Our 2026/27 Board of Directors
Smith Seckman Reid, Inc. (SSR), a 100% employee‑owned engineering design and consulting firm, is proud to announce its 2026/27 Board of Directors. The newly elected board reflects both continuity and meaningful evolution in SSR’s leadership, bringing deep operational insight, independent governance experience, and a combined understanding of both the industry and the firm at large.
The 2026/27 board reinforces SSR’s long‑term strategy to strengthen governance, diversify expertise, and advance the firm’s commitment to becoming a sustainable, generational organization. Together, the board’s leadership supports a culture of ownership and a long‑range vision designed to create lasting value for current and future employee‑owners through thoughtful investment and disciplined leadership.
The 2026/27 Board of Directors are:
Susan Osterberg, Chair: Susan Osterberg serves as Chief Executive Officer and President of SSR, leading the firm with a clear focus on operational excellence, strategic growth, and a strong ownership mindset. Her leadership fosters a culture built on relationships, professional development, and shared purpose—believing that people are the foundation of every successful project. She guides the firm with a balanced, people‑centric approach that inspires innovation, reinforces SSR’s ownership culture, and positions the company as a sustainable, generational firm built to last. Susan joined the SSR board in 2017.
Andrew Johnson, PE, LEED AP, CPESC: Andrew Johnson is a Principal at SSR and leads the firm’s civil and structural business units, bringing more than 20 years of experience in infrastructure design. He has overseen the successful delivery of numerous water and wastewater projects with a combined construction value exceeding $100 million. Recently, Andrew has played an important role in the integration of George F. Young (GFY) into SSR, helping align teams, processes, and culture to support the firm’s long‑term growth strategy. He was appointed to the SSR board in 2026.
Tim Priddy, CPA: Tim Priddy joined SSR in 2001 as Chief Financial Officer. He oversees accounting, treasury, risk management, real estate, ESOP administration, and drives operational improvement initiatives. He led the firm’s transition to 100% ESOP ownership and S‑corporation status. He has served on SSR’s board since 2013.
Jon Ross, PE: Jon Ross serves as program director for SSR’s vertical program, overseeing operations within the MEP, technology, medical equipment, commissioning, building enclosure, and sustainability practices. He is focused on optimizing the operations of each practice and setting a strategy for cross service collaboration. Jon has served on SSR’s board since 2017.
David Gaboury, PE, Lead Director: 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.
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.
Brad Slappey: Brad Slappey serves as the Chief Financial Officer of The Haskell Company (an ESOP company), a role he has held since 2006. With more than 25 years of experience as a financial executive in the construction industry, Brad brings deep expertise in financial strategy, strategic planning, and organizational performance. Based in Jacksonville, Florida, he offers valuable insight into the financial and operational complexities of large‑scale, multidisciplinary design and construction organizations. Brad was appointed to SSR’s board in 2026.
Dave Sweeney, PE: With a distinguished career spanning four decades serving both private‑ and public‑sector clients, Dave Sweeney, PE, now serves as Chair of RS&H’s Board of Directors, following an impactful tenure as Chief Executive Officer. During his tenure as CEO, Dave helped expand RS&H’s employee‑ownership model and led a significant organizational transformation designed to position the firm for long‑term sustainability and future growth. He brings valuable perspective to SSR as it continues to strengthen its employee‑owned model and advance its vision of becoming a sustainable, generational firm. Dave served as an advisory member in 2025, appointed to the board in 2026.
Dave Martin, PE, Advisory Role: Dave Martin is an accomplished executive with nearly 30 years of leadership experience in the architecture, engineering, and construction industries. Dave recently retired as President and CEO of Larson Design Group, where he guided the firm through sustained growth and organizational advancement. In retirement, Dave is focused on supporting companies through board service and mentoring the next generation of architects and engineers—an emphasis that aligns closely with SSR’s commitment to workforce development and strengthening the future of the AEC profession.
“Our 2026/27 board reflects the evolution of SSR—bringing together new voices, fresh ideas, and the steady leadership of directors who know our firm deeply,” said Susan Osterberg. “That combination creates energy, continuity, and perspective, all of which are essential as we continue to strengthen SSR as a performance‑driven, people‑focused, employee‑owned firm. I’m confident this board will continue to position SSR as a place where people want to build their careers and create meaningful impact—through our work, our relationships, and the communities we serve.”
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.