Chris Grace joins Garver as Aviation Senior Project Manager

Garver is continuing to strengthen its Aviation Team with the addition of Chris Grace, PE, a highly respected aviation leader with three decades of experience serving airports and communities across the Southeast.

Based in Alabama, Grace joins Garver with a deep understanding of airport planning, design, and program management, as well as a long-standing commitment to building relationships that help aviation clients succeed. He will support aviation clients throughout Alabama, Florida, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Georgia.

For Grace, the move to Garver was driven by the opportunity to be part of a growing, nationally recognized team with the resources and expertise to help clients tackle complex challenges.

“Garver has built a reputation as one of the nation’s leading design firms, and I’m genuinely excited to join the team,” Grace said. “The opportunity to contribute to an already strong aviation practice, collaborate with talented professionals across the country, and help deliver exceptional service to clients throughout the Southeast is something I’m truly grateful for.”

The transition felt natural. Over the years, Grace frequently crossed paths with Garver team members at industry and client events and became familiar with the firm’s expanding reputation in aviation. As Garver continued to climb Engineering News-Record rankings and grow its aviation footprint nationwide, Grace saw an organization investing in both its people and its future.

“What really stood out to me was the strength of the team,” Grace said. “Knowing there are resources and expertise across the country, with different perspectives and experiences, is incredibly exciting. It’s an opportunity to be part of a dynamic firm that is growing and performing at a high level.”

That collaborative environment aligns closely with Grace’s philosophy on client service.

While engineering expertise is essential, Grace believes long-term success is built on something deeper.

“We may think we’re in the engineering and professional services business, but really we’re in the relationship business,” he said. “At the end of the day, people want to work with someone they trust, someone they enjoy being around, and someone who understands their goals.”

Those relationships extend far beyond airport projects. Grace is actively involved in his community and currently serves as City Councilor for the City of Chelsea, Alabama. His public service perspective gives him a unique understanding of the challenges local leaders face when balancing infrastructure needs, growth, and community priorities.

Grace’s passion for aviation began long before his engineering career. Growing up, he was surrounded by aviation. His father took flight lessons, his stepfather was a pilot, and Grace himself took flying lessons as a young man. Spending time around airports and airplanes sparked a fascination that never faded.

That early interest eventually came full circle when, at just 25 years old, he had the chance to work as an engineer at the airport located only a few miles from his home—the same airport where he had spent countless hours as a child.

“It all fit together,” Grace recalled.

Since then, Grace has built a career helping airports improve infrastructure, enhance operations, and position themselves for long-term growth. His experience spans a wide range of aviation projects and client types, giving him valuable insight into the needs of airports across the Southeast.

With Grace on board, Garver continues to expand its ability to serve aviation clients with local knowledge backed by national resources.

“We’re excited to welcome Chris to Garver,” said Alabama Aviation Leader Zac Simpson, PE. “His experience, leadership, and relationship-focused approach make him a great fit for our team and our clients.”