“At a very early stage in my consulting engineering career, I was exposed to water resources engineering and loved it. From then on, I was hooked and specialized in water resources engineering ever since (nearly 30 years). I find water resources engineering exciting because it blends the natural and built environments into a common endeavor to live and manage water. Whether the goal is to provide for proper drainage, protect life and property from flooding, or design systems to protect our environment from pollution, water resources management requires that the scientific engineering and technological fields be combined to accomplish our goals. This wide range of field of study and our constantly changing world always makes for an exciting challenge. This is what makes me passionate about water resources management. The systems that my department specializes in designing may only get called upon to function when it rains, or a hurricane is approaching, or some other type of storm event, but every client, every project, and every person (whether they know it or not) relies on a properly functioning water management system when that storm hits.  We take this responsibility very seriously and are passionate that our work be there in those times of need.”

Rick is Thomas & Hutton’s Water Resources Manager and has been with the company since 2006, bringing an additional 16 years of previous experience. He earned his Bachelor’s of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Florida and is a licensed Professional Engineer, Professional Hydrologist, and Certified Professional in Stormwater Quality. Rick earned the distinction and designation of the Diplomate, Water Resources Engineer as an imminent Diplomate practitioner from the American Academy of Water Resources Engineers. His experience includes planning, analyzing, designing, permitting, constructing, and maintaining water resources-related projects, including stormwater drainage systems, flood control projects, and water quality systems. Rick has extensive experience in the application of all types of hydrologic, hydraulic, and water quality models to assess and design various water management facilities. He is very active and supportive of numerous professional organizations, including American Society of Civil Engineers, American Academy of Water Resources Engineers (Diplomate), American Public Works Association, South Carolina Association of Stormwater Managers (Past Member at Large), American Society of Flood Plain Managers, Southeast Stormwater Association, and American Institute of Hydrology.  Rick also gives his time to various charitable and civic organizations, including Knights of Columbus (Past Grand Knight), St. Vincent DePaul Society, Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce Environmental Committee, Urban Land Institute SC Urban Resilience Work Group, and American Red Cross.