CTL|Thompson has named a slate of new leaders with the experience and credentials to lead the award-winning engineering firm into its third generation of building and growth.
Principal Engineer Shawn Fitzhugh was named vice president and manager of the firm’s Denver division, its largest office. Principal Engineer Wyatt Knutson was named vice president and manager of the firm’s Wyoming division, which he also developed. Principal Engineer Damon Thomas was named president of CTL|Thompson Materials Engineers, Inc., an affiliate company that manages CTL’s materials testing, including one of the most sophisticated testing laboratories in the U.S. All three engineers are now also members of CTL’s Operating Committee, which sets strategy for the firm and manages operations of its seven offices.
In its 47th year of business, CTL has grown into the largest geotechnical engineering firm headquartered in Denver, with expertise unmatched in the region. The new leadership structure allows the firm to continue to provide technical expertise and services to existing and new clients with a goal of expanding the company’s capabilities.
“CTL appreciates and values its young engineers’ dedication to the business, technical excellence and ability to move the company into its 50th year and beyond,” says CTL|Thompson Vice President and Principal Marc Cleveland. “Fitzhugh, Knutson and Thomas have exceptional, respected knowledge and experience in their particular areas of expertise and have collectively contributed nearly 70 years to CTL to date.”
Fitzhugh, a civil engineer with a geotechnical emphasis, has been with CTL since 1997. He manages the Denver Field Department, including the engineering technicians and construction inspection services for CTL’s residential and commercial projects. A foundation expert, he has managed projects for deep, heavily loaded foundation systems, foundation shoring and dewatering, subexcavation for expansive soil mitigation, and large concrete and steel-framed structures. His project experience covers every type of construction, including single and multifamily residences, public institutions, communication towers, and large office, hotel and mixed-use towers.
Knutson joined CTL in 2005 and established the Wyoming office in 2008. A structural engineer, he has more than 15 years of experience in foundation and structural design, with specific expertise in gravity loading and in lateral and wind shear analysis using timber, steel and concrete materials. In his new role, he will continue to oversee all structural, geotechnical and material testing for residential, commercial and industrial projects in Wyoming, while also contributing to the overall management and growth of the CTL enterprise.
Architectural and civil engineer Thomas has provided geotechnical, pavement and materials engineering project management services for CTL since 1989. Thomas specializes in pavement design and evaluation/life cycle analysis, with expertise in pavement materials and stabilization of subgrade soils supporting the pavement system. He also has considerable expertise in other building materials and properties such as aggregate, concrete, mix designs, grout, masonry and structural steel components. In his new role as President, he will take over management responsibilities of CTL’s materials testing division. Former president Orville (Bud) Werner will remain a senior principal engineer with CTL, contributing his unparalleled expertise in concrete materials, fly ash, cement powders and concrete admixtures.
“We truly value our engineers’ service to the industry, our clients and our company,” says Cleveland. “The team’s project management skills, technical expertise and ability to develop client relationships are very strong. Veteran employees like me are proud to work alongside this new leadership to provide expert consulting to the construction industry.”
