Based on decades of program management experience, Smith Sawyer will drive coordination across multiple complex projects
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (April 23, 2024) – Heather Smith Sawyer, P.E., has joined HNTB Corporation’s Nashville office as deputy program manager. With more than 20 years of experience in engineering, project management and program management, Smith Sawyer has a comprehensive understanding of complex, long-term, fast-paced programs, along with extensive experience collaborating with both public and private sector stakeholders.
“Heather’s demonstrated track record of program management success will support our clients on some of their most complex work,” said Robbie Hayes, HNTB’s Tennessee group director and associate vice president. “Her leadership and technical expertise on mission-critical projects and management of site design on multiple projects underscores her sophisticated program management abilities. The addition of Heather to our team will further elevate our already strong client relationships.”
Before joining HNTB, Smith Sawyer was responsible for driving consistency and coordination across multiple independent, complex projects. Her roles have included development and execution of programmatic work plans addressing communication, risk management, scope control and quality control; developing program structure, standards and procedures; and monitoring each program’s overall health.
Smith Sawyer has been involved in several programs and appointments including supporting Tennessee Valley Authority’s Hydrology and Hydraulics Program; serving on the Nuclear Energy Institute Fukushima Flooding Taskforce following the Fukushima Daiichi accident; chairing the American Council of Engineering Companies of Tennessee’s Leadership PE Program for many years; and teaching as adjunct faculty member in the Vanderbilt School of Engineering. She holds Master of Science in Civil Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology and a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Smith Sawyer is a licensed professional engineer in Tennessee and Virginia.