THOMAS & HUTTON ANNOUNCES THREE 2026 SCBIZ EMERGING LEADERS UNDER 40 HONOREES

Thomas & Hutton (T&H), a privately held and employee-owned professional services firm known for its award-winning culture and 80 years of shaping communities across the Southeast, is pleased to announce that Katie Johnson, PE, Katie McCoy, PE, and Nathan Pound, PE, have been named 2026 SCBIZ Emerging Leaders Under 40 honorees.

SCBIZ’s Emerging Leaders Under 40 program recognizes professionals under 40 from across South Carolina who are driving business success, innovation, and meaningful community impact. The statewide program brings together emerging leaders from across industries and communities throughout South Carolina.

Katie Johnson, PE, is a Civil Designer in T&H’s Columbia office, where she helps lead the design of commercial, industrial, healthcare, and community-focused developments. A licensed Professional Engineer and former U.S. Army Reserve Sergeant and Technical Engineer, Katie brings a practical perspective to projects from design through construction. Her work includes Prisma Health’s Behavioral Health Hospital and Laurens County Veterans Park. She also supports the next generation of engineers through mentoring, professional involvement with the American Society of Civil Engineers, and participation in the University of South Carolina’s senior design program.

Katie McCoy, PE, is an Environmental Project Manager in T&H’s Columbia office, where she leads environmental permitting, planning, and compliance efforts for industries and communities across South Carolina. Her work has supported major manufacturing and economic development projects, including Scout Motors, Hyundai, and Mercedes-Benz. Katie also serves on environmental committees with ACEC South Carolina and the Water Environment Association of South Carolina and has led T&H’s Columbia Helping Hands program for nine years, creating opportunities for employees to support local nonprofits through volunteer service and donations.

Nathan Pound, PE, is a Principal and Project Manager in T&H’s Myrtle Beach office, where he leads land development and infrastructure projects across the Grand Strand and surrounding communities. His work includes master-planned communities, roadways, utilities, and stormwater infrastructure that support housing, mobility, public safety, and long-term growth. Nathan became a Principal and Shareholder at age 30 and currently serves as President of the American Society of Civil Engineers Grand Strand Branch. He also mentors emerging professionals and serves on T&H’s Finance Committee.

Katie, Katie, and Nathan will join fellow honorees at the 2026 SCBIZ Emerging Leaders Under 40 awards celebration on October 20 at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center in Columbia, South Carolina.

T&H congratulates Katie, Katie, and Nathan on this recognition and celebrates their continued leadership, professional contributions, and service to communities across South Carolina.