CHA Engineering Elevates Leadership in Bridge Design

News Summary

CHA Engineering has announced key promotions within its Bridge Engineering Group. Ryan Cooley becomes Vice President and Business Practice Leader, while Michael Sullivan is appointed Bridge Project Team Leader for New England. Both bring extensive experience and commitment to improving bridge design and construction in the region, ensuring the firm remains a leader in civil engineering.

CHA Engineering Elevates Leadership in Bridge Design with New Promotions

CHA Engineering, a prominent player in the field of structural engineering, has announced significant promotions within its Bridge Engineering Group. Ryan Cooley has been appointed as Vice President, Principal Engineer, and Business Practice Leader for Bridges. Meanwhile, Michael Sullivan has taken on the role of Bridge Project Team Leader for New England. These promotions reflect their extensive experience and contributions to the field of civil engineering, particularly in bridge design and construction.

Ryan Cooley: A Veteran in Bridge Engineering

Ryan Cooley brings over 20 years of experience to his new position. His career is marked by a strong focus on designing, analyzing, and managing both bridges and vertical structures. Cooley’s work has included carrying out design and load rating tasks while managing the development of contract documents for various transportation structures throughout New England.

One of Cooley’s notable accomplishments was serving as a key figure in the development of the Connecticut Department of Transportation’s first design-build project. His expertise has also influenced the introduction of Geosynthetic Reinforced Soil Integrated Bridge Systems (GRS-IBS) to multiple transportation departments. Furthermore, he played a crucial role in implementing accelerated bridge construction (ABC) technologies across the region, significantly enhancing project efficiency.

As the new leader, Cooley will manage a team of 110 engineers and technical specialists spread across the United States. His primary responsibilities will include assessing, rating, and designing bridges that require preservation or replacement. Cooley holds a Master of Science in Structural Engineering and a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering, both from the University of Connecticut. He is also a licensed Professional Engineer in several states, including Connecticut, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Maine, Massachusetts, and Utah.

Cooley remains active in several professional organizations, such as the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC), the American Society of Civil Engineers, and the American Institute of Steel Construction. His commitment to the engineering community emphasizes the importance of continuing education and collaboration in the industry.

Michael Sullivan: Leadership in Bridge Project Delivery

Michael Sullivan joins the leadership team with over 18 years of experience in bridge engineering design and project management. His background includes designing, assessing, and inspecting bridges for notable state agencies, including the Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT), Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT), Maine Department of Transportation (MaineDOT), Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT), and the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA).

Sullivan’s experience covers all phases of bridge planning—from design and contract delivery to project management and construction oversight. In his new role, he will oversee the delivery of all bridge projects in New England, ensuring that they meet the highest standards of safety and effectiveness.

He holds an Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Business Administration from the University of Massachusetts at Lowell and a Bachelor of Science in Civil and Environmental Engineering from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. Like Cooley, Sullivan is a licensed Professional Engineer in Connecticut, New York, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts, showcasing his extensive qualifications in the field.

Sullivan is also a member of professional organizations such as the American Society of Civil Engineers and the Boston Society of Engineers. He is known within the industry for his ability to communicate complex engineering concepts clearly, often participating as a speaker and writer on topics relevant to transportation and bridge engineering.

Looking Ahead

With these key appointments, CHA Engineering is well-positioned to lead in the bridge engineering sector. Cooley and Sullivan’s vast experience and leadership capabilities will undoubtedly contribute to advancing bridge design and construction practices in New England and beyond. Their commitment to innovation and professional development will be crucial as the firm continues its mission to deliver safe and sustainable infrastructure solutions.

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