Our 2025/26 Board of Directors
Entering its 57th year of business focused on ownership, innovation, growth, and exceptional client interaction, Smith Seckman Reid, Inc. (SSR) is pleased to announce its 2025/26 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.
SSR’s board comprises seven individuals: four internal directors and three independent directors. The board members are elected annually by the firm’s Trustee on behalf of its ESOP shareholders. The 2025/2026 board of directors have been chosen from the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) field, manufacturing, and business communities.
“The board of directors plays a crucial role in guiding our collective success,” stated Osterberg. “Their leadership ensures we uphold our commitments to employee-owners, drive sustainable growth, and make strategic decisions that protect and enhance the value of our company. As stewards of our mission, they help foster a culture of ownership, accountability, and long-term prosperity for all stakeholders.”
The 2025/26 Board of Directors are:
Steve Lane, PE, BCEE, FACEC: Steve Lane has been with SSR for more than 45 years, serving in a variety of leadership positions. In 2023, he retired as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and currently serves as Chair of the Board. 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. He has served on the board for over 30 years.
Susan Osterberg: Susan Osterberg was named CEO and President in 2023, after a decade of leadership roles supporting SSR’s strategic initiatives and goals. As CEO and President, she is responsible for the overall strategy and operational 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 Operations Officer in 2021. She was elected to the board 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 an S Corporation. He has served on SSR’s board since 2013.
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, new building 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.
David Gaboury, PE: David Gaboury is Terracon’s Chair Emeritus and former chair 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 Denver, 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: 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. We provide design, consulting, and planning services that address complex technical problems with innovative, sustainable solutions. The vast experience and in-depth expertise of our owners, combined with our focus on making a positive difference for clients and communities, have led to our growth since our establishment in 1968. To learn more, visit www.ssr-inc.com.