Entering its 54th year of operations focused on innovation, growth, enhanced collaboration with industry partners, and exceptional customer interaction and satisfaction, Smith Seckman Reid, Inc. (SSR) is pleased to announce its 2022/23 board of directors. The expertise of these internal and independent directors will support SSR in achieving its near-term goals and enriching the sustainability of the firm for years to come.

 

Board Chair Steve Lane said, “SSR has been fortunate to provide services to essential industries such as healthcare and infrastructure during a time of uncertainty presented by the global pandemic. Our Board of Directors play an important role through their guidance and counsel. As we move forward, tapping this excellent group of individuals’ energy and ideas will help us deliver new and better solutions to clients, expand into new markets, and ensure that the engineering, consultation, commissioning, and design services we offer leave lasting benefits in the communities where we live and work. Our Board’s contributions are invaluable to our future success built upon the success of our clients.”

 

SSR’s board comprises nine individuals: five internal directors and four independent directors. The board members are elected annually by the firm’s Trustee on behalf of its ESOP shareholders. The 2022/2023 board of directors have been chosen from the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) field, manufacturing, telecommunications, and business communities. They are:

 

Steve Lane, PE, DEE: Steve Lane has been with SSR for more than 43 years, serving in a variety of leadership positions. In 2018, he was named Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and President and was elected Chair of the Board in 2021. Under Steve’s leadership, SSR has expanded into new locations, acquired a medical equipment planning firm, demonstrated excellent financial results, and is currently executing its growth-oriented strategic plan.

 

Susan Osterberg: In 2021 Susan Osterberg was named Chief Operating Officer (COO), after a decade of leadership roles supporting SSR’s strategic initiatives and goals. As COO, she is responsible for the overall operations and results of the firm, providing day to day leadership that mirrors the mission and core values of the company. Susan joined SSR in 2011 as VP of Human Resources and was named Chief Administrative Officer in 2015. She was elected to the board of directors in 2017.

 

Tim Priddy, CPA: In 2001, Tim Priddy joined SSR as Chief Financial Officer. In addition to overseeing the firm’s accounting and treasury functions, Tim is responsible for SSR’s risk management, real estate management, ESOP administration, and is actively involved in improving the company’s operational performance. In 2015 Tim led SSR’s transaction to become 100% ESOP owned and conversion to a S Corporation. He has served on SSR’s board since 2013.

 

Mike Rogers, PE, LEED AP: Mike Rogers is SSR’s Chief Growth Officer (CGO), a role he assumed in 2021. As CGO, he is responsible for defining the overall vision and growth strategy of the firm including new markets, services, locations, and acquisitions as well as diversification. Prior to his role as CGO, Mike served as SSR’s Sports and Entertainment Market Leader for nearly 18 years. His leadership has proved instrumental in establishing SSR as one of the top engineering firms in the sports and entertainment market. Mike was elected to the board of directors in 2021.

 

Jon Ross, PE: Jon Ross is the program director for the firm’s Vertical Business Unit, overseeing the operations of the MEP, technology, medical equipment, commissioning, building enclosure, and building optimization and sustainability practices. He is focused on optimizing the operations of each practice and integrating the services to find opportunities to work together to differentiate our service offerings. Jon has served on SSR’s board since 2017.

 

Marty Dickens: Marty Dickens currently serves as a board member of Pinnacle Bank, and chair of the board of Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Tennessee, Lee Company, and Harpeth Companies. He is the past chairman of the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce, the Nashville Convention and Visitors Bureau, and the Nashville Convention Center Authority. Marty joined SSR’s board in 2016. He is based in Nashville, TN.

 

David Gaboury, PE: David Gaboury is Terracon’s Chair Emeritus and former chairman of the board and CEO. He is a licensed professional engineer with more than 30 years of experience in environmental, geo-environmental, and water resource engineering. David joined SSR’s board in 2012 and was elected lead director in 2021. As lead director, he is responsible for coordinating the activities of the external directors and providing a focal point for the work and functions of these independent directors. David is based in Eagle, CO.

 

Pat Priest: Pat Priest has extensive leadership experience in key operational, financial, and board roles of both public and private companies and community-based service organizations. Pat is currently a member of the board of directors of the Dallas Entrepreneur Center and the National Association of Corporate Directors. She is also a member of the Advisory Board of McCombs School of Business at the University of Texas. Pat joined SSR’s board in 2020. She is based in Dallas, TX.

 

Joel Rood: Since the successful sale of Lord Corporation to Parker-Hannifin Corporation at the end of 2019, Joel Rood has served as business advisor to CEO’s and operating boards desiring to transform their organizations to achieve optimum growth and profitability.  In addition to SSR, Joel serves as a founding board member at Rantran Corporation, a start-up biotechnology company focused on developing therapeutics for neurodegenerative diseases.  Joel and his wife are Cor Vitae members of the American Heart Association in North Carolina’s Raleigh-Durham metro area. Joel joined SSR’s board in 2019. He is based in Chapel Hill, NC.

 

About SSR

Smith Seckman Reid, Inc. is an employee-owned corporation (ESOP), headquartered in Nashville, Tenn. The firm provides high-quality engineering, commissioning, and technology services across the United States and around the world. The vast experience and in-depth expertise of its engineers, consultants and staff combined with its focus on making a positive difference for clients and communities have led to the firm’s recognition and growth since its establishment more than 50 years ago. To learn more, visit www.ssr-inc.com.

 

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