Chris Watson Joins VHB as Structural Engineering Manager

VHB welcomes Chris Watson, PE, as a Structural Engineering Manager in Atlanta, Georgia. In this role, Chris will help grow VHB's structural engineering capabilities across the Piedmont-Atlantic region, leading the planning, design, and delivery of bridge and transportation-related structural projects while mentoring and developing the team.

With more than 15 years of bridge and structural engineering experience, Chris has built much of his career around transportation infrastructure in Georgia. He has led engineering teams and partnered closely with clients, stakeholders, and multidisciplinary teams to deliver successful bridge projects. He also spent eight years with the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT), where he designed and reviewed bridges, retaining walls, and other structures and coordinated with GDOT teams and consultants on large-scale bridge projects.

Chris is especially skilled at navigating the technical and coordination demands of large alternative delivery projects. On one major $1.7 billion project, he provided leadership and technical oversight for 21 bridges and 56 walls, working closely with internal and external teams and offering guidance on GDOT requirements and national design standards.

At VHB, Chris will apply this experience to a range of projects, from highway and pedestrian bridges to retaining walls. Along with leading technical work and managing projects, he will support client relationships, project pursuits, and help the structural engineering team grow and thrive.

"Chris is as committed to developing people as he is to delivering great work," said Regan Hammond, VHB's Georgia Managing Director. "We're excited for our clients and our structures team to benefit from his leadership as we continue to grow across the Piedmont-Atlantic region."

Chris earned his Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from North Carolina State University, concentrating on structures. He went on to earn two master's degrees in civil engineering: one from Georgia Tech with an emphasis in transportation, and another from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte with an emphasis in structures. He is a Professional Engineer in Georgia and Alabama and has contributed to published research on LiDAR applications for bridge and infrastructure evaluation.

Connect with Chris via email or LinkedIn to learn more about his experience and how VHB's Bridges & Structures practice is helping improve mobility through transportation infrastructure.