Texas Tech University

2019 Inductees

 

Chad Gardiner MPA

CGEarned Degrees:
B.S. Civil Engineering,  1999

Transportation Team Leader
Halff Associates

Chad Gardiner is a Transportation Team Leader at Halff Associates, Inc. in Richardson, Texas.  In 1999, Chad earned his Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering degree from Texas Tech University.  After graduation, Chad accepted a civil engineering position in Halff Associates' Transportation Department, where he remains today.  Chad is a respected transportation engineer in the DFW region, with experience in the development of advanced planning, traffic engineering, construction plans, and oversight of major projects throughout the state of Texas.  Chad has developed numerous projects for the Texas Department of Transportation (Dallas, Fort Worth, San Antonio, Tyler, and Odessa Districts), North Texas Tollway Authority, and cities and counties in the DFW area.  Chad is an active participant in Halff's Community Initiative, which is a volunteer program that supports local DFW charities through monetary donations and community service.  Chad and his wife, Tara, live in Dallas. They have two children, Mason and Ellie, and two dogs. Chad enjoys the outdoors, fly fishing, skiing, supporting his kids in their numerous activities, and being a Red Raider.

Kevin R. Johnson, P.E.

KJEarned Degrees:
B.S. Civil Engineering, 1999

Vice President/Principal
Freese and Nichols.

Kevin Johnson is a Vice President and Principal at Freese and Nichols, Inc. (FNI) in Dallas.  Kevin has been with FNI for his entire professional career.  He first started as an intern in 1998 with the firm in Dallas and began fulltime after receiving a Bachelor of Science Degree in civil engineering in 1999 from Texas Tech University. Kevin is the firm's North Texas Division Manager for PMCM (Program Management/Construction Management), Facilities (Architecture, MEP & Structural) and the Oil & Gas Design Group. In this role he oversees a major piece of FNI's business with responsibility for 130 employees and over $42 M in annual revenue and annual sales of $25 M.  Kevin is responsible for the execution of work, quality control, sales and representing our projects and firm before elected officials and our clients.  His leadership has resulted in being a mentor for younger staff and a trusted advisor to some of FNI's most important clients. He specializes in municipal transportation, utility and drainage design, and construction management as well as the development and management of multimillion-dollar infrastructure programs entailing multiple projects and design teams for cities and counties. Personally, he has been involved in some of FNI's largest projects, including Texas High Speed Rail from Dallas to Houston, DFW Airport TRIP (Terminal Renewal and Improvement Program) and The Lower Bois d'Arc Reservoir. Kevin is involved in the Preston Trail Chapter of the Texas Society of Professional Engineers (TSPE) and was the Chapter's 2017 Engineer of the Year. He resides in Rockwall with his wife Carissa, also a Texas Tech Graduate.  They enjoy spending time with their two boys in the outdoors and on the sports field coaching and supporting them in various sports and cheering on Texas Tech sports teams.

Lonnie Satsky

LSEarned Degrees:
B.S. Civil Engineering, 1998

Project Executive
Turner Construction Company

Lonnie Satsky is a Senior Project Executive for Turner Construction Company's Dallas Business Unit. Lonnie enrolled at Texas Tech in 1993 and earned a Bachelor's of Science in Construction Engineering Technology in 1998.  After graduation, he started full time with Turner Construction Company and has built several diverse project types all over the great state of Texas.   He specializes in fast-track and technically challenging projects because of his extensive technical experience and skills as an industry leader. His proficiency, dedication and top-notch management skills have set him apart from the rest in his field and afforded him the opportunity to gain increasingly impactful roles within the industry and has built his brand in the market. Over the last 20 plus years with Turner, he has served in many market segments of the construction industry to include, but not limited to, hospitality, medical, higher education, K-12, mission critical, sports, and commercial high-rise.  

Despite his rapid rise to prominence in the construction industry, and the associated responsibilities as a Senior Project Executive, Lonnie has devoted significant time and effort toward the betterment of the CECE Department to include serving as Chair of the Advisory Council since the fall of 2018.

Lonnie and wife, Nikki, live in Heath Texas with their 3 children, Luke, Lillie, and Sydney.  They are passionate Texas Tech fans and supporters, and also enjoy outdoor living with their friends and family in their free time.  

Department of Civil, Environmental, & Construction Engineering