Time is running out! Tickets for the 2025 Georgia Engineering Awards on March 7, 2025, at the Gas South Convention Center are almost sold out—don’t miss your chance to be part of Georgia’s premier engineering celebration!

Engineer of the Year

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 2025 Engineer of the Year honorees are:

• 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

The Engineering Impact Award:

Michael B. Russell, Jerome Russell, & the Russell Family

H.J. Russell & Company

Founded in 1952 by Herman J. Russell, H.J. Russell & Company has grown into one of the largest and most influential minority-owned construction, real estate development, and program management firms in the United States. Based in Atlanta, the company has played a pivotal role in shaping the city’s skyline and infrastructure, contributing to transformative projects such as Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, and the Center for Civil and Human Rights. With a strong commitment to excellence, diversity, and economic empowerment, H.J. Russell & Company continues to be a leader in the built environment.

Michael B. Russell

As the CEO of H.J. Russell & Company, Michael B. Russell carries forward his father’s legacy, ensuring the company remains at the forefront of innovation and community impact. Under his leadership, the firm has expanded its footprint in program management and infrastructure projects while continuing to advocate for minority representation in engineering and construction.

Jerome Russell

Serving as President of H.J. Russell & Company, Jerome Russell oversees the company’s strategic growth and real estate development initiatives. He has been instrumental in driving innovation in commercial and mixed-use developments, ensuring that H.J. Russell remains a key player in urban renewal and economic revitalization efforts.

The Russell Family’s Impact on Engineering & Infrastructure

The Russell Family has long been a pillar of economic development and engineering in Georgia. Their dedication to excellence in construction, engineering, and real estate development has left an indelible mark on Atlanta’s infrastructure and beyond. Their contributions extend beyond business—through philanthropic efforts, workforce development initiatives, and mentorship programs, they have paved the way for future generations of engineers and construction professionals, particularly in underserved communities.

H.J. Russell & Company, along with the Russell Family’s visionary leadership, exemplifies the core values of ACEC Georgia’s Engineering Impact Award. Their contributions to Georgia’s infrastructure, commitment to diversity and inclusion in engineering, and dedication to community advancement make them outstanding candidates for this honor. Through their work, they have transformed the built environment, empowered future engineers, and set a standard for excellence in the industry.

Other Special Guests Include:

• Commissioner Russell McMurry, Commissioner, Georgia DOT
• Solomon Caviness, Commissioner, Atlanta DOT
• Lewis Cooksey, Director, Gwinnett DOT 
• Faye DiMassimo, Chief of Planning & Economic Development, City of Savannah
• Senator Frank Ginn, Senator, Georgia State Senate
• Senator Steve Gooch, Georgia State Senate, Majority Leader
• Nicole Love Hendrickson, Chair, Gwinnett County Commission
• Gifton Passley, Deputy Executive Director, GSFIC
• Gerald Pilgrim, Chief of State to State Property Officer, GSFIC/GBA
• Larry Prescott, Assistant General Manager of Engineering & Infrastructure, MARTA
• Drew Raessler, Director, Cobb DOT
• Anna Roach, Executive Director & CEO, Atlanta Regional Commission
• Senator Ed Setzler, Senator, Georgia State Senate
• Rebecca Shelton, Director, Gwinnett Water Resources
• Representative Brad Thomas, Representative, Georgia State House of Representatives 
• Malika Wilkins, Chief External Affairs & Strategy Officer, Atlanta Regional Commission

Limited tickets remain! Secure yours now before they’re gone!