Niblett named to Oklahoma Magazine 40 Under 40 Class of 2024

From working tirelessly to secure Oklahoma’s water supply to investing in the next generation of STEM professionals, Water Oklahoma Team Leader Cole Niblett knows that Oklahoma’s future starts now.

His dedication to and passion for his profession are just part of why Oklahoma Magazine named Niblett, based in Garver’s South Oklahoma City office, to its 40 Under 40 list. Published annually to honor the state’s brightest professionals, this list recognizes individuals from around Oklahoma who represent a variety of industries and exhibit hard work, philanthropy, and leadership.

“It’s an honor to receive this recognition,” said Niblett. “And even more of one to do the work that is shaping communities across Oklahoma and bringing to life the water and wastewater projects that help them thrive.”

Niblett graduated from Oklahoma State University with a degree in biosystems engineering, and, while working full-time for Garver as a project manager, went on to complete his master's in environmental engineering. Though still early in his career, Niblett has rapidly climbed the ranks within Garver and proven himself to be an increasingly valuable asset to its Water Team and his home state, even bringing new technology to Oklahoma communities to address the growing concerns surrounding the state’s water supply.

Having risen from project engineer to Oklahoma Water Team Leader, Niblett now leads a team of 13 engineering experts in delivering the crucial water infrastructure that supplies safe, reliable water to residents in every corner of the state.

Niblett’s flagship projects include a comprehensive water and wastewater master plan for the City of Norman, improvements to the Lawton Water and Wastewater Treatment Plants, Tulsa Metropolitan Utility Authority’s Southside Wastewater Treatment Plant improvements, and many projects with the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. High-profile infrastructure projects include the Lake Thunderbird Pilot Study, the Norman Water Reclamation Facility expansion and improvements, the Del City Wastewater Treatment Plant improvements, and many more.

His resume is impressive on paper, but equally notable is the reputation Niblett’s has built beyond designing infrastructure plans. As a licensed wastewater operator through ODEQ, he knows firsthand the challenges that operators often face and is well-known within the industry for being able to identify their needs and concerns and working alongside them to ensure that processes are safe, efficient, and easy to operate.

Niblett is shaping the future of Oklahoma both through his service as a water engineering expert and by helping build a career pipeline for the next engineering professionals through organizations like I AM STEM summer camps. Niblett also serves as the awards committee chair for the Oklahoma Water Environment Association.

At just 30 years old, Niblett is making waves across Oklahoma and his impact is sure to be felt for decades to come.

To learn more about what Garver’s Water Team can do for you, visit our Water and Wastewater services page.