Smith Seckman Reid, Inc. (SSR), a leader among engineering firms in designing, consulting, and commissioning projects, is pleased to announce the 2021/2022 SSR board of directors.

“Our board includes four independent directors with diverse leadership backgrounds and experience as well as five of our senior leaders,” said Rob Barrick, Chairman. “We have found that independent directors bring us a broader outside perspective as we set the direction for the firm and a higher level of accountability for the leadership team. We have been fortunate to engage exceptional individuals for this purpose over the past 34 years, and their support and guidance has been a major contributor to SSR’s continued success and growth.”

SSR’s board of directors is comprised of five internal directors and four independent directors. The independent directors are from the AEC, manufacturing, telecommunications, and business communities. It is the board’s responsibility to provide counsel and guidance in the direction and operation of SSR. Board members include Rob Barrick (Chairman), Steve Lane, Susan Osterberg, Tim Priddy, Jon Ross, Marty Dickens, David Gaboury, Pat Priest, and Joel Rood. Each board member is elected annually by the firm’s trustee on behalf of the firm’s ESOP shareholders.

Rob Barrick, PE: Rob came to SSR in the fall of 1974 as a mechanical engineer. By 1982, he was named head of the mechanical engineering department. Rob was tapped to start a branch office in Houston, Texas, in 1984. In 1986, he returned to the Nashville headquarters as president and CEO. Rob has served on SSR’s board since 1979 and as chairman since 1995.

Steve Lane, PE, DEE: After serving for many years in a variety of operational leadership roles, Steve was chosen to be the CEO / president of SSR in 2018. He was recognized as one of the Most Outstanding CEOs as awarded by the Nashville Business Journal in 2018 and 2019. Working with a diverse group of professionals and individuals in a variety of markets, Steve provides overall company direction, operations management, and strategic leadership. He has served on SSR’s board since 1988.

Susan Osterberg: Susan joined SSR in 2011 as vice president of human resources to lead the efforts in support of strategic initiatives and goals. Her initial focus on the effectiveness of the organization’s structure and talent contributed to a major restructuring of the firm. In 2015, Susan was named chief administrative officer as part of the executive team and a member of the board of directors in 2017. Her responsibilities include leading the firm’s Support Services group which includes organizational development, human resources, marketing, and IT.

Jon Ross, PE:  Jon joined SSR’s Nashville office in 1981 after graduating college. He worked in a variety of electrical engineering roles and was chosen to be the lead electrical engineer in the firm’s Houston office. Following a decade of service in Houston, Jon returned to Nashville where he has continued to take on leadership roles. His is currently the program director of the firm’s Building Solutions Program, overseeing the operations of our mechanical, electrical, plumbing and technology design services. He joined SSR’s board in 2017.

Tim Priddy, CPA: In 2001, Tim joined SSR as the firm’s chief financial officer. In addition to finance and accounting, he is responsible for risk management, real estate management, and the company’s project management processes. In 2015 Tim helped led SSR’s transaction to become 100% ESOP owned and conversion to a S Corporation. He has served on SSR’s board since 2013.

Marty Dickens: Marty currently serves as a board member and lead director of Pinnacle Bank, board member of Genesco, and chair of the board of Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Tennessee, Lee Company, and Harpeth Companies. Marty joined SSR’s board in 2016. He lives in Nashville, TN.

David Gaboury, PE: David 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. He lives in Eagle, CO.

Pat Priest: Pat has extensive leadership experience on boards of directors as well as C-suite executive positions. As a sought-after advisor, she has provided valuable insight to both community and industry organizations. Pat is currently a member of the board of directors of the Dallas Entrepreneur Center / Dallas Innovation Alliance and the National Association of Corporate Directors. This is Pat’s first year on SSR’s board. She lives in Dallas, TX.

Joel Rood: Since the successful sale of Lord Corporation to Parker-Hannifin Corporation at the end of 2019, Joel has served as business advisor to CEOs 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 co-chairs for the American Heart Association’s major fundraising campaign in North Carolina’s Raleigh – Durham metro area. Joel joined SSR’s board in 2019. He lives in Chapel Hill, NC.

About SSR

Smith Seckman Reid, Inc. (SSR) is an employee-owned corporation, headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee. Our firm is focused on providing engineering, commissioning, and technology services across the United States and around the world. Our services are based on the in-depth experience and expertise of our engineers, consultants, and all our staff. To learn more, visit www.ssr-inc.com.