Atlas / Wed, 26 Aug 2026 22:15:03 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.0.4 Q&A: Monica Flournoy on Leadership, Mentorship and Being Named Among Engineering Georgia Magazine’s Top Most 100 Influential Women /qa-monica-flournoy-on-leadership-mentorship-and-being-named-among-engineering-georgia-magazines-top-100-influential-women/ Fri, 21 Aug 2026 23:12:40 +0000 /?p=248032 The post Q&A: Monica Flournoy on Leadership, Mentorship and Being Named Among Engineering Georgia Magazine’s Top Most 100 Influential Women appeared first on Atlas.

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With more than 33 years of experience serving Georgia’s transportation industry, Monica Flournoy, PE, has helped shape programs, mentor future leaders and advance practices that continue to influence the profession today. Following her recognition as one of , Monica reflected on the people, experiences and opportunities that have defined her career and the importance of helping the next generation of engineers succeed.

Monica Flournoy, PE (left) with Atlas’ Sally Riker, F. SAME (right), who was named in 2025 and 2026 among Georgia Engineering’s Top Most 100 Influential Women.

Congratulations on being named one of Engineering Georgia’s Top Most 100 Influential Women. What does this recognition mean to you?

I am deeply honored to receive this recognition and to be included among so many accomplished women who have contributed to advancing the engineering profession. While the award bears my name, it reflects the collective efforts of the mentors, colleagues, clients and teams who have supported and challenged me throughout my career. I have been fortunate to work alongside exceptional professionals at both GDOT and Atlas, and this recognition is really a testament to what can be achieved through collaboration, trust and a shared commitment to public service. It is also meaningful because it highlights the impact women continue to make in shaping transportation infrastructure and creating opportunities for future generations of engineers.

Over the course of more than 33 years in transportation engineering, you’ve led programs, influenced policy and developed teams. When you reflect on your career, what are you most proud of?

What makes me most proud is knowing that many of the improvements, processes and people I helped develop continue to make a difference today. Throughout my career, I had opportunities to lead initiatives that improved efficiency, strengthened quality and enhanced collaboration across Georgia’s transportation industry. Whether implementing statewide systems such as SiteManager and the AASHTOWare Project, advancing paperless contracting, modernizing materials and construction processes or refining consultant management practices, my focus was always on creating sustainable improvements that would continue delivering value long after implementation. Equally important are the people I have mentored over the years. Seeing engineers, inspectors and technical professionals grow into leadership roles and make meaningful contributions to our industry is one of the most rewarding measures of success.

Today, you oversee field operations supporting transportation programs across Georgia. What excites you most about your current role?

Without question, the people. My role allows me to work with talented engineers, inspectors, technicians, project managers and support staff who are dedicated to serving our clients and improving transportation infrastructure throughout the Southeast. I enjoy helping teams solve challenges, identifying opportunities for professional growth and making sure our staff have the resources and support they need to succeed. Every project presents unique challenges, and it is rewarding to see multidisciplinary teams come together to deliver quality solutions while developing the next generation of industry leaders. Watching others grow professionally and achieve their goals is one of the most fulfilling parts of my job.

You’ve successfully led organizations, programs and teams of significant scale throughout your career. What leadership lessons have stayed with you over the years?

One of the most important lessons I have learned is that leadership is fundamentally about people. Technical expertise is important, but trust, communication and integrity are what enable teams to perform at their highest level. I have found that people are most successful when they understand the purpose behind their work, feel respected and know their contributions matter. Effective leaders listen, remain accessible and create opportunities for others to grow.

I have also learned the importance of adaptability. The transportation industry continues to evolve, and leaders must be willing to embrace change, learn continuously and help their teams navigate challenges while maintaining a clear focus on quality and service.

Throughout your career, you’ve been active in organizations such as WTS International, National Society of Women Engineers (SWE), National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), ASTM International and American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), while also supporting STEM outreach and mentorship programs. Why is that work important to you?

I believe engineering is about more than the projects we deliver; it is also about strengthening the profession and investing in future generations. Professional organizations provide opportunities to share knowledge, contribute to industry advancements and collaborate with peers who are facing similar challenges. My involvement with organizations such as WTS, SWE, NSBE, ASTM and AASHTO has allowed me to participate in conversations that help shape industry practices, standards and policies.

Equally important is mentorship. Throughout my career, I benefited from leaders who invested in my development, and I have always felt a responsibility to do the same for others. Through STEM outreach, school mentoring programs and initiatives such as Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day, I hope to encourage young people, particularly women and underrepresented students, to see the opportunities available within our profession.

Many people would describe your influence through the programs you’ve managed or the teams you’ve led. How do you define influence?

To me, influence is not defined by a title or position. Influence is measured by the positive impact you leave behind. It is improving a process, helping an organization become more effective, mentoring someone who later becomes a leader or creating opportunities that enable others to succeed. Projects eventually get completed, but the knowledge shared, relationships built and people developed can continue making a difference for years. If the organizations, programs and individuals around you are stronger because of your contributions, then you have had a meaningful influence.

What advice would you give to the next generation of engineering leaders?

Stay curious, remain humble and never stop learning. Some of the most valuable opportunities in my career came from stepping outside my comfort zone and taking on responsibilities that initially seemed challenging. Be willing to ask questions, seek out mentors and embrace experiences that broaden your perspective. Technical competence will always matter, but long-term success depends just as much on your ability to communicate, build relationships and support those around you. Focus on serving your team, maintaining your integrity and continuously improving. If you commit to learning and helping others succeed, leadership opportunities will naturally follow.

Monica’s influence extends far beyond the projects she has supported. Through leadership, mentorship and a commitment to continuous improvement, she has helped shape programs, teams and careers across Georgia’s transportation industry.

Learn more about Atlas’ transportation services or explore opportunities to join our growing team.

Brett Haggerty

Monica Flournoy, PE

Southeast Field Operations Manager

Monica Flournoy, PE, serves as Southeast Field Operations Manager for Atlas. She brings more than 33 years of experience supporting transportation programs across Georgia and the Southeast. Prior to joining Atlas, she spent 28 years with the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT), where she held numerous leadership positions focused on construction, materials and testing, contract administration and quality assurance. Today, she leads Atlas’ Southeast field operations while continuing to support workforce development, mentorship and STEM outreach initiatives throughout the industry.

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Environmental oversight supports reuse and redevelopment in Hastings /environmental-oversight-supports-reuse-and-redevelopment-in-hastings/ Tue, 28 Jul 2026 16:38:41 +0000 /?p=248018 The post Environmental oversight supports reuse and redevelopment in Hastings appeared first on Atlas.

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In Hastings, Nebraska, a long-vacant former middle school is being redeveloped into residential housing, an effort that brings new use to an underutilized property and supports ongoing investment in the community — where education once built futures, new housing will help shape them.

But before construction can begin, environmental challenges inside the building must be carefully managed. The site has been identified as a brownfield due to the presence of hazardous materials such as asbestos, which must be addressed to enable redevelopment. The City was awarded an EPA Brownfields Cleanup Grant to support cleanup activities and help advance the work needed to prepare the property for its next chapter.

Atlas is supporting the project through abatement oversight, providing on-site monitoring and coordination to help remediation work move forward in alignment with regulatory requirements and established safety protocols. This role is critical in keeping progress on track and creating a clear path to redevelopment.

“Projects like this are a great reminder of the value of adaptive reuse. This building has so much character that simply can’t be replicated today, and it’s exciting to see a path forward that preserves that history while bringing much-needed housing to the community,” said Kelly Schmitt, National Brownfields Director at Atlas.

As cleanup advances, the building is positioned to transition from a vacant property into a residential space that contributes to the city’s growth. By addressing environmental conditions that can otherwise delay progress, Atlas is supporting a project that brings new housing and renewed purpose to the site.

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Beyond the Ducks: The Relationships That Move Environmental Restoration Forward /beyond-the-ducks-the-relationships-that-move-environmental-restoration-forward/ Mon, 27 Jul 2026 21:31:08 +0000 /?p=248009 The post Beyond the Ducks: The Relationships That Move Environmental Restoration Forward appeared first on Atlas.

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By: Teresa Harris, Atlas Principal Scientist and Erin Abel, Atlas Senior Environmental Geologist

Every year, we look forward to and one of its most unique traditions: .

At first glance, an arcade-game competition might seem like an unusual gathering for environmental professionals. But after attending over the years, we’ve come to appreciate what makes the event so valuable.

The games aren’t really the point. Although, they are a lot of fun.

Last year, Erin had the privilege of leading the Atlas team to a Do-Duck-Athon championship, so we’d be remiss if we didn’t admit we’re hoping to defend the title this year. But what keeps people coming back isn’t the competition. It’s the opportunity to connect with clients, regulators, consultants, contractors, attorneys and industry partners in a relaxed setting that feels completely different from a traditional conference.

When you spend an afternoon playing arcade games together, barriers come down and conversations happen naturally. Those conversations often spark new ideas, strengthen partnerships and lay the groundwork for future collaboration.

And in our industry, that matters.

Environmental restoration projects are rarely defined by a single challenge or a single solution. Whether restoring abandoned mine lands, addressing legacy contamination, revitalizing former industrial properties or supporting complex remediation efforts, success depends on bringing together diverse perspectives and working toward a shared vision for the future.  

At Atlas, we’ve seen firsthand how strong relationships can help move projects forward. They create opportunities for collaboration, foster trust among stakeholders and help teams navigate complex technical, regulatory and community considerations. Some of the most meaningful progress happens when clients, regulators, technical specialists and community partners come together around a common goal: restoring environments, supporting economic vitality and helping communities thrive.

That’s what makes Do-Duck-Athon special.

Beyond the games and friendly competition, it’s an opportunity to strengthen the relationships that help turn challenges into solutions. It’s where conversations begin, ideas are exchanged and connections are built that can make a lasting impact long after the event is over.

As a sponsor of this year’s event, we’re excited to reconnect with colleagues, meet new faces and share more about how Atlas supports environmental restoration and abandoned mine land projects across the U.S. And yes, we’ll be doing our best to defend that 2025 arcade championship along the way.

We hope to see you there!

Brett Haggerty

Teresa Harris

Principal Scientist

is a Principal Scientist at Atlas, bringing over a decade of experience in environmental consulting with a focus on groundwater, environmental compliance and sustainable solutions. She plays a key role in supporting public and private sector clients in addressing complex environmental challenges across industries such as pipelines, transportation, water and energy.

Teresa is a key contributor to project execution, corporate strategy, client engagement and business development across the southwestern United States. She is committed to leveraging expertise in environmental compliance and groundwater monitoring to drive sustainable outcomes, with a notable focus on aiding rural Arizona communities in utilizing EPA and ADEQ Brownfields Program funding to maximize environmental and economic benefits.

Brett Haggerty

Erin Abel

Environmental Scientist

is an environmental scientist with Atlas whose experience includes environmental restoration, field investigations, sampling programs, water quality monitoring and site assessments. With a background in environmental science and a passion for problem-solving, Erin enjoys working collaboratively with clients and project teams to develop practical solutions to environmental challenges. She values opportunities to learn from others, share knowledge and build the relationships that help projects — and communities — succeed.

The post Beyond the Ducks: The Relationships That Move Environmental Restoration Forward appeared first on Atlas.

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Atlas Awarded Statewide Contract for Texas Pavement Design Services /atlas-awarded-statewide-contract-for-texas-pavement-design-services/ Mon, 27 Jul 2026 15:52:16 +0000 /?p=248006 The post Atlas Awarded Statewide Contract for Texas Pavement Design Services appeared first on Atlas.

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Atlas has been selected by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) to provide statewide Pavement Design Services for its Maintenance Division. The contract will support highway projects across Texas by helping assess roadway conditions and inform future improvements.

As one of the largest transportation networks in the nation, Texas roadways require ongoing investment to support growing communities, increasing traffic demands and long-term transportation needs. Understanding how those roadways are performing helps TxDOT prioritize improvements, plan for future growth and make the most of its infrastructure investments.

“Infrastructure has a lasting impact on how communities grow and prosper,” said Tom Price, Atlas Infrastructure Business President. “The roads that connect cities, towns and neighborhoods support nearly every aspect of daily life, and Atlas has played a role in supporting that network in Texas for decades. Our people are part of the communities we serve, giving them a firsthand perspective on how transportation investments shape the places where people live and work. That perspective reinforces our commitment to delivering practical, durable pavement solutions that stand the test of time. We’re proud to support TxDOT’s efforts to maintain and improve this critical infrastructure while helping position Texas for continued growth in the years ahead.”

Under this new contract, Atlas will provide pavement engineering, geotechnical services and roadway evaluations supporting highway projects across Texas. The work includes field investigations, pavement condition evaluations, roadway performance analyses and pavement design recommendations supporting both roadway rehabilitation and new construction projects statewide.

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Building on 250 Years of Progress /building-on-250-years-of-progress/ Tue, 30 Jun 2026 17:29:09 +0000 /?p=247979 The post Building on 250 Years of Progress appeared first on Atlas.

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By Tom Price, Infrastructure Business President, and Lytle Troutt, Environmental Business President

For many of us, the Fourth of July means time with family and friends — long afternoons by the water, backyard barbecues and neighborhood parades. Fireworks at night, with flags lining front porches and touches of red, white and blue everywhere you look. It’s a moment to slow down and appreciate the freedoms and opportunities we don’t always recognize and simply pause to reflect.

As America celebrates its 250th birthday, we’ve been thinking about what it really means to build something that lasts.

Two hundred and fifty years ago, the United States took shape as a bold idea, defined as much by uncertainty as by possibility. There was no defined roadmap, just a belief that progress was possible and that each generation would help move it forward. Success depended on the nation’s first engineers, surveyors and problem-solvers — people like George Washington, who helped map the land and laid the groundwork for the systems that would shape a growing nation and connect communities over time.

Throughout our careers, we’ve seen that same spirit of possibility continue to take shape in the work being done today. Progress in infrastructure and environmental work still hinges on solving complex challenges, often without a clear path forward, while defining communities in lasting ways — from reconnecting regions to protecting public health and creating new opportunity where it didn’t exist before.

Since our country’s founding, work itself has evolved. Projects are more complex, expectations are higher and there’s a deeper understanding of how these investments affect communities over time. That has made our work more challenging, but also more meaningful.

Across the country, our clients are leading the way. They are expanding mobility and improving how people connect to jobs, schools and one another. They are strengthening water systems to support growing populations and protect critical resources. They are transforming former industrial sites into places where communities can gather and grow again. They are addressing legacy environmental challenges such as orphaned wells and abandoned mine lands, while also investing in energy and infrastructure that reflects where the country is headed, including the demands of a more connected and digital world.

These efforts may not always be visible, but they are foundational to how communities move forward.

What has remained constant since America’s founding is the importance of partnership. The best outcomes come from alignment, trust and a shared commitment to doing the work the right way. Public agencies, private partners, field teams and communities all play a role.

At Atlas, we’re proud to support that work, bringing clarity to complex challenges and helping projects move forward with confidence, contributing to outcomes that extend well beyond the life of the project.

Looking ahead, the connection between infrastructure and environmental stewardship is intertwined deeper than ever before. Communities are asking not only what will be built, but how it will perform, who it will serve and what it will leave behind.

We’re grateful for the clients and partners who take on the responsibility to help communities across America flourish and thrive. Their work continues to shape communities, create opportunity and strengthen the future of the places we call home.

The American story is still being written. We see it in every project that moves from concept to reality and in every community that benefits from the investments being made today. So, this Fourth of July, we celebrate the people behind that progress and the work still ahead. We’re grateful to play a small role in what comes next.

-Tom and Lytle

Brett Haggerty

Tom Price

Infrastructure Business President

With more than three decades of experience in the architecture, construction and engineering industry, Tom leads Atlas’ infrastructure business, driving client success and strategic growth.

He’s known for project delivery excellence, business growth, operating discipline and distinctive client service. His expertise in civil infrastructure is deeply rooted in the transportation, buildings and water sectors.

Brett Haggerty

Lytle Troutt

Environmental Business President

Lytle Troutt has more than 30 years of experience in nearly all aspects of the environmental industry, including remediation, compliance, management, health, nuclear compliance and sustainability.

Lytle leads Atlas’ environmental business, focusing on continuing the company’s legacy of distinctive client service while strategically driving profitable growth to enhance revenue and expand market share.

The post Building on 250 Years of Progress appeared first on Atlas.

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Atlas Rises in ENR’s Top Professional Services Firms 2026 Rankings /atlas-rises-in-enrs-top-professional-services-firms-2026-rankings/ Wed, 24 Jun 2026 19:32:35 +0000 /?p=247972 The post Atlas Rises in ENR’s Top Professional Services Firms 2026 Rankings appeared first on Atlas.

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A Top 15 construction management ranking and Top 50 program management placement highlight Atlas’ dedication to clients and delivering with distinction.

Atlas has advanced across several categories in the , reflecting continued growth in its core capabilities, rooted in its ability to exceed client expectations, forge strong partnerships and provide exceptional service at every project stage.

Atlas’ 2026 ENR rankings represent the dedication and trust of clients and project delivery teams. This year, Atlas climbed to No. 14 on ENR’s Top 50 Construction Management Firms list.  Atlas also earned a place on the Top 50 Program Management Firms at No. 49, marking an important milestone in the company’s expanding role in delivering complex infrastructure and environmental programs. Additionally, Atlas ranked at No. 28 on the Combined Construction Management/PM‑for‑Fee Firms list.

“I’m incredibly grateful to our clients for their partnership in addressing the nation’s infrastructure and environmental needs,” said Jacque Hinman, Atlas Chief Executive Officer.  “The Atlas Team strives to deliver projects safely, responsively and with distinction, and rankings such as the annual ENR lists serve as a guidepost to measure our progress. The fact that we have achieved these rankings through organic growth, delivered one project at a time, is a testament to the dedication and values of our combined Atlas-client teams.” 

Atlas also earned placements across , including No. 54 on the Top 500 Design Firms list, No. 45 among Top 100 Pure Designers and No. 14 in the hazardous waste sector, demonstrating the firm’s continued presence across engineering and environmental services.

Together these rankings highlight the breadth of Atlas’ capabilities, from professional services to engineering, design and environmental solutions, supporting infrastructure and environmental projects at every stage of the project lifecycle.

With local teams backed by national expertise, Atlas partners with clients to navigate complexity, deliver with confidence and advance projects that strengthen and connect communities, including construction management on projects like the Avalon Pedestrian Bridge, designed to reconnect residents to their waterfront, as well as advancing resilient water systems that protect public health and improving mobility and safety for growing communities.

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Safer. Faster. Smarter. Using LiDAR and Drones to Revolutionize Data Collection /safer-faster-smarter-using-lidar-and-drones-to-revolutionize-data-collection/ Tue, 23 Jun 2026 17:31:13 +0000 /?p=247486 The post Safer. Faster. Smarter. Using LiDAR and Drones to Revolutionize Data Collection appeared first on Atlas.

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Advancements such as LiDAR and drone‑based data collection are shaping the next chapter of surveying and geospatial data collection. These tools enhance accuracy, improve safety and accelerate project delivery, giving surveyors new ways to gather meaningful spatial data while reducing risk in the field. 

Ty Atmaca will present “Drone-Based Geophysics and Methan Detection for Orphan Well Identification” at the in Houston, Texas, June 24-25. He will highlight how advanced drone magnetometer surveys, methane detection technologies and Blue UAS-approved platforms are helping locate undocumented orphan wells faster, safer and more cost effectively.

A New Era of Surveying

Historically, surveying required crews to physically access project sites and manually collect data points — often over extended periods of time. Today, LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) enables surveyors to capture millions of data points in a single scan, producing highly detailed 3D models of real‑world environments with remarkable efficiency. 

While the tools have changed, the mission remains the same: delivering reliable, precise and actionable spatial information. Modern survey technologies simply make that mission easier to achieve — and often in ways that are safer and more efficient for field teams.

  • Safer: Reduces the need for personnel to enter hazardous or hard‑to‑reach areas such as levees, bridge structures, unstable terrain or industrial sites.
  • Faster: Enables data collection in days instead of weeks or months.
  • Smarter: Produces richer datasets that support better planning, engineering and environmental decision‑making.

Integrating Drones with Geophysics

Drone‑based technologies have become especially valuable in geophysical applications. Drone platforms enable teams to safely collect ultra‑high‑resolution data at low altitudes, improving spatial density and signal quality while minimizing ground disturbance. 

Drone‑based surveys also offer repeatability, allowing teams to monitor changes over time and detect conditions that might otherwise go unnoticed. While considerations such as weather, airspace restrictions and flight endurance must be factored in, the strongest outcomes are often achieved by pairing drone‑based data collection with traditional ground‑based methods, creating a more comprehensive understanding of site conditions.

Cagatay “Ty” Atmaca

Where These Technologies Deliver the Most Value

At Atlas, drone‑based surveying and LiDAR are particularly effective for environmental, energy and infrastructure‑related investigations.

One key application is orphan well locating, where drone‑mounted magnetometers are used to detect buried well casings and undocumented infrastructure that may pose environmental or public safety risks. Drones are also used for methane detection, enabling rapid scanning of large areas — a critical capability for landfill monitoring and emissions management.

LiDAR supports a wide range of additional applications, including transportation corridors, coastal protection, site development, agricultural lands and landfills. The technology is especially valuable for drainage analysis, where subtle elevation changes captured through digital terrain models (DTMs) can help teams identify potential challenges early in the project lifecycle. 

Real‑World Impact

The benefits of integrating LiDAR and drone‑based geophysics are especially clear on complex or remote projects.

In one recent effort, Atlas supported an orphan well locating and methane detection project in a mountainous region where a well was not visible at the surface. Drone‑based magnetometer data revealed a clear anomaly consistent with a buried well casing, allowing the client to pinpoint its location with confidence. In another instance, the combined use of aerial and ground‑based geophysical methods helped identify a fully buried well that was actively leaking gas — information that would have been difficult to uncover using traditional approaches alone.

On the LiDAR side, Atlas supported development planning on an 850‑acre site for a large data center project. Terrain data that would have taken months to collect using conventional GPS methods was captured in just days, providing a detailed surface model that clearly represented drainage features and complex topography across the property.

Navigating Challenges and Regulations

Drone‑based projects often require extensive coordination, particularly in regulated or sensitive airspace. Depending on location, operations may involve approvals from airports, military authorities, local governments or landowners. Atlas’ experience navigating these requirements allows teams to plan and execute drone operations safely, efficiently and in compliance — even in highly controlled environments. 

Looking Ahead

From landfill investigations and geohazard studies to emerging applications such as lava tube detection, LiDAR and drone‑based technologies continue to expand what is possible in surveying and geophysics. By integrating advanced sensors with proven methodologies, Atlas helps clients gain deeper insight into both surface and subsurface conditions — supporting smarter decisions, improved safety and more resilient outcomes.

Brett Haggerty

Cagatay “Ty” Atmaca

Geophysics Practice Team Manager and Project Geophysicist

Cagatay “Ty” Atmaca is a geophysicist with more than 15 years of experience in applied geophysics and three years of specialized experience in drone-based geophysical surveying. He has led several drone geophysics projects focused on locating orphan wells in Arizona and California, utilizing advanced systems such as the IF1200A drone platform equipped with the MagArrow II magnetometer.

Ty has played a key role in integrating drone technology with traditional geophysical methods to improve the efficiency and safety of subsurface investigations. His work has supported major environmental initiatives by helping identify buried orphan wells and assess potential methane emissions. In addition to orphan well investigations, he has also applied drone-based geophysics to landfill studies and environmental site assessments, using high-resolution aerial data to support site characterization and monitoring. Ty continues to advance the use of drone technologies in geophysics through field applications, conference participation, and technical presentations.

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Reimagining Coleman’s Landing /reimagining-colemans-landing/ Tue, 23 Jun 2026 15:25:53 +0000 /?p=247965 The post Reimagining Coleman’s Landing appeared first on Atlas.

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From Brownfield to Community Vision in Trimble County, Kentucky

On the edge of Bedford, Kentucky, a historic farm sat largely unused, with a lot of potential still to be realized. Today, that same land is being reimagined as , a new, connected community rooted in the character of Trimble County and designed to support how people want to live, work and gather. 

The site, formerly part of the historic Halloran Farm, was identified as a brownfield property, where past use and environmental uncertainty can present barriers to redevelopment. Through the (KIPDA)’s EPA Brownfields Assessment Grant, Atlas partnered with KIPDA and project stakeholders to evaluate site conditions and help move the vision forward with clarity and confidence.

Atlas’ role focused on environmental due diligence and site assessment, helping define what was possible on the land. By identifying potential risks early and aligning with state brownfields programs, the team helped transform uncertainty into a clear path forward, supporting a redevelopment plan that balances preservation, community needs and long-term viability.

Today, Coleman’s Landing is envisioned as a walkable village centered on connection, featuring a mix of homes, trails, green space, small businesses and healthcare services. A new healthcare facility is already underway, expanding access to care and reinforcing the project’s role in strengthening quality of life across the region.

For Atlas, this work reflects the broader purpose of brownfields redevelopment, helping communities reclaim land in a way that is both responsible and forward-looking.

“Brownfields work is about more than environmental cleanup; it’s about helping communities move from uncertainty to opportunity. At Coleman’s Landing, that meant helping define a clear path forward that supports redevelopment while creating real opportunities for Trimble County to grow,” said Kelly Schmitt, Atlas National Brownfields Director.

By combining environmental insight with strong local partnerships, Atlas is helping transform underutilized land into a place shaped by community vision, one that will support Trimble County for generations to come.

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Sally Riker on service, leadership and receiving the SAME Foundation President’s Medal /sally-riker-same-foundation-presidents-medal/ Thu, 18 Jun 2026 15:46:06 +0000 /?p=247960 The post Sally Riker on service, leadership and receiving the SAME Foundation President’s Medal appeared first on Atlas.

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In our last feature on Sally Riker, we explored her perspective on leadership, connection and the role infrastructure plays in shaping communities. Since that conversation, Sally was recognized with the first-ever , awarded at the .  This honor is one of the Foundation’s highest honors, recognizing exceptional service and leadership in advancing its mission to develop the next generation of engineering leaders and strengthen the profession. More than a single moment, the recognition reflects a long-standing commitment to service, leadership and the broader mission of the (SAME).

For Sally, the recognition carries weight, but not for the reasons you might expect.

“It’s humbling,” she says. “But it doesn’t feel like something you achieve on your own. It reflects years of people working together. It’s shared.”

That sense of shared effort is not new for her. It traces back to the way she first became involved with SAME. Early in her career and fresh out of college, she attended a local Post meeting and found herself stepping into a leadership role before she fully understood what it meant.

“I was ‘voluntold’ to serve on the board,” she recalls. “I didn’t really know what I was getting into, but I said yes.”

What followed wasn’t a traditional path, but an experience that shaped how she approaches leadership to this day. Working alongside a small, committed group, she learned how to lead in real time, contributing where needed, building together and recognizing that everyone had a role to play.

That early experience has stayed with her, particularly the idea that leadership is less about waiting until you’re ready and more about stepping in and figuring it out along the way. It’s also what kept her connected to SAME as her career evolved, moving from local involvement to regional and national leadership, and eventually to her role on the SAME Foundation Board.

Previously, Sally reflected on how organizations like SAME, the Urban Land Institute and the Council for Quality Growth have influenced her approach to leadership. She described them as spaces to grow beyond the day-to-day work, places where leadership is grounded in service and shaped by mission-driven collaboration.

Through SAME, she developed what she describes as a deeper appreciation for partnership and purpose, an understanding that leadership means contributing to something larger than yourself. That perspective continues to guide her work with the Foundation today.

“It gives me a connection to something bigger,” she says. “You’re not just participating — you’re helping create opportunities for someone else.”

Those opportunities take many forms, including supporting scholarships, mentoring emerging professionals, advancing STEM outreach and contributing to leadership development programs that strengthen the profession over time. Much of this work happens behind the scenes, but its impact is long-lasting, shaping the pathway for future leaders across the industry.

One of the most visible examples of that work is the Soaring Eagle Award, a national recognition program Sally helped bring to life alongside a dedicated group of leaders. What began as an idea evolved over several years into something more significant, an effort to recognize a different kind of leadership.

“We wanted to highlight how people lead,” she explains. “Not just what they’ve delivered, but how they bring others along with them.”

That focus — on how leadership is practiced, not just what it produces — mirrors the values that have guided her own journey. It also reinforces a broader shift in how the industry defines impact, moving beyond individual accomplishments to the influence leaders have on the people and teams around them.

Receiving the SAME Foundation President’s Medal feels, in many ways, like a reflection of those same values. More than three decades after that first Post meeting, Sally still comes back to the moment she said yes and the opportunity it created.

“You don’t always realize it at the time,” she says. “But someone gave me a seat at the table early. And that changes your path.”

It’s a perspective she continues to carry forward, both in her work with SAME and in her role at Atlas. As Vice President of Strategy and Growth for Atlas’ Infrastructure South Atlantic Division, her focus remains consistent: building relationships, creating opportunities and thinking long-term about both projects and people.

In our previous Q&A, Sally described leadership as something that requires intentionality, listening, understanding context and leading with purpose. That same mindset is evident in how she views this recognition: not as a defining milestone, but as part of a larger, ongoing commitment.

“If you’ve had that experience,” she says, “you try to do the same for someone else.”

Read the full conversation

To learn more about Sally’s background, leadership philosophy and career at Atlas, explore our previous feature: The Industry Connector: Q&A with Sally Riker

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Building Atlanta’s Soccer Future: Infrastructure Behind the New NWSL Training Campus /building-atlantas-soccer-future-infrastructure-behind-the-new-nwsl-training-campus/ Wed, 10 Jun 2026 21:32:18 +0000 /?p=247922 The post Building Atlanta’s Soccer Future: Infrastructure Behind the New NWSL Training Campus appeared first on Atlas.

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Atlanta’s rise as a national soccer hub is gaining speed — fueled by growing global attention as the city prepares to host matches during the upcoming World Cup and reinforced by the recent groundbreaking of a new National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) training facility in Marietta.

The 33-acre, purpose-built campus will become the home base for Atlanta’s newest team, set to debut in 2028. Designed as a world-class training environment, the facility will include a headquarters building, multiple full-size fields and the infrastructure needed to support daily operations and long-term growth.

But long before the first field is installed or the first structure begins to rise, the success of a facility like this is shaped by the work happening below the surface. Projects of this scale demand the same level of coordination and technical rigor as major infrastructure programs — where durability, site performance and continuous use all matter from day one.

That is where Atlas brings depth and experience. With decades of work supporting sports and recreation infrastructure across Atlanta and nationwide, Atlas delivers civil site engineering, geotechnical and environmental services for complex athletic facilities and campus environments. From professional stadiums and training campuses to collegiate and community sports complexes, Atlas helps bring fields, buildings and supporting site systems together in ways designed to perform reliably over time.

On the new NWSL training facility, Atlas is supporting the design team with an integrated scope that includes civil site engineering, geotechnical evaluation and environmental permitting — helping guide the project from early site characterization through design, permitting and into construction. From the outset, subsurface conditions, grading strategies and environmental considerations have played a central role in shaping the site and influencing how fields, structures and infrastructure systems work together.

The facility is also being designed to function as a cohesive system under continuous use. Multiple fields, support facilities and circulation infrastructure must work together across the campus — balancing drainage, resilience and operational efficiency in a setting expected to perform every day. That kind of long-term performance depends on early coordination across disciplines.

“When site development, geotechnical and environmental considerations are brought together early, the team can evaluate how each decision impacts overall site performance,” said Andrew Pankopp, Atlas National Practice Team Manager – Civil Site Engineering. “It allows you to align grading, drainage and constructability with permitting and long-term use from the start — reducing rework, improving efficiency and supporting a site that performs reliably over time.”

Beyond the facility itself, the project reflects a broader investment in the City of Marietta’s Franklin Gateway Corridor, where infrastructure supports not only professional sports, but also long-term growth and opportunity for the surrounding community. New community parking and corridor improvements will create additional ways for people to connect and engage with the adjacent community soccer facilities.

As purpose-built training environments continue to grow — particularly in women’s professional sports — this kind of investment reflects a broader shift toward infrastructure that supports athletes, operations and meaningful community connection.

“The NWSL training facility represents more than a new training campus,” said Tom Price, Atlas Infrastructure Business President. “It’s helping shape the future of sport — where strong training environments and community investment work together to support athletes and create a lasting impact, enabling communities to grow, connect and thrive.”

The post Building Atlanta’s Soccer Future: Infrastructure Behind the New NWSL Training Campus appeared first on Atlas.

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