Welcome Your Journey Begins Here

HAYDON

"I had a number of internships and other work experiences prior to this one, and I have to say, this one was the best."

MY PASSION FOR THE ENGINEERING INDUSTRY is something that started at an early age. I was always interested in the construction process and how bare parcels of land shaped the communities that we lived in. While in college, I had internships at several different companies in the engineering and construction field. The summer before graduation, I had the privilege to join the team at Hussey Gay Bell as an intern in the private civil group. Each day I was challenged not only to hone the skills I had, but to develop new ones that will undoubtedly help me throughout my career. I had a number of internships and other work experiences prior to this one, and I have to say, this one was the best. Shortly after graduation from Georgia Southern, I joined Hussey Gay Bell as a full-time employee. The company’s leadership has allowed me to continually learn and take on a range of additional responsibilities early on in my career. My colleagues and I enjoy making those dreams come true, and we believe that the engineering design process can be a personal experience with genuine relationships.

BRODERICK

"Hussey Gay Bell is a great place to work because of the small family-like atmosphere and good people."

I KNEW I WAS GOING TO BE AN ARCHITECT or civil engineer from the very beginning. I used to design runways, make aircraft carriers for my toy planes, and draw out baseball fields and football fields on post board. I used rulers and straight edges to make sure everything was perfect. I started taking drafting classes in high school and was accepted into Florida A & M’s School of Architecture. After spending 1.5 years in the School of Architecture, I realized architecture wasn’t for me and I transferred to the College of Engineering and changed my major to Civil Engineering. The part of civil engineering that really excites me is watching a project go from something on paper or the computer screen to actually being built and being able to show your wife and children something you designed. I came to Hussey Gay Bell in October of 2017. It is a great place to work because of the small family-like atmosphere and good people.

KELSEY

"I immediately felt welcome in the office and felt a sense of community and family at Hussey Gay Bell."

COMING TO HUSSEY GAY BELL has been a wonderful experience. I’ve always enjoyed working for companies that have a great sense of community, supportive leadership, and effective teamwork. I immediately felt welcome in the office and felt a sense of community and family at Hussey Gay Bell. Community involvement is a big deal to me and I was excited to be encouraged to get involved in a number of projects and organizations within the regional community. I have met so many of our wonderful clients and partners and look forward to working with more in the future. The leadership and teamwork have continued to impress me as I continue to learn current company standards and permitting processes, and grow client relationships. I also felt like my strengths were immediately utilized and I was a part of something bigger not just on my projects but on the regional team.

JOHN

"At Hussey Gay Bell, no two projects are ever the same."

“WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE when you grow up?” My children always seem to have the best answers. They want to be potion makers and acrobats and superheroes or something equally fantastic. I don’t think I ever had a solid answer for this question when I was growing up and I certainly never thought “engineer!” In fact, I started college with the idea of discovering my calling and, at one point, I thought I was done with math classes after college algebra (funny, right?). But, alas, it was engineering that finally found me after two years of undeclared liberal arts prerequisites (how many engineers have three semesters of English classes in addition to technical communications?) and a realization that I wanted a career where I could make a difference and had actual job opportunities. Growing up, I was always happiest playing outside, camping, hiking, and swimming so the combination of environmental protection and the demand for engineers made Environmental Engineering sound like the perfect fit for me, even if I had a limited understanding of what engineers actually do. When the dean of engineering asked me if I knew what I was getting into, I told him I didn’t but I was sure I could figure it out. He must have been okay with that answer because he let me enroll in the engineering program. And, as I’ve come to learn, the ability to figure it out is an invaluable trait for an engineer. In school, I was always one of my professor’s favorite students not because I was the smartest kid in the room, but because I was never afraid to ask questions. In my professional career at Hussey Gay Bell, I am responsible for such a wide variety of work including environmental due diligence and investigations, landfill permitting and design, NEPA compliance for roadway projects, oil spill prevention plans, underground storage tank closure and cleanup, and more. No two projects are ever the same. Since I began working at Hussey Gay Bell in 2001, I can say, the ability to “figure it out” has served me well. I think one of the reasons I could never decide what I wanted to be was that I could just never choose one thing. As it turns out, here I get to be a little bit of everything. I just had to figure it out.

ANDREA

"The collaborative and multi-disciplined nature of this company has created an atmosphere for me to gain experience in various aspects of the engineering field and garner so much knowledge from talented and hard-working people."

I JOINED HUSSEY GAY BELL in 2019 and I have worked on several site development projects since then. From engineering calculations, construction drawings to preparation of permitting documents and technical reports, I have gotten to work on multiple facets of projects including water and sewer distribution systems for residential subdivisions. The collaborative and multi-disciplined nature of this company has created an atmosphere for me to gain experience in various aspects of the engineering field and garner so much knowledge from talented and hard-working people. I have been challenged in many ways and given the opportunity to test my abilities with incredible mentors that walk me through every nook and cranny of the design process. To me, civil engineering has always meant positively contributing to the community through creative and innovative projects that directly impact the lives of millions and what an absolute delight it is to begin this professional journey with Hussey Gay Bell.

 

STEPHANIE

“If telling great stories, or better yet, being a character in the story sounds like a great day at the office to you, you’re in luck.”

AT HUSSEY GAY BELL, our team likes to think about marketing as the art of telling stories in a true and compelling way. And one thing is certain, when you work for one of the longest-established and largest E-A firms in the region you are never short on stories to tell (right, Richard?). Being able to see a project through – from below ground to above ground – is really quite something and it takes a dedicated team to deliver. I am passionate about sharing these stories – stories that define our region through the built environment, stories that allow the everyday individual to understand the impact one project we design can have on the way we all live, work, play and move. Many of our “stories” these days center on regionalism. In our markets, everything is regional and being able to service clients from a regional perspective is powerful. We believe that our six locations nestled strategically throughout the region in Georgia, South Carolina and Tennessee provide us with a unique ability to service our clients personally and properly by applying the best talent for the project.

 

BRENDA

“I look forward to working for this company for many more years to come. I cannot wait to see what heights can be reached with this wonderful company, my new home and family, Hussey Gay Bell.”

I RETIRED AFTER THIRTY YEARS as a Manager of a local Head Start/Pre-K Pre-school. I started looking for a new career in a different line of work and found Hayes James & Associates, a local Engineering and Land Surveying company in Blue Ridge, Georgia. They hired me in 2013 and I have loved every minute of my employment. They have a family environment, working closely with clients to provide quality services, Hayes James also encourages community involvement and giving back to our local community. These are all things close to my heart. I love meeting new people and researching land history, while getting involved with my community to better the world around us. In May 2022, Hussey Gay Bell acquired Hayes James. I was worried that all the things that I loved would be changed but it has not been the case at all. I have found that Hussey Gay Bell has the same values that Hayes James was founded on. They have wonderful leadership and foster a teamwork approach, while also being community minded. They utilize every employee’s skillset to the fullest, encouraging employees to do what they love and are good at within the parameters of their job responsibilities.

NATHAN

"My journey would not have been possible without the guidance of great leaders and the support of the exceptional team members I have the honor to manage."

JOINING HUSSEY GAY BELL in 2000 turned out to be the career adventure I was looking for. Little did I know there would be so many opportunities for advancement for a young country boy with a desire to grow and learn. Having a job that supports your family is a win in life. However, if you’re lucky enough to have a job where each project becomes a new adventure, then you are truly blessed. I have contributed to projects ranging from the Southeast United States to Saudi Arabia, from surveying the swamps of the Savannah River Basin to managing the initial building layouts of the Hyundai Mega Site. Throughout my tenure, I have served in the Civil Engineering Department, managed the GIS Department, transitioned to leadership of the Savannah Survey Department, and currently serve as Director of Survey for all Georgia offices. The leadership at Hussey Gay Bell has been instrumental in encouraging my path forward, providing me with opportunities for growth and advancement. My journey would not have been possible without the guidance of great leaders and the support of the exceptional team members I have the honor to manage. Hussey Gay Bell is not just a career - it’s an adventure.

JESSICA

"I am excited to continue my career at Hussey Gay Bell, applying my skills and knowledge to create innovative and sustainable solutions for our clients and my community."

GROWING UP IN RURAL SOUTHEAST GEORGIA, my passion for environmental engineering stems from a deep appreciation for the natural world and a commitment to its preservation. I am fortunate to work at Hussey Gay Bell, where I have the opportunity to contribute to sustainable natural resources solutions through the design of drinking water and wastewater infrastructure. Since joining Hussey Gay Bell in 2018, I have been immersed in a collaborative and supportive environment. The mentorship of seasoned engineers has accelerated my professional growth, and the hands-on experience gained from field inspections and contractor interactions has broadened my understanding of the entire project lifecycle. I am grateful for the chance to be involved in every phase of a project, from initial client consultations to final closeout. This holistic approach allows me to see the direct impact of my work on the environment and the communities we serve. I am excited to continue my career at Hussey Gay Bell, applying my skills and knowledge to create innovative and sustainable solutions for our clients and my community.

KEITH

"In May of 2022, Hussey Gay Bell acquired Hayes James & Associates and welcomed us into the “work” family. Hussey Gay Bell is a firm with a very similar background and philosophy as Hayes James. Change is difficult and can be an overwhelming feeling, but the transition couldn’t have been better."

GROWING UP, I ALWAYS ENJOYED the beauty of the natural environment; the forest and creek behind my house, the flowers and shrubs cared for by my mother and Grandmother. In contrast, I was also drawn to how things work, how they get built, and the Process of taking an idea from concept to reality. The problem was, I didn’t have any idea how these interests could intersect. That was until I arrived at the University of Georgia (Go Dawgs!). As an undeclared freshman taking core classes, nothing really sparked an interest toward choosing a major. Then, while taking a shortcut to a history class, I passed through a beautiful garden area on campus called the Founders Memorial Garden. This garden was like a hidden campus oasis with differing spaces; beautifully manicured formal gardens, carefully arranged plantings creating wooded borders, and hidden gathering areas providing natural inspiration. It was at that point I realized that someone had the knowledge and expertise to place plant materials and hardscapes in differing ways to create a magical place for generations of students and faculty to enjoy – Place Making. This realization spoke to me, and I eventually looked into what was then called the School of Environmental Design and discovered Landscape Architecture. Upon graduation, I worked at a small land planning firm honing my LA skills of residential design, small commercial design, and permitting assistance. Then, in 2003, I began working as a land planner at Hayes James & Associates; a firm that provided surveying, civil engineering and land planning. This, to me, was an opportunity to really embrace Process, taking concept to reality from beginning to end. At Hayes James, I was able to continue my growth as a Landscape Architect and begin to marry the full design path of surveying, civil engineering AND landscape architecture. Managing projects from concept to construction is such a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction. Once a job is completed and being able to see what began as an idea sketched on paper to witness the end user occupying the space is an amazing feeling. In May of 2022, Hussey Gay Bell acquired Hayes James & Associates and welcomed us into the “work” family. Hussey Gay Bell is a firm with a very similar background and philosophy as Hayes James. Change is difficult and can be an overwhelming feeling, but the transition couldn’t have been better. From top to bottom, the team approach permeates throughout Hussey Gay Bell and provides a Process that creates a foundation for collaborative and thoughtful design, efficient workflows, shared knowledge and, ultimately, a fully developed product. From concept to reality.

MARY MARGARET

"What I appreciate most about Hussey Gay Bell is the limitless potential for growth."

BORN AND RAISED IN SAVANNAH, I truly believe there’s no better place to live or people to work with than those you’ll find here. I’ve had the opportunity to travel extensively and explore a variety of career paths, but I consider myself incredibly fortunate to have found my way to Hussey Gay Bell. Each day brings new challenges, opportunities, and adventures, and I get to work alongside an amazing team. At Hussey Gay Bell, I wear many hats—a dynamic I thrive on. From the start, I was transparent about my need to stay busy, and this company has certainly kept me on my toes! As a coordinator for the civil department, I manage everything from client contracts to organizing continuing education presentations for our team. Additionally, I am honored to serve as Executive Assistant to our COO, CJ Chance, who is, without a doubt, the best boss I’ve ever worked with. His intelligence, composure under pressure, and exceptional leadership make it a privilege to support him and the broader team. What I appreciate most about Hussey Gay Bell is the limitless potential for growth. Every day is a learning experience, and I’m grateful to be part of a company that encourages my development and evolution. Outside of work, I channel my passion for organization into planning company events and even jumping into our office pickleball league. In my free time, you’ll likely find me thrifting, crafting, or catching a concert—always while cheering on the Pittsburgh Steelers. For me, life is about balance, and I’m committed to making the most of every moment—both professionally and personally.

HUNTER

"What struck me most was the longevity of careers within the firm, with many employees having been part of the Hussey Gay Bell family for 30, 40, and even 50+ years..."

FROM A YOUNG AGE, I DREAMED OF ATTENDING THE UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA, and years later, that dream became a reality. During my time at UGA, I discovered my passion for engineering—drawn to the critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork aspects of the profession, as well as the relationships built through interactions with clients and contractors. It was during my senior year that I met CJ Chance, our current COO, who at the time led the Private Civil group in Savannah. CJ is the very reason I am with Hussey Gay Bell today. After graduating, I initially chose to work with another firm I had interned with and returned home to South Carolina. However, CJ stayed in touch, and over the years, we built a strong connection based on mutual interests—Georgia football, hunting, fishing, and even sharing updates about the projects we were working on and the busy lives we were leading. Nearly five years later, when I was ready for a change, Hussey Gay Bell was a natural consideration for me. Upon revisiting Hussey Gay Bell and reconnecting with the team and leadership in Savannah, I immediately recognized the company’s unique culture and the incredible people who made it so special. What struck me most was the longevity of careers within the firm, with many employees having been part of the Hussey Gay Bell family for 30, 40, and even 50+ years. That undeniable sense of stability and commitment solidified my decision—I knew I wanted to be part of that team. After spending two years at headquarters in Savannah, I’m now back in South Carolina and excited to contribute to the continued growth of our Columbia and SC offices. The potential ahead is boundless, and I’m proud to be part of a team that feels like family—a culture driven by people who are truly second to none. As the quote from Remember the Titans goes, "Attitude reflects leadership," and at Hussey Gay Bell, our exceptional culture starts with outstanding leadership at the top. I am honored to be part of such an inspiring organization.