Robert (Bob) B. Higgins, Jr., PE, has been named CEO/President of engineering, architecture, and planning firm Barge Waggoner Sumner & Cannon, Inc.

Mr. Higgins, who has been associated with BWSC for more than 12 years, was previously vice president/water services manager at the firm which has an office in Chattanooga.
Under Mr. Higgins’ leadership, BWSC’s Water Services operation has moved into new markets and doubled the volume of project contracts. Working with the firm’s multiple offices, he has particularly focused on strategic planning, team development, and technology development and utilization to meet the expressed needs of the firm’s municipal, government, commercial and private clients.

Mr. Higgins is a past recipient of the Dan Barge Award of Merit, the highest honor awarded by BWSC in recognition of an employee’s contributions to the firm. He is a member of the BWSC Board of Directors.

Board Chairman, James M. Downing, said, “Bob’s strong commitment to building people and cultivating clients will assure a profitable and healthy future for BWSC. I am extremely excited for our stockholders and employees as our firm moves forward.”

Mr. Higgins initially joined BWSC as an Engineering Intern and then moved into project management and department management positions. A veteran of the U.S. Air Force, Higgins received a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering magna cum laude from Vanderbilt University in 1997. He is a Professional Engineer in Kentucky and Tennessee, and is a member of the American Water Works Association, American Society of Civil Engineers, and International City/County Management Association. In addition to his experience with BWSC, Mr. Higgins served as the city manager of the city of Franklin, Ky.

A resident of Franklin, Tn., Mr. Higgins is active in community, civic and charitable organizations. He has served on the 911 Board of Franklin, Ky., and as a board member of Downtown Renaissance in Franklin, Ky. A deacon at the Beech Grove United Baptist Church in Grayson County, Ky., Mr. Higgins is an active fundraiser for the Boys and Girls Club of America and the YMCA.

Barge Waggoner Sumner & Cannon is an engineering, architecture, planning, landscape architecture, and surveying firm with offices located in Tennessee, Alabama and Ohio.