Local Leadership
LOCAL OFFICE MANAGERS
Joseph Ledford, PE
Knoxville Office Manager
Joe Ledford has spent the last 25 years serving Barge Waggoner in various roles as Structural Engineer, Project Manager, Client Manager, and Office Manager for the Knoxville office. In 2012, he was appointed Chairman of the Board of the firm. He has spearheaded some of the firm’s largest footprint projects for some of the world’s leading manufacturers. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Tennessee. He is a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers, the Tennessee Society of Professional Engineers, and the National Society of Professional Engineers.
Barge Waggoner will continue to serve our key clients in the Knoxville area. We have consistently demonstrated our dedication to the growth and diversification of industry in East Tennessee and are optimistic about the future here for all our business units.”
John Smith, PE, CFM, PMP
Birmingham Office Manager
John Smith has 17 years of experience in civil engineering and project management, and also leads the Birmingham office of Barge Waggoner. He holds a Master of Business Administration from University of Alabama Birmingham, and a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Auburn University. He also holds the Project Management Professional designation. He is a member of the National Association of Industrial and Office Properties, the Economic Development Association of Alabama, the Association of State Floodplain Managers, and the Project Management Institute. He serves on the Executive Committee of the American Council of Engineering Companies of Alabama. In 2011, he was selected as a Top Forty Under 40 class member for Birmingham.
Our market-based organizational structure allows us to bring the full strength and experience of the more than 300 professionals at Barge Waggoner to all of our clients throughout the State of Alabama and the region."
James Barry Mott, PE
Dothan Office Manager
Barry Mott leads the Dothan, Alabama office of Barge Waggoner and also serves as Project Manager on large projects. He has over 16 years of experience in civil engineering. Barry has a Master of Science and a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Auburn University and is a member of the American Water Works Association, Society of American Military Engineers, the American Society of Civil Engineers, and the Alabama Rural Water Association.
Everyone wants to be a part of something great that is bigger than themselves. Barge Waggoner strives to be just that. Barge Waggoner sets the bar high for visioning, planning, engineering, surveying, and project completion."
Buddy Petty, PE
Nashville Office Manager
Buddy Petty heads up the local Nashville office operations, working with Metro and Davidson County area businesses, citizens, and officials on a wide variety of projects. He has been with Barge Waggoner for 25 years and has a career total of over 35 years in engineering. He holds a Master of Science and a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Tennessee Technological University. Buddy is active in the Nashville community and professional organizations that include the Urban Land Institute, the Society of American Military Engineers, and the American Society of Civil Engineers.
Nashville has many diverse growth needs from updating infrastructure to expanding our hospitality and tourism venues. Barge Waggoner has always been a part of the forefront of new and exciting projects in the Nashville area."
Mark Steiner, PE
Dayton Office Manager
With 28 years of experience under his belt, Mark Steiner leads the Dayton office of Barge Waggoner on Federal Program projects and local civil engagements. He is a graduate of Wright State University with a Bachelor of Science in Systems Engineering. He is an active member of the Society of Fire Protection Engineers, American Society of Professional Engineers, and also serves as Mechanical Engineer for the Commercial Appeals Board of Greene County. Mark is a LEED Accredited Professional.
We are about quality, ethics, doing the right thing, entrepreneurship, and the ability to change. Barge Waggoner is a strong company that stands by what it does. Our people make us unique."
J. Chris Triplett, PE, PMP, CPESC
Memphis Office Manager
With over 25 years of experience, Chris Triplett has the management experience to spearhead operations for the Memphis office. He has been with the firm for over four years and has worked on some of the office's most complex projects, leading teams and managing strategic operations. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Memphis and is a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers. In 2011, he was the recipient of the Dan Barge, Jr. Award for Distinguished Service for the ASCE Tennessee Section.
This is truly an exciting time to be a member of the Barge Waggoner team as we grow and focus on our client needs."
James D. Kelley, PE
Tri-Cities Office Manager
James joined Barge Waggoner in 2008 as a Project Manager and transitioned into the Tri-Cities Office Manager position upon retirement of Dennis Ward. James has 14 years of civil engineering experience and has served as project engineer, project manager, and has held the role of director of engineering with a prior firm. A graduate of New Mexico State University, James is a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers and a LEED Accredited Professional. He has distinguished himself in his role at Barge Waggoner and established solid relationships with key clients on high profile projects.
It is an exciting time at Barge Waggoner, and I am glad to be a part of it. We are committed to enhancing the development experience for our clients and improving the communities in which we live."
Russell Moorehead, PE
Chattanooga Office Manager
Russell Moorehead has 27 years of experience in the architecture and engineering industry as a civil engineer and senior project management. With a background in public works administration, land development, and civil project management, Russell has perspective from all sides of the table. As Chattanooga Office Manager, he works to make sure Barge Waggoner’s delivery of services aligns with the needs of the clients in the southern Tennessee, north Georgia, northeastern Alabama area. Russell holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Tennessee Knoxville and is a Professional Engineer in three states.
It is exciting to work with our clients in such a dynamic growth area as Chattanooga and northern Georgia. We listen to our clients so we can understand their needs in order to develop cost-effective solutions. Our engineers, architects, and surveyors are pleased to be contributing to the success of the beautiful area in which we live."