MCGHEE ENGINEERING - Key Persons
Austin started with McGhee Engineering in 1999 as an intern working as a field survey technician while attending Western Kentucky University. Today he serves as head field survey technician, occasionally working as an office CAD technician, construction inspector and McGhee Engineering's in-house technology coordinator. After some time off, Austin returned to school to complete his Bachelor of Science in 2014.
Austin lives with his wife Amy and their four children in Bowling Green, KY.
Job Titles:
- Engineer
- Member of the American Society of Civil Engineers
Chris has been with McGhee Engineering since 1996, and he's a registered professional engineer in both Kentucky and Tennessee. He earned a Bachelor of Science in civil engineering from the University of Kentucky and a Bachelor of Science in engineering arts from Georgetown College. Chris has worked closely with multiple municipalities and water utilities from development through construction on numerous streetscape, water and wastewater projects.
He has extensive experience in system modeling, pipeline design, storage systems and pump stations. Chris is also an authority on the management of funding, permitting and regulatory matters with such entities as USDA Rural Development, the Community Development Block Grant and the Kentucky Infrastructure Authority. He works closely with these agencies to assure continued compliance throughout the project.
Chris is a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers, the National Society of Professional Engineers and serves on the Logan County Board of Health, serving as treasurer. He is also active in his church, Dripping Spring Baptist, serving as both treasurer and deacon. Chris and his wife Jennifer reside in the Olmstead community of Logan County.
Job Titles:
- Engineer
- Member of the American Society of Civil Engineers
Eric, a native of Todd County, KY, has been with McGhee Engineering since 1999, and he's a registered Kentucky professional engineer and land surveyor-in- training. He holds a Bachelor of Science in civil engineering from the University of Kentucky.
Before arriving at McGhee Engineering, Eric's area of experience included extensive field surveying, resident inspection, design and computer-aided drafting for water facilities, sanitary sewage facilities, and site development projects. Throughout Eric's employment, he has gained extensive experience in the preparation of water and wastewater design plans, as well as site and drainage design plans for a variety of public and private clients.
Eric is a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers and the National Society of Professional Engineers, and he serves on several boards within the community, including the Todd County Board of Education. Eric lives with his wife, Jennifer, and their three children in Sharon Grove, KY.
Erik started at McGhee Engineering in 2006. He serves as a field survey technician and also works as an office CAD technician and construction inspector. Erik graduated with his Associate of Applied Science in May 2006 from Hopkinsville Community College.
Erik, his wife Erica and their two children live in Clifty, KY.
Job Titles:
- Engineer Trainee
- Member of the Kentucky Society of Professional Engineers
Kayla initially began her time at McGhee Engineering in 2015 as an intern assisting in field surveying and project design. Kayla is a 2017 graduate of Western Kentucky University with a Bachelor of Science in civil engineering and is a certified Grade I ACI concrete field testing technician. She has been with McGhee Engineering full-time since 2017 and currently assists Mike, Chris and Eric in design and project administration, and also manages all social media and marketing for the company.
Kayla is a member of the Kentucky Society of Professional Engineers and an assistant softball coach at Todd County Central High School. She is the daughter of David and Janet Watkins of Guthrie, KY, and is engaged to be married to James Willis of Elkton, KY.
Job Titles:
- President
- Engineer in Kentucky
Mike founded McGhee Engineering in 1995 after having worked in the engineering business for 15 years with other firms. He has a Bachelor of Science in civil engineering from the University of Kentucky with a concentration in structures and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Houston with a concentration in finance.
Mike spent the first 10 years of his career in Texas, first as a structural engineer in the petrochemical industry, then in the structural design of water and wastewater plants, then as a lead civil engineer for plants and pipelines, and ultimately as a project manager for municipal and industrial clients. At McGhee Engineering, Mike manages the firm, provides clients with planning and project financing guidance, and oversees the design and construction administration of projects.
Among Mike's most notable achievements is the development and implementation of the Logan Todd Regional Water Commission. He attended the first planning meeting that led to its creation, and after more than 20 years still serves as its lead engineer.
Mike is a licensed engineer in Kentucky, Tennessee and Pennsylvania. He is a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers, the National Society of Professional Engineers and the Elkton Rotary Club, where he is a past president and a Paul Harris Fellow, and also serves on several boards. Mike and his wife Susan have three children and live in Elkton, KY.
Rodney started working as a field technician and inspector at McGhee Engineering in 2016. Before his time here, he was an operations manager for the City of Oak Grove Kentucky Water Department for four years and a Class III water system operator for Christian County Water District in Kentucky for 25 years. Rodney currently holds a Class III-D drinking water distribution license from the Kentucky Division of Water.
Rodney and his wife Summer live in Christian Country. They have two children and one granddaughter.
Susan is at least as much to credit for the formation and success of McGhee Engineering as husband Mike. She was the primary breadwinner for the family during the early years when Mike was working out of the family dining room, trying to get the firm established. She officially joined McGhee Engineering in 1998 as business manager and continues in that role today.
In addition to her responsibilities at McGhee Engineering, Susan is also an accomplished artist. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Austin Peay State University and serves on several boards. She and Mike have three children and two grandchildren.