Gresham Smith, a top-ranked architecture, engineering and planning firm with $328 million in annual gross revenue, announced today that CEO and Board Chair Rodney Chester was among seven industry leaders to be named a Distinguished Engineering Fellow by The University of Alabama’s College of Engineering. The highest commendation bestowed by the College, this honor recognizes the vast impact made by recipients in their careers and communities, using their professional expertise to advance the field of engineering and supporting the College’s mission to be a global leader in engineering education, research and service.
Chester has served on Gresham Smith’s board of directors since 2015 and as board chair since January 2023. As CEO since 2022, he is responsible for the alignment of Gresham Smith’s leadership in order to execute the overall strategy and operations of the firm in pursuit of smart, sustainable growth that provides opportunities for employees and value to its clients. Chester is a licensed professional engineer in Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama and Mississippi.
A proud alum, Chester earned his Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Civil Engineering degrees from the University of Alabama, where he remains actively engaged as an Advisory Board member for the College of Engineering. He takes an active role in making an impact on the industry through his involvement in the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC), where he currently serves as national board director and board member for the state of Tennessee chapter. Additionally, Chester was recently appointed as Chair of the National Workforce Committee, formed to address the challenges of the engineering workforce pipeline.
“I am fortunate to have received a stellar education at The University of Alabama and the College of Engineering, that provided a strong foundation on which to build my professional career and personal interests,” said Chester. “As a proud alum and ambassador, it is an honor to still be connected to and recognized in such a tremendous way by my alma mater.”
