SoutheastSoutheast Construction News

ENR Southeast's 2015 Top 20 Under 40

By Scott Judy

ENR Southeast's Top 20 Under 40 — In addition to his role as a managing principal with the Integral Group, Stanton Stafford currently serves as chairman and chief financial officer of the Lifecycle Building Center of Greater Atlanta, a nonprofit focused on bulk waste stream diversion through building material salvage and reuse, with a goal of diverting 1 million lbs of construction materials from the waste stream annually.

Photo courtesy Stanton Stafford

JEON

Christy Jeon
Recognized as a leader in transportation-related research
38, Engineer II
Parsons Transportation Group
Norcross, Ga.

Christy Jeon is among the engineers shaping the future of the nation's transportation systems. A recognized research leader in the area of transportation system sustainability, Jeon continually combines her passion for making transportation systems environmentally sound with innovative insights and real-world applications. She provides both peers and policymakers with valuable guidance for weighing the complex, often conflicting issues affecting infrastructure, energy use and mobility. Jeon's published work includes journal articles and conference papers and a book, "Incorporating Sustainability in Transport Planning and Decision Making." Long active within the Transportation Research Board, Jeon currently serves on the organization's sustainable transportation indicators subcommittee, along with other committees focusing on related issues. She also played a critical role in helping shape Parsons' strategy to institutionalize a culture of sustainability across the company.

KELLEY

Wes Kelley
Project manager is most proud of building in his hometown
37, Vice President
Brasfield & Gorrie
Columbus, Ga.

Wes Kelley has managed a variety of projects during his 13-year career at Brasfield & Grorrie. But the work he's proudest of has taken place in his hometown of Columbus, Ga., where he serves as vice president and division manager. Since 2010, Kelley has led the ongoing revitalization of Uptown Columbus with such projects as Columbus State University's $25.3-million Student Recreation Center, three sustainability-oriented building renovations totaling $14.6 million at the Eagle & Phenix Mill as well as other projects. Kelley also serves on the board of Uptown Columbus, a nonprofit organization.

KOLBE

Jennifer Kolbe
Civil engineering thought leader implements innovative solutions
37, Lead Engineer
MWH Global
Alpharetta, Ga.

With a doctorate in civil engineering, Jennifer Kolbe serves as lead environmental engineer at MWH, where her eight years of experience have included engineering design and construction oversight. Kolbe is one of the firm's youngest client service managers and technical practitioners, establishing herself as a leader by consistently delivering innovative engineering solutions. Most notably, she developed an innovative in-situ bioremediation method to treat chlorate, perchlorate and chlorinated volatile organic compounds. Additionally, Kolbe is leading the expansion of MWH's environmental health and safety compliance practice for the Southeast.

MANOWN

Steve Manown
Auburn grad recruits international companies to the region
37, Vice President, Division Manager
Brasfield & Gorrie
Birmingham, Ala.

Steve Manown joined Brasfield & Gorrie in 2001 after graduating from Auburn University. He has advanced quickly from estimating and project management to operations manager and then division manager, specializing in complex industrial and institutional projects. In addition to his construction work, Manown has helped generate new projects by recruiting foreign companies to expand operations in the Southeast. Within Brasfield & Gorrie, he has earned a reputation as an expert in forming project teams.

MORRISON

Terence Morrison
Architectural engineer enjoys mentoring, assisting others
30, Electrical Engineer
Clark Richardson & Biskup Consulting Engineers
Cary, N.C.

By the age of 15, after having attended summer engineering camps, Terence Morrison knew he wanted to be an engineer. After graduating from North Carolina A&T State University with a degree in architectural engineering—with a concentration in power—Morrison joined Clark Richardson & Biskup Consulting Engineers as a junior electrical engineer. Just eight years later, Morrison is a lead electrical engineer for CRB and lead instrumentation and controls engineer for the firm's pharmaceutical team. He also serves as chairman of the International Society for Pharmaceutical Engineers' membership committee. Morrison enjoys serving as a mentor, whether it's for the Wake Robotics group, where he is a coach, or within CRB. "You can't teach everybody everything. But if you can teach them how to learn, and nurture their interests, they can springboard into the next steps."

KEYWORDS: Southeast Top Young Professionals

Scott Judy is Deputy Editor for Regions, and editor of ENR Southeast, one of Engineering News-Record's 10 Regional publications. His roughly 27 years as a construction journalist began with an 11-year stint covering Midwest construction projects. In 2000, Judy helped launch the publication now known as ENR Southeast. He often delves into controversial aspects of the construction industry such as bankruptcies and fatal accidents, and wishes he would never have to cover another accident but suspects that he might.