The Foresthill Bridge T‑1 Steel Inspection and Repair Project has earned a National Recognition Award in the , one of the engineering profession’s most prestigious national honors.

Led by Atlas in partnership with Placer County, the project was selected for national recognition following its Honor Award win at the , advancing it to competition at the national level.

The National Recognition Award distinguishes projects that demonstrate exceptional engineering merit, innovation and public value on a national stage.

“This national recognition from ACEC affirms the caliber of work Atlas delivers every day,” said Tom Price, Atlas Infrastructure President. “The Foresthill Bridge project demanded technical excellence and an unwavering commitment to public safety — and our team rose to that challenge. The bridge itself has long held personal meaning for me; I remember walking across it with my great grandfather when it first opened. We’re proud of the dedication our engineers and inspectors brought to this work and honored to partner with Placer County on a project that improves local safety while helping shape national guidance for managing critical infrastructure.”

Engineering excellence at California’s tallest bridge

The Foresthill Bridge, California’s tallest bridge, rises more than 730 feet above the American River canyon and spans 2,428 feet, carrying more than 50,000 vehicles daily between Auburn and Foresthill. Built in 1973 using T‑1 steel, the bridge became part of a federally funded initiative to examine fracture‑critical welds in legacy steel structures nationwide.

Atlas was selected to perform comprehensive non‑destructive ultrasonic testing of 288 fracture‑critical steel welds, a complex undertaking that required inspectors to work at heights exceeding 700 feet while maintaining continuous traffic flow.

Safety-driven results with national impact

Testing revealed a significantly higher‑than‑anticipated defect rate, prompting Atlas to adapt inspection protocols in real time. The team completed 44 targeted weld repairs to American Welding Society (AWS) standards, accelerating safety improvements while maintaining zero safety incidents despite challenging weather and site conditions.

Beyond improving safety for Placer County residents, findings from the Foresthill Bridge project are informing Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) guidance for evaluating T‑1 steel bridges across the country, contributing to a broader shift toward proactive infrastructure maintenance.

National recognition in Washington, D.C.

Atlas and Placer County were honored at the ACEC 2026 Engineering Excellence Awards Gala on May 5, 2026, at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Washington, D.C., where National Recognition Award winners were celebrated alongside the nation’s top engineering achievements.

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

Atlas 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. Atlas 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. Atlas 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. Atlas 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, Atlas 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 Atlas, 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, Atlas Infrastructure President.

Additional Award-Winning Contributions

Alongside the Merit Award for the Spelman Center for Innovation and the Arts, Atlas 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.

Atlas ranked #17 in the Consulting and Professional Services Category.

DENVER, Colo., April 2, 2026 — Atlas has been named to Newsweek’s list of the Most Trustworthy Companies in America 2026. This prestigious award is presented by Newsweek and Statista Inc., the world-leading statistics portal and industry ranking provider. The award list was announced on April 1 and can be viewed on .

The Most Trustworthy Companies in America 2026 list was built on an innovative methodology consisting of two evaluation components:

1. Survey Results: Based on Investor Trust, Customer Trust and Employee Trust.
2. Social Listening Analysis: Based on the Number of Mentions, Sentiment, Virality and Reach.

The 700 companies with the highest score have been awarded as one of the Most Trustworthy Companies in America 2026.

Based on the results of the study, Atlas is proud to be recognized on Newsweek’s list of the Most Trustworthy Companies in America 2026.

Statista publishes hundreds of worldwide industry rankings and company listings with high-profile media partners. This research and analysis service is based on the success of statista.com, the leading data and business intelligence portal that provides statistics, relevant business data and various market and consumer studies and surveys.

“Atlas is incredibly honored to be named one of America’s Most Trustworthy Companies by Newsweek. For us, trust is more than just a value — it’s the foundation of every relationship we build with our employees, clients and the communities where we live and work,” said Jacque Hinman, Atlas Chief Executive Officer. “This recognition is a testament to the integrity, dedication and professionalism our teams demonstrate every single day. I am immensely proud of the work we do and grateful to our people, whose commitment to doing what’s right continues to elevate Atlas and the impact we make across the country.”

About Atlas Technical Consultants:

Atlas provides professional testing, inspection, engineering,��consulting��and quality management services from more than 100 locations nationwide. With a talent base of 3,300 and $650 million in revenue, we deliver infrastructure and environmental solutions to public- and��private-sector��clients. To learn more about Atlas, visit ��and follow us on��,�������Ի���.

Media Contacts:

Lori Irvine
Senior Vice President of Marketing & Communications
lori.irvine@oneatlas.com

Carolyn King
Director of Communications
carolyn.king@oneatlas.com

Project wins Engineering Excellence Award.

Faced with aging equipment and outdated technology, Caltrans needed a new way to measure friction on its roadways and bridges to keep California drivers safe. The agency identified Continuous Friction Measurement Equipment (CFME), a new technology that continuously collects friction data under walking speeds, as an alternative to measuring skid resistance.

Caltrans turned to Atlas and GritForce Inc. to conduct a thorough investigation—comparing the device historically used to collect this data—the California Portable Skid Tester (CA PST)—to the new CFME device. ��Atlas worked collaboratively with Caltrans and industry partners to assess equipment performance by implementing specialized friction surveys, examining the unique capabilities of CFMEs across a range of road surfaces, including asphalt and concrete pavements along bridge decks.

Findings from these efforts informed updates to CT 342, Caltrans’ specification for skid resistance monitoring. Pavement friction plays a critical role in keeping California’s roads safer because friction affects how vehicles interact with the road. By testing pavement friction, especially on bridges or locations where vehicles are turning, slowing and stopping, Caltrans is protecting its community and helping to prevent roadway collisions by modernizing its friction measurement technology that has been in place since the 1950s.

Atlas received a Commendation Award in the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) California in its 2026 Engineering Excellence Awards competition, for its partnership with Caltrans on this public safety project. The award recognizes Atlas’ role in helping Caltrans modernize its measurement tools for monitoring roadway friction.

“Atlas has been recognized locally and nationally for our strong collaboration with Caltrans to advance roadway safety through innovative technology,” said Jacque Hinman, Atlas CEO. “We are honored to see this new technology receive industry recognition advancing public safety standards.”

When Alexandra Davis volunteered to write her first National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) document, she didn’t realize she was stepping into a new future. Before that, she’d been digging deep — literally. Trained as an archaeologist, Alexandra spent years unearthing human history at excavation sites in Malawi, Africa, contributing to discoveries featured in The New York Times.����

That one document marked a turning point, shifting her focus from uncovering the past to shaping the future. Now, as NEPA Services Lead at Atlas, Alexandra helps navigate federal requirements that determine whether critical infrastructure improvements can proceed, analyzing everything from wetland impacts to community displacement to ensure Georgia’s transportation improvements protect both people and natural resources.����

Her work sits at the intersection of science, policy and community advocacy, influencing the infrastructure that connects Georgia’s communities. Recently, this impactful work earned Alexandra recognition as one of Engineering Georgia Magazine’s 2025 “35 Under 35 Women to Know,” an honor celebrating young leaders who are redefining the future of engineering.����

Q: Let’s go back to the moment you first said yes to writing a National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) document. What were you thinking, and did you know then it would change everything?��

I was only 24 when I was offered the opportunity to work on NEPA documents, and honestly, at the time, I was just focused on staying employed and continuing to learn. It was right at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, so job security was at the front of my mind. I figured if I could cross-train and make myself valuable to the team, I’d have a better shot at holding onto my position. It wasn’t an immediate career-defining moment. It took about two years of working in NEPA and three years at Atlas for me to realize that this path was going to reshape my career in ways I hadn’t expected. And I’m so grateful I said yes to that opportunity.��

Q: You started your career excavating ancient remains in Africa. How did that path lead you to shaping policy through NEPA at Atlas?

As an archaeologist, my work required not only excavating ancient remains but also being a strong technical writer and researcher, digging up information about the past, analyzing complex data and translating those findings into detailed reports. Those skills transferred directly to environmental consulting work. About a year after I started at Atlas, my manager offered me the opportunity to begin authoring NEPA documents. I’ve always been eager to learn and grow, so I jumped at the chance. In addition to writing, I began coordinating with the Georgia Department of Transportation as a NEPA Analyst. It didn’t take long for me to realize that I had a real love for Environmental Project Management and, surprisingly, for the fast-paced, ever-changing nature of juggling multiple projects at different stages. While it might seem like a big shift from excavating ancient remains, both roles require attention to detail, problem-solving and a deep respect for our environment and history.��

Q: As NEPA Services Lead, what major projects or initiatives have you led since your promotion?����

Since my promotion, I’ve taken on leadership of all NEPA projects in Georgia, overseeing environmental compliance for more than 75 transportation projects. One of the most notable efforts has been managing and coordinating nine GDOT bridge replacement projects, which have required near-daily coordination and problem-solving. A major challenge on that effort was receiving Notice to Proceed later than expected and having to recover the schedule. This meant accelerating the environmental process for archaeology, history and ecology without compromising our quality standards. This experience showed me how important it is to build flexibility into our environmental review processes and maintain careful oversight. Beyond project work, I’ve also been leading initiatives within Atlas’ Southeast region to strengthen connections between young professionals and current college students.��

Q: How do you balance protecting the environment with supporting the needs of the communities connected to it?����

On our larger GDOT projects, especially those involving new location roadways and potential displacements, it takes a lot of public involvement and coordination to address community concerns. In some cases, this has even led to redesigning project alignments to better serve the environment and the people impacted. Balancing these priorities requires constant, open communication between the design team, including the project manager, lead designer, traffic engineers and the environmental team. On the other hand, many of our bridge replacement projects tend to have minimal environmental impact and generally receive strong community support, which makes those collaborations much smoother.��

Q: You’ve been named one of Georgia’s 35 Women to Know. What do you hope stands out about how you lead and connect with others?��

My goal is to lead with kindness, empathy and flexibility. It’s important to me that the people I work with feel supported, heard and valued. I always want to be the kind of leader who makes time for questions, concerns, or just a quick conversation. I also believe work should be enjoyable. I truly love what I do at Atlas and the people I work with, and I want my team to feel that same sense of purpose and enjoyment in their roles.��

Alexandra’s career may have started with a shovel in the ground, but her greatest impact may lie in what she is building — collaborative teams, thoughtful policies and space for more voices to shape the future. Her story reminds us that engineering is about more than equations or approvals. It’s about people, purpose and vision.����

Discover how our environmental services can support your next project, or follow Alexandra’s lead and join our growing team.��

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 Atlas’ 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 Atlas, and how do you envision shaping growth in the Southeast region?��

I came to Atlas 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 Atlas 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.����

Recognized for partnering with Caltrans to modernize pavement testing and improve urban traffic safety��

AUSTIN, Texas, May 21, 2025 — Atlas Technical Consultants (Atlas), a leading provider of infrastructure and environmental solutions, has received state and national recognition for its work enhancing roadway safety through technology innovation. The firm received a 2025 Engineering Excellence Honor Award from the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) of California and a National Recognition Award from ACEC for its partnership with the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans).

The awards recognized Atlas’ role in helping Caltrans update the method for testing pavement smoothness, particularly in busy urban areas. The project introduced Stop-and-Go Inertial Profilers (IPs), a new technology that collects pavement data at low speeds without shutting down traffic lanes, making testing safer, faster and more efficient.

Atlas was selected to lead field testing under simulated urban conditions and worked alongside Caltrans, the Federal Highway Administration and industry stakeholders to update the state’s certification standards (California Test Method CT 387).

“This project reflects the strength of our collaboration with Caltrans and the expertise of our technical teams,” said Atlas CEO Jacque Hinman. “Together, we advanced a solution that improves public safety and sets a new benchmark for profiling technology across California.”

Caltrans has since implemented the updated CT 387 across all 12 districts, certifying both Stop-and-Go and conventional IPs. The improvement is already delivering results including reduced traffic disruptions, improved worker safety and lowered testing costs.

The ACEC Engineering Excellence Awards (EEA) celebrate top engineering achievements that advance the profession and benefit society. Winners were recognized at the national EEA Gala in Washington, D.C., on May 20, 2025.

About Atlas Technical Consultants:

Atlas provides professional testing, inspection, engineering, consulting and quality management services from more than 100 locations nationwide. With a talent base of 3,600 and $685 million in revenue, we deliver infrastructure and environmental solutions to public- and private-sector clients. To learn more about Atlas visit�� and follow us on�� |�� |��

Media Contacts:

Lori Irvine
Senior Vice President of Marketing & Communications
lori.irvine@oneatlas.com

AUSTIN, Texas, Sept. 26, 2024 — Atlas Technical Consultants Inc., a leading provider of infrastructure and environmental solutions, today announced that the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Southern Idaho Section has awarded the Whistle Pig Tank development the 2023 Project of the Year in the less than $10 million category.

“This recognition is a testament to the exceptional geotechnical capabilities of our Boise team,” says Atlas CEO Jacque Hinman. “We’re proud of their hard work and look forward to their continued innovation and success.”

Addressing the critical issue of sufficient water supply, the project provides essential water storage and system resiliency for South Ada County residents and businesses.

Developed in collaboration with engineering firm Keller Associates for water utility company Veolia, the Whistle Pig Tank project faced unique design challenges. Veolia enlisted Keller to design a distinctive 2.65-million-gallon concrete tank, fully buried to harmonize with its surroundings.

Named after the groundhogs and ground squirrels native to the area, the Whistle Pig Tank was constructed within a steep hillside to minimize visibility and impact on the existing Birds of Prey site.

The tank incorporates several innovative elements: It’s filled using a series of pressure-reducing valves, and complex valving and controls manage bypass provisions. The tank’s mixing system leverages high-pressure water for mechanical mixing without the need for a pump. A small control structure on top of the tank includes provisions for future re-chlorination. Additionally, site enhancements involved challenging pipeline installations, an overflow pond, and creative grading and access improvements.

The Atlas team successfully guided the tank’s construction into the hillside, performing specialized geotechnical investigations, calculating lateral earth pressures, designing foundations and pavements, and offering comprehensive construction recommendations.

Beyond engineering and design, Atlas provided expertise in cost-effective construction solutions. The achievement builds on a decade-long partnership between Atlas and Keller Associates, with mutual trust and proven success from previous collaborations playing a significant role in securing the work.

About Atlas Technical Consultants:

Headquartered in Austin, Texas, Atlas is a leading provider of Infrastructure and Environmental Solutions. We partner with our clients to improve performance and extend the lifecycle of built and natural infrastructure assets stressed by climate, health, and economic impacts. With 3,500+ employees nationwide, Atlas brings deep technical expertise to public- and private-sector clients, integrating services across four primary disciplines: Environmental (ENV); Testing, Inspection and Certification (TIC); Engineering & Design (E&D); and Program Management/Construction Management, and Quality Management (PCQM). To learn more about Atlas innovations for transportation, commercial, water, government, education, and industrial markets, visit��.

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Media Contact:

Carolyn King
303-248-8882
Carolyn.King@oneatlas.com

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AUSTIN, Texas, June 12, 2024 — Morgan Mullins, PG, Atlas Technical Consultants Project Geologist, has been named to Zweig Group’s 2024 Rising Stars List, an honor recognizing outstanding young professionals in the AEC industry for their remarkable achievements and leadership.

Jacque Hinman, CEO of Atlas Technical Consultants, expressed pride in Morgan’s achievements, stating, “Morgan’s work ethic embodies our commitment to excellence, innovation, and environmental stewardship. We are exceptionally proud of her achievements as she represents Atlas on this year’s list of Rising Stars.”

Morgan has played a significant part in managing a portfolio of ten landfill contracts, overseeing annual environmental monitoring, providing on-call engineering services, and educating site operators on Georgia’s solid waste management laws.

Her expertise encompasses performing environmental site assessments for a range of clients, including county governments, commercial real estate entities, and environmental cleanup initiatives aimed at revitalizing vacant lots in Georgia cities.

Among her notable projects is the Phase 2 expansion of the Oglethorpe County C&D Landfill from 2019 to 2022. Despite challenges such as COVID-19 delays and changes in county leadership, Morgan skillfully navigated these obstacles, securing state approval for the expansion.

In 2023, she led a site suitability assessment across 260 acres for Phase 3 permitting, establishing 30 wells to analyze subsurface conditions and laying the groundwork for a significant landfill expansion.

In 2020, Morgan spearheaded the upgrade of Jefferson County CR138 landfill’s environmental monitoring network, aligning it with updated regulatory standards. Her exceptional project management and leadership ensured the project was completed on schedule and under budget.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, she has made significant contributions to community projects. From August 2020 to June 2022, she lent her expertise to an Engineers Without Borders project in Dumangbe, Sierra Leone, aiding in the construction of a bridge that significantly improved the community’s access to essential services.

Morgan is also a natural team builder. She mentors newcomers and bridges the gap between academic learning and practical application, earning trust, respect, and confidence from colleagues, managers, and clients. Her hands-on training and efficient scheduling enable her team to consistently exceed project expectations.

In October 2022, Morgan was elected Vice President of the Atlanta Chapter of the American Institute of Professional Geologists (AIPG), where she has been pivotal in organizing professional development conferences and providing invaluable guidance to students.

About Atlas Technical Consultants

Headquartered in Austin, Texas, Atlas is a leading provider of Infrastructure and Environmental Solutions. We partner with our clients to improve performance and extend the lifecycle of built and natural infrastructure assets stressed by climate, health, and economic impacts. With 3,500+ employees nationwide, Atlas brings deep technical expertise to public- and private-sector clients, integrating services across four primary disciplines: Environmental (ENV); Testing, Inspection and Certification (TIC); Engineering & Design (E&D); and Program Management/Construction Management, and Quality Management (PCQM). To learn more about Atlas innovations for transportation, commercial, water, government, education, and industrial markets, visit��.

Media Contact:
Jamie Myers
337-349-5486
Jamie.Myers@oneatlas.com

�� ��

Q&A: Explore the intersection of geology and landfill management with Zweig Group’s 2024 Rising Stars Award Winner, Morgan Mullins, PG.

Q: Can you share a memorable experience from your time at Atlas where you felt proud of the impact you made on environmental stewardship in Georgia?

The majority of my five and a half years at Atlas have been spent working on our landfills team, supporting anywhere from 10 to 13 different counties across Georgia. Most of these are small rural counties with limited budgets and manpower, facing a complex set of solid waste regulations. They look to me and my team to help them navigate these often confusing regulations in a way that keeps them in compliance, operational, and profitable.

In 2018, the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (GAEPD) rolled out a program requiring all active landfills to update their plans. One of our clients, Jefferson County, had significant updates to their plan set while also opening a new section of their landfill. Bob Whitfield, our compliance expert, handled the opening of the Section 3 landfill masterfully, with support from engineering staff. My environmental team managed the environmental monitoring well expansion, installing around 22-23 groundwater and methane wells. This was an ‘all hands on deck’ situation and the success of this project was due to my team’s dedication to getting the job done right.

This project required meticulous coordination between the county, state, and our team to balance regulatory deadlines, county budgets, and our staffing schedules. We pulled it off successfully despite being in the middle of the 2020-2021 supply chain disruptions. Seeing the wells operational and the landfill running smoothly was incredibly rewarding.

Q: How do you approach balancing the various demands of annual environmental monitoring, on-call engineering services, and educating site operators on solid waste management laws?

It’s all about the team. I couldn’t do this alone. Randy Romero, my right hand man in the landfills, manages the field schedule and ensures the fieldwork gets done. He’s excellent at keeping track of our deadlines for annual sampling and communicating with our clients. Bob Whitfield handles most of our on-call engineering tasks, explaining complex technical pursuits in an understandable way to both our clients and me.

We take it one schedule change at a time, one phone call at a time. Thankfully, our schedule has been consistent year-to-year, which helps maintain a good workflow. Having dedicated and skilled people working alongside me is what makes or breaks our efforts.

Q: Could you elaborate on the challenges you faced during the Phase 2 expansion of the Oglethorpe County C&D Landfill, and how you overcame them to secure state approval for the project?

The biggest challenge was the rapid filling of the landfill. We were racing against the clock to expand the landfill horizontally and vertically before it reached maximum capacity. This type of landfill is a significant revenue source for our clients in small counties, so timing was critical.

Clear communication with our client and the state regulators was crucial. Regular check-ins and being proactive about addressing concerns that our regulators had helped us stay on track. This consistent dialogue ensured we met deadlines and secured the necessary approvals.

Q: How did your involvement with Engineers Without Borders in constructing a bridge in Sierra Leone influence your perspective on the intersection of geology and community development?

I was involved with the Engineers Without Borders project for almost three years through the DC chapter. We worked with a village in southern Sierra Leone to construct a bridge over a creek that seasonally isolated half of the village during the rainy season. This had severe implications for access to schools, jobs, and healthcare, especially during the Ebola outbreak in 2015-16.

My contribution involved analyzing soils data and working with bridge engineers to determine the best construction approach. The experience underscored the importance of applying technical knowledge to solve real-world problems, directly impacting community health and well-being.

It was incredibly fulfilling to see how our efforts could make such a significant difference.

Q: As the Vice President of the Atlanta Chapter of the American Institute of Professional Geologists, you played a significant role in organizing a successful conference. How do you see your leadership within professional organizations contributing to the wider geology community?

One of my favorite aspects of the conference was the student panel. We invited students that were attending the conference to ask questions about transitioning from the classroom to the workplace. It was rewarding to help them understand how to format resumes, stay calm in interviews, and translate their academic skills into practical applications.

This interaction was incredibly satisfying because I remember being in their shoes — excited but anxious about entering the professional world. Helping the next generation of geologists, especially women geologists, feel more confident about their future is something I’m passionate about. I hope to see some of them apply for jobs at Atlas or see them again at future conferences.

A piece of advice I give to new grads is to ‘do it scared.’ I don’t love the phrase ‘fake it until you make it’, we don’t need to ‘fake’ anything. I know I can do my job well and these students know that they are deserving of the jobs they are interviewing for, but we all get nervous before big meetings. So, I tell them to do it scared. It’s worked for me.

Q: How do you maintain effective communication and collaboration across different stakeholders to ensure project continuity and success?

Consistency and adaptation are key. I don’t have a singular, major career-defining project; rather, my success comes from consistently communicating with clients, following up, and maintaining a regular presence on-site. This consistency extends to our field schedules, ensuring a balanced workload and good work-life balance for the team. Adaptation is important in my role as a lot of the time, field work does not go as planned. We adapt our plans and our approach to fit changing conditions, then communicate with our clients to ensure they are included and informed at each stage of a project.

My strength lies in the quality and frequency of communications, always asking, ‘How can we get this done?’

Q: Looking ahead, what are some of your aspirations and goals within the field of geology? Are there any upcoming projects or initiatives that you are particularly excited about?

In the last year and a half, I’ve shifted from a technical role to more of a project manager role, boosting my confidence and leadership skills. Moving forward, I want to expand the types of projects we work on, always searching for new clients and more challenging work.

I’m particularly excited about revitalization projects that involve transforming vacant lots into community spaces. For example, we’re currently completing the environmental reporting on a project to turn a gravel lot on Main Street into a mixed-use commercial and residential area. These projects have a direct positive impact on communities, making them more vibrant and healthier.

Q: Can you share a bit about your background and what initially drew you to the field of geology?

Growing up near Augusta, GA I loved spending time outdoors and was fascinated by nature. We spent a lot of time outside as a family, whether that was going to the local lake or playing in our backyard. My dad is a civil engineer, and he often took [my siblings and me] to his job sites, sparking my initial interest in engineering. However, as I progressed through high school and college, I realized I had a stronger inclination toward science over math. I have been driven by a lifelong love of science, a desire to understand how the natural world around us formed, and understanding what we can do to ensure the beautiful places around us stay beautiful.

I took an introductory geology class my sophomore year of college and was immediately hooked. I continued my studies at Georgia State and later at Clemson, focusing on groundwater quality and contamination cleanup methods. My passion for geology led me to Atlas, where I’ve learned about the importance of landfills and their role in protecting the environment.

Q: Talk to me about the values that drive your interactions with your colleagues, clients, and community initiatives.

I lead with empathy, kindness, and excellence to deliver a consistent, high-quality product to our clients. I deliver results by building relationships because our client’s experience with Atlas is the most important deliverable to me. This can look like volunteering with my coworkers to teach young girls about engineering, educating clients about ways to balance environmental cleanup initiatives and budgets, or taking time to ask about a client’s kid who recently graduated.

Environmental stewardship is also a core value for me. My love for the outdoors and deep appreciation for nature drive everything I do. In my professional life, this translates to doing my best to protect our environment and create sustainable solutions for waste management. It’s about balancing the needs of our clients with the imperative to safeguard our natural world for everyone’s benefit.