Raising His Hand for Opportunity
A Story of Career Growth
When Namri Vera joined Gresham Smith as a junior engineer, he knew he had a passion for transportation. What he didn’t know was just how many different paths his career would take within the firm—and how each new challenge would shape him into the leader he is today. From his early days on the Traffic Engineering and Planning team to gaining new proficiency in Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS), Namri has consistently embraced new learning opportunities. His journey has included embedding with the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) as a respected designer among his client peers, and now, relocating to Gresham Smith’s Orlando office to help expand the practice.
At every stage, Namri has raised his hand to take on new challenges, illustrating the firm’s commitment to employee growth and development. His willingness to step outside his comfort zone, embrace new experiences, and take on new roles has positioned him as a rising star within the Transportation TSM&O service line. His story highlights the many career paths available within Gresham Smith and the value of proactively seeking opportunities for growth.
A Passion for Transportation Engineering
Namri’s interest in transportation began at an early age. Born in the Philippines, he immigrated to the United States as a child but frequently visited his home country. Those visits left a lasting impression. He was struck by the stark contrast between the roadway infrastructure in the two nations—wide, free-flowing roads in the U.S. compared to the heavily congested streets of Manila.
Determined to understand what caused these disparities, Namri pursued a degree in Civil Engineering at George Mason University, focusing on traffic engineering. Upon graduation, Namri joined Gresham Smith’s Nashville office, eager to put his knowledge into practice. He began his career in the Traffic Engineering and Planning group, where he built a strong foundation in analysis and design. However, his curiosity for emerging transportation technologies soon led him to explore Intelligent Transportation Systems. Recognizing an opportunity to grow, he transitioned into the firm’s ITS team, where he honed his skills under the guidance of experienced mentors and quickly became a key designer, known for his technical proficiency and attention to detail.
Embracing New Challenges in Intelligent Transportation
Working in ITS expanded Namri’s skill sets in ways he never expected. From freeway management systems to automated traffic signal performance measures, he was immersed in projects at the forefront of transportation innovation. One of his most exciting experiences was his involvement in an open-road test bed as part of a collaboration between Gresham Smith and Vanderbilt University, which deepened his interest in Cyber-Physical Systems.
With a drive to gain a deeper understanding of smart infrastructure, Namri took the initiative to enroll in the Master of Engineering in Cyber-Physical Systems program at Vanderbilt University. His studies further broadened his expertise in transportation technology, but as he gained more experience, he realized that leadership and management were just as crucial to his career aspirations. His growing responsibilities at Gresham Smith reinforced this realization, prompting him to pursue a Master of Engineering in Engineering Management.
Becoming a Trusted Technical Consultant
As Namri’s technical expertise and project management skills grew, so did his opportunities at Gresham Smith. After passing the Professional Engineer (P.E.) exam, he began taking on more complex projects. Recognizing his deep knowledge of traffic design and Intelligent Transportation Systems, the firm selected him to embed with the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) as a technical consultant—an opportunity that would expand both his expertise and perspective.
At TDOT, Namri became a go-to resource for traffic and ITS design, helping newer TDOT staff navigate technical challenges and understand agency preferences. Drawing from his previous design experience, he provided guidance on best practices and reviewed consultant work on TDOT’s behalf, ensuring quality and consistency. More than just sharing his knowledge, Namri gained invaluable insight into the client’s perspective—an experience that has since strengthened his ability to collaborate and problem-solve effectively as a consultant.
A New Chapter in Orlando
Namri is taking the next step in his career by relocating to Orlando to help grow Gresham Smith’s presence in the region. This move represents not only an opportunity for the firm to expand its market but also a chance for Namri to further establish himself as a leader.
His transition to Orlando embodies what it means to take ownership of your career path. From a junior engineer in Nashville to an embedded consultant at TDOT, and now a key player in practice growth in Central Florida, Namri’s journey shows how employees at Gresham Smith can carve out diverse and dynamic career paths within the firm.
“My goal has always been to keep learning and growing,” says Namri. “Gresham Smith has given me the opportunity to do that. I’m excited to help build something new in Orlando and to play my part in supporting Gresham Smith’s growth strategy in the state.”
A Model for Career Growth
Namri’s story embodies how employees can shape their careers at Gresham Smith by taking on new challenges. His journey reflects the firm’s commitment to providing meaningful growth opportunities that align with both employee aspirations and business needs.
As Namri steps into his next chapter in Orlando, he carries with him not only the technical expertise he’s developed over the years but also the leadership skills and strategic mindset that will help drive the firm’s success. His story is an inspiring reminder that at Gresham Smith, career advancement isn’t just about following a set path—it’s about forging your own.
Make Your Mark
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