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Clean water, safe roads, enduring structures: these are a few of the essential elements of   successful infrastructure, all of which contribute to our communities’ ability to operate independently. Behind them all are engineers, serving every corner of the state and working to translate big ideas and tricky problems into innovative solutions.

 

Open for Business Oklahoma members design systems to ensure all of us are safe and healthy every day, yet their work often takes place behind the scenes. We wanted to highlight the voices of OFBO, so we asked our members, “How do engineers contribute to our communities' independence?” Keep reading for more on what they had to say.

 

Freese and Nichols Principal/Vice President Brandon Huxford, P.E., offered this perspective: "When engineers tackle challenges in water, energy, communication, and transportation, we're not just constructing infrastructure,” he said. “We're forging pathways to true independence, empowering communities to thrive, shape their own futures and solve problems from the inside out."

 

Garver Transportation Team Leader Jenny Sallee likes to look at engineering from a human perspective: “As engineers, we have the privilege of designing spaces that bring people together and strengthen communities. Whether it’s a state-of-the-art bridge or an innovative interchange, every project is about more than infrastructure — it’s about fostering connections, accessibility and growth.” She added, “When we live in the places we shape, we gain firsthand insight into the challenges and opportunities our neighbors face, allowing us to create solutions that truly serve them.”

 

That sentiment was echoed by DeShawn Heusel, Lead Client Advisor with Halff: "Engineers are the architects of progress, building the foundations of our communities across the state of Oklahoma while shaping the infrastructure that connects us all." 

 

For Garver Bridge Regional Team Leader Matthew Youngblood, engineering is all about fostering growth: “As a bridge engineer, I’ve made it a professional goal to provide the innovative solutions that allow communities to flourish independently. We do that by designing and maintaining the critical transportation networks that connect our communities,” he said. “Without the river crossings, highways, and municipal streets that open access to critical resources, we cannot grow. Each day, we operate with the philosophy that if we provide our community members with the right tools, they won’t just survive—they’ll thrive.”

 

Engineering is about more than just good design; according to Group Manager and Principal at Freese and Nichols Paul D. Green, P.E., it’s about enhancing wellbeing:  "Engineers provide quality of life services for the design, construction and maintenance of dams, water, wastewater plants, roads, bridges and buildings we use every day,” he said. “This infrastructure provides advanced living features that directly contribute to the health, safety and welfare of our society.”

 

Oklahoma City Area Leader, Client Relationship Manager, and Vice President with Olsson Jimmy Sparks, P.E., agrees: "For every project we do, there has to be a purpose. When engineering a project, the end goal is to see it positively affect our clients and the people they serve,” he said. “In the end, the desire is to leave the world better than we found it."

 

Engineers are more than just problem-solvers; they enable our communities to be strong, self-sufficient and run smoothly. At OFBO, our members are helping to fuel our state’s independence, one project at a time. If you’re not yet an OFBO member, learn more about how you can get involved, connect with peers and impact statewide issues through advocacy.