HERRERA

Victor Herrera
Civil engineer is assisting with worldwide firm's strategic planning
32, S.E. Florida Manager, Engineering
Atkins, Miami

After proving his expertise working with numerous public agencies in Atkins' Tallahassee, Fla., office, Victor Herrera transferred to the firm's Miami office, where he now leads its southeast Florida civil-engineering efforts. He is a graduate of the Florida Engineering Institute, which seeks to transition engineering professionals into community leaders. Herrera was one of only 30 Atkins employees nationwide picked to participate in the firm's 2014 leadership program. He is also assisting with the firm's strategic planning.

COOPER HOLTON

Traci Cooper Holton
Has led some of Nashville's largest airport projects
39, Director of Design
The Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority, Nashville

As the manager of the design division at Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority, Traci Cooper Holton leads teams of engineers, designers and contractors for projects at Nashville International Airport and John C. Tune Airport. She has been involved in some of the authority's most significant projects, including the $70-million Consolidated Rental Agency Complex at Nashville International Airport, completed on time and in budget in 2011. She is a member of the American Association of Airport Executives, the American Society of Civil Engineers and the National Society of Professional Engineers.

MATT JOHNSON

Matthew Johnson
Helped lead contractor to success during recent economic challenges
38, Division Manager
The Harper Corp., Greenville, S.C.

A veteran of 16 years in the construction industry, Matthew Johnson now manages The Harper Corp.'s commercial construction division, where he also serves as a shareholder of the 63-year-old general contractor. As a senior manager, Johnson has been responsible for acquiring the talents of outside business consultants who meet regularly to review the current business structure, systems and goals. With this close attention to business practices, Harper Corp. has been able to grow revenue by more than 15% over the past several years. Johnson also co-chairs the company's co-op program, which works with Clemson University sophomores, juniors and seniors to teach them about the construction industry. He also works with Greenville's Youth Leadership program.

MAURICE JOHNSON

Maurice Johnson
Colleagues cite his ability to bring out the best in coworkers
38, Division President
Taylor Morrison, Orlando

Maurice "Mo" Johnson joined homebuilder Taylor Morrison in 2005 as controller and was promoted to vice president of finance. He now serves as North Florida division president, overseeing operations—and an 80-person team—for the company's Orlando and Jacksonville markets. Known as the "ultimate team player," colleagues cite his ability to bring out the best in people as the reason behind his professional success.

"Although he has the highest standards and consistently demands professional excellence and personal integrity, Mo truly cares about each employee and their career path," says Lou Steffens, Taylor Morrison East region president. "From our construction crews to the sales force to our managers, we know we can count on him to advance our goals, as individuals and an organization."

Active with the Homebuilders Association of Metro Orlando, Johnson also leads the company's community service initiatives, which include fundraising for Ronald McDonald House, among others.

NORMAN

Andy Norman
Seized opportunity for ownership and takes company to new heights
38, Managing Partner
GMF Construction, Lakeland, Fla.

After graduating from Florida State University, Andy Norman was planning to attend law school. But an opportunity presented itself for an ownership stake in an industrial construction company based in Lakeland, Fla. Norman rebranded the company as GMF Construction in 2002 and initiated the firm's acquisition of several AISC certifications, including as an Advance Certified Steel Erector. Since then, GMF has worked on several notable projects, including Universal Studios' Wizarding World of Harry Potter, the Tampa Bay Times Forum Expansion in Tampa and the Interstate 4-Lee Roy Selmon Connector project, also in Tampa.

As a member of the board of directors for Seminole Boosters, Norman assists with construction budget oversight for athletic facility projects at his alma mater.

TAYLOR

Ryan Taylor
In private practice, young architect has gained statewide influence
39, President
Ryan Taylor Architects, Atlanta

Ryan Taylor started his career as an architect with a large A/E/C firm, but today he leads his own practice, focusing on residential projects. In 2012, he was appointed by the Georgia Dept. of Community Affairs to serve a four-year term on the State Codes Advisory Committee (SCAC), the group responsible for adopting and amending state building codes. Recently named SCAC secretary, he is on track to be one of the youngest chairmen in the committee's history. Additionally, Taylor advises the Georgia Chamber of Commerce's Energy and Natural Resources Committee on industry-related activities