Tiner named Spark! Star for STEM support 

For many years, Garver and the Museum of Discovery (MOD) in Little Rock, Arkansas, have been dedicated partners in introducing STEM concepts to students across the region. 

MOD recently recognized that mutual mission by naming Transportation Quality Control Lead Nicci Tiner, PE, PTOE, a 2025 Spark! Star. During a gala held at the museum in early November, she was honored with seven other community leaders who actively support the advancement of STEM learning

“The Museum of Discovery has played a vital role in sparking enthusiasm for STEM education throughout our community,” Tiner said. “I’m proud to have supported that mission over the years and grateful to work for a company that values community engagement and giving back.”

Since joining Garver in 1991, Tiner’s impact on the transportation industry can be defined by many firsts. In 1998, as women still faced low representation in the field, she became the first female partner and owner at Garver, chosen based on her performance and proven leadership. Tiner claimed another first in 2009 when she became the first Professional Traffic Operations Engineer in Arkansas, and again in 2022 when she became the first woman president of the Arkansas Academy of Civil Engineering.

Tiner has inspired legions of women pursuing careers in STEM. For her, supporting and advancing women means helping young professionals find their way in the industry through dedicated mentorship. Her mentees are quick to credit her for helping them develop and perfect a wide variety of skills, supporting them as they take important and necessary steps in their careers, and cheering them on as they move into leadership positions of their own.

Recognizing that the industry could be missing out on impressive future female leaders, Tiner has made it a point to be involved with local schools and programs, including the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville and Little Rock. Through various speaking engagements, she has engaged with young students — specifically female students — and encouraged them to consider and explore the multitude of opportunities that the industry offers.

The advice that Tiner offers those students is still much the same as what drove her own trajectory as a student.

“Don’t let anybody tell you that you can't do it,” Tiner said. “When I was growing up, nobody said I couldn't do it, so I just assumed I could.”