GSPE 2023 Engineer of the Year Award WinnersAbout the event
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. The specific categories and criteria for the GSPE Engineer of the Year Awards may vary from year to year, but may include:
This award is a tribute to a lifetime of dedication and contribution.
Celebrating the best in each sector, with the highest scoring winner crowned as the GSPE 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.
Recognizing the brightest minds among engineering students.
Acknowledging organizations that foster outstanding engineering talent.
Celebrating those who generously donate their time and expertise.
Winners will be notified in January 2024 and will be celebrated at the Georgia Engineering Awards ceremony (date TBA).
Together, let’s honor the exceptional talents in engineering that drive our world forward!
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.
For more information about the GSPE Engineer of the Year Awards and the winners, please visit GSPE Engineer of the Year Awards Page.
Past 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.
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.
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 – 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will we take more than one reference letter?
Yes, files may be combined and uploaded together into the application portal.
Can a nomination letter serve as a reference letter?
Nominees are encouraged to provide 2 different references taking 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.
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.
Can someone self-nominate?
Yes, an individual may use the Application as a self-nomination. Please note that a formal nomination 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 (date TBD) 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.
