GSPE lifetime Achievement in Engineering – Dr. Rafael Bras, PE

GSPE Engineer of the Year – Jeffery Chiu, PE

GSPE Engineer of the Year in Construction – Jeremiah Haswell, PE

GSPE Engineer of the Year in Education – Dr. Mi Geum Chorzepa, PE

GSPE Engineer of the Year in Government – Bobby Sauer, PE

GSPE Engineer of the Year in Industry – Steve Poole, PE

GSPE Engineer of the Year in Private Practice – Ralph Forbes, PE

GSPE Young Engineer of the Year – Raj Anand, PE

GSPE Engineering Student of the Year – Zoe Zhang

GSPE Engineering Technology Student of the Year – Alexandria Jenkins

GSPE Engineering Employer of the Year (Small Business) – M.E. Sack Engineering

GSPE Engineering Employer of the Year (Large Business) – United Consulting

Engineering Organization Volunteer of the Year – Kate Kelly, EIT (nominated by ASCE)

These winners were honored at the Georgia Engineering Awards on March 25, 2003 at the Cobb Galleria Centre.

Georgia Society of Professional Engineers Announces the 2024 GSPE Engineer of the Year Award Winners

Atlanta, GA – 01/25/2024 – The Georgia Society of Professional Engineers (GSPE) is thrilled to announce the winners of the prestigious 2024 GSPE Engineer of the Year Awards. This annual program celebrates the remarkable achievements and contributions of Georgia\’s engineering professionals. The winning individuals and companies have demonstrated exceptional skill, innovation, and dedication, serving as inspirations for future generations of engineers in Georgia.

This year’s winners will be recognized at the 2024 Georgia Engineering Awards Gala, taking place on Friday, February 23, 2024, at the Gas South District in Duluth, Georgia. This event is a celebratory evening for the engineering community, marking an occasion of recognition and celebration.

\”We are immensely proud of the achievements of this year\’s GSPE Engineer of the Year Award recipients,\” said JP Halliwell, P.E., Board President of GSPE. “Each recipient represents the pinnacle of professional excellence and dedication in their respective fields. Their commitment to advancing engineering practices in Georgia exemplifies the spirit of GSPE and sets a benchmark for future generations of engineers.”

The 2024 honorees are:

  • 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

Each of these winners has shown extraordinary dedication to their profession and has made significant impacts not only within the engineering field but also in their communities. Their achievements reflect the high standards of excellence and commitment to the advancement of engineering in Georgia.

The GSPE and the broader engineering community congratulate all the award recipients for their outstanding achievements and contributions. This event not only celebrates their success but also inspires future generations of engineers to strive for excellence and make a positive difference in the world.

2021 GSPE Engineer of the Year Winners

The Georgia Society of Professional Engineers is pleased to announce the winners of the 2021 GSPE Engineer of the Year Awards:

  • Lifetime Achievement in Engineering – Charlie Greer, PE
  • Engineer of the Year – Sonny Kim, PE
  • Engineer of the Year in Government – Kyle Titus, PE
  • Engineer of the Year in Industry – Les White, PE
  • Engineer of the Year in Private Practice – Katherine Gurd, PE
  • Engineering Student of the Year – Patrick Edwards
  • Engineering Technology Student of the Year – Mikis Mays
  • Engineering Employer of the Year – Pond
  • Engineering Organization Volunteer of the Year – Raj Anand, EIT

These winners were recognized Tuesday, February 23, 2021.

FAQS

Will we take more than one reference letter? 
Yes, files may be combined and uploaded into the application portal. 

Can a nomination letter serve as a reference letter? 
Nominees are encouraged to provide 2 different references in the form of an endorsement letter and a nomination letter. 

Does the reference have to be a Professional Engineer?  
References and Endorsements do not have to come from licensed Professional Engineers but should come from appropriately titled or credentialed professionals in the nominee’s field. 

Does the nominee have to live in Georgia? 
The nominee must reside in Georgia but may travel outside of the state for work and may work for a company outside of Georgia. 

Does the nominee have to work for a company located in Georgia? 
The nominee does not have to work for a company with a presence in Georgia. 

Does the nominee have to be a Professional Engineer? 
Yes, with the exception of Student, Employer, and Volunteer of the Year, all other categories are for Professional Engineers. Young Engineers should be Professional Engineers or Engineers in Training.

Does the nominee have to be a licensed in Georgia? 
Yes, the nominee should hold a Professional Engineers license in Georgia at the time of the awards.  Young Engineers should be Professional Engineers or Engineers in Training.

Can someone self-nominate? 
Yes, an individual may use the Application as a self-nomination. Please note that a formal nomination letter and endorsements are still required when self-nominating using the application. 

Is there a cost to apply or win a prize? 
There is no cost to apply or win a prize. Winners will be offered one (1) complimentary ticket to the awards program and are encouraged to purchase additional tickets for their company and family to attend. 

Are there other obligations associated with winning? 
Winners are expected to attend the awards program on March 7th and participate in pre-event interviews and calls in preparation of the event. 

I’ve won before, am I eligible to apply again? 
Except for Student of the Year and Lifetime Achievement Award winners, past winners are eligible to participate again if they have new projects to include in their applications. 

How Except for Student of the Year and Lifetime Achievement Award winners, past winners are eligible to participate again if they have new projects to include in their applications.