Underground Infrastructure - November 2023 - 22

UCTA/UI
Russ Ford Named 2024 MVP
treatment, stormwater drainage and raw
water transmission segments.
Robert Carpenter, editor-in-chief of
Underground Infrastructure magazine,
recently made the announcement on behalf
of the UCTA and the magazine.
" Not only has Russ been invaluable
in aiding municipalities accomplish great
things with their projects, but he has also
been a significant driver and supporter of
the UCTA and instrumental in starting
the North Texas and South Texas chapters, "
Carpenter pointed out. " He remains
an integral part of the UCTA today.
" Through the years, Russ also served
a critical role in working with the UIC
program committee to bring valuable
and beneficial information to attendees. "
Russ Ford, a noted infrastructure expert,
has been selected as the Most Valuable
Professional of the underground infrastructure
industry for 2024.
Ford, a senior associate at Lockwood,
Andrews & Newnam Inc. (LAN), will
be honored at a special luncheon on
March 19, 2024, at the Oklahoma City
Convention Center, in conjunction with
the annual Underground Infrastructure
Conference (UIC). The award is co-sponsored
by the Underground Construction
Technology Association (UCTA) and
Underground Infrastructure magazine.
Ford, who resides near the Bryan,
Texas, area, has a 41-year career of progressive
engineering, supervisory/managerial,
and administrative/executive
experience involving the various aspects
of municipal planning, operations, design,
construction and management, in
the water/wastewater transportation and
22 NOVEMBER 2023 | UndergroundInfrastructure.com
Industry kudos
According to Gary Oradat, executive
manager, planning, design and construction
administration for the Trinity River
Authority and previous MVP awardee
(2022), " Russ was involved with UCT
at its very beginning. It's hard to think
of anyone who has been more involved
in advocating for new (and better) pipeline
products and construction methods
which, at the time, were considered innovative.
His recognition as MVP is more
than deserving and I extend my sincerest
congratulations for this honor. "
Ford graduated from Texas A&M
University with a degree in construction
science. From the start of his career, he
envisioned a world of serving communities,
building
quality
infrastructure,
safeguarding
the client's best interest and
championing a culture of excellence.
" Russ has always had a vision to build
and change infrastructure for the better, "
said Wayne Swafford, president of LAN.
" Ford actively participates in the company's
business development. He sees
the benefits of innovative solutions for
an extensive range of civil engineering
projects. He's played an influential role in
making sure we're delivering the best water
and wastewater treatment plants, water
storage facilities, and pump stations,
among other high-profile projects. "
Ford's expertise is not just confined
to the construction site; he is an expert
in piping materials, a skill honed through
both hands-on construction projects and
strategic sales of pipe products.
" His deep understanding and practical
knowledge of various materials have positioned
him well in our industry, " added
Steve Gilbreath, LAN's chief operating
officer. " He's a trusted advisor, ensuring
that every project he touches meets and
even exceeds expectations. "
At the heart of Ford's work is his
unwavering commitment to his clients.
He possesses a proven ability to deliver
cost-effective solutions without compromising
on quality, ensuring that every
dollar spent is an investment towards
long-lasting and reliable infrastructure.
" As a colleague, " Gilbreath continued,
" his leadership extends to his ability to recruit,
direct and supervise a talented pool
of design engineers, technicians, and
consultants, fostering a collaborative and
high-performing work environment. "
Ford's project portfolio is as diverse as
it is impressive, featuring extensive infrastructure
work with both municipalities
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