Our Leaders
Jeff Smith,
PE - Principal
LinkedIn
Jeff Smith, Licensed Professional Engineer, graduated from Southern Polytechnic State University in 2000 with a B.S. in Civil Engineering. Early in his career, Jeff started with the nationally recognized firm PBSJ (now rebranded as AtkinsRéalis after its acquisition by SNC-Lavalin Group in 2023). His experience with PBSJ provided him with a strong foundation in civil engineering practices and principles.
In 2003, Jeff founded his first civil engineering firm, Creative Consulting. This entrepreneurial venture showcased his dedication to innovation and client satisfaction in the civil engineering field. In 2009, Jeff transitioned to become a 50/50 partner of Ridge Planning & Engineering. Since joining Ridge, Jeff has played a pivotal role in cultivating a firm renowned for its honesty and commitment to quality.
At Ridge Planning & Engineering, Jeff continues to leverage his extensive experience and leadership skills to deliver exceptional land development projects. His dedication to maintaining high standards and fostering a culture of integrity has been instrumental in building the firm's reputation for excellence and client satisfaction.
Mike Haponski,
PE - Principal
LinkedIn
Mike Haponski, Licensed Professional Engineer, earned a Bachelor of Civil Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology and has over 25 years of experience in land development. His career began with hands-on experience in the field, participating in the execution of various civil engineering projects, first on commercial projects with a General Contractor firm and later as a Development Manager for a major homebuilder. These early years provided Mike with a solid foundation in site development, earthworks, and infrastructure construction, laying the groundwork for his subsequent success as a site engineer.
As his career progressed, Mike transitioned into civil design, where his construction knowledge enabled him to design highly cost-effective projects. His technical proficiency spans a wide spectrum of civil engineering disciplines, including land planning, grading, hydrology, and road design. Mike's commitment to staying abreast of the latest industry advancements has allowed him to integrate innovative solutions into his projects, contributing significantly to their overall success.
At Ridge Planning & Engineering, Mike continues to leverage his extensive experience and technical skills to deliver outstanding results in land development projects, ensuring quality service and client satisfaction.
John Morgan,
PE - Senior Project Manager
LinkedIn
John Morgan, Licensed Professional Engineer, is a highly skilled civil engineer with over 30 years of experience in civil site development in and around the Atlanta area. He earned his Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering from Southern Polytechnic State University and a degree in Architectural Engineering Technology from Southern College of Technology. John has been a Licensed Engineer since February 2000.
John focuses on civil site development projects, both public and private, including land planning, site grading, stormwater management, and environmental permitting. He uses the latest engineering tools to deliver sustainable solutions for his clients.
John excels in collaborating with clients, authorities, and stakeholders to address key challenges while keeping budget and schedule requirements in mind. Known for his strong leadership, he motivates his team to achieve outstanding results. He is also dedicated to mentoring young engineers, helping them develop essential skills.
At Ridge Planning & Engineering, John plays a crucial role in leadership, contributing his expertise and commitment to excellence to ensure the success of every project.