Gresham Smith employees gathered on Thursday, April 25, for the firm’s annual Celebration. Staff gathered at Gresham Smith offices to watch the livestream show, with Nashville employees viewing the broadcast from the Music City Center. The firm’s executive leaders honored employee and project achievements over the past year and provided updates on key initiatives, including the firm’s focus on people and culture. Gresham Smith also named eight new owners, 22 new senior associates and 38 new associates during the event.
“Our annual Celebration is my favorite event at Gresham Smith. It’s a tradition that began decades ago and has remained an integral part of our culture.,” said Rodney Chester, Gresham Smith Chief Executive Officer and Board Chair. “It gives us a chance to set aside deadlines and deliverables for an afternoon so we can celebrate our people, our projects and our practice.”
Core Purpose Award
The inaugural Core Purpose Award honors a project that exhibits Gresham Smith’s Core Purpose: to plan, design and consult to create healthy and thriving communities. The award was presented to the multi-market Lover’s Key State Park project team. After Hurricane Ian destroyed major portions of the Bonita Springs, Florida park, Gresham Smith was selected to design new boardwalks, bridges and a gazebo; a park ranger station and residence; a concession and gift shop; and roadway improvements, including a tram station. When complete, the park will once again be an asset for the southwest Florida community.
Inclusion & Belonging in Action Award
Also given for the first time this year, the Inclusion & Belonging in Action Award honors efforts to advance inclusion and belonging objectives within Gresham Smith. The firm’s Midtown Atlanta office was honored for fostering a diverse workplace and driving numerous initiatives. The group organized panel discussions, coordinated pop-up shops to support minority-owned businesses, volunteered within their local community to foster belonging, and more.
Community Impact Award
The annual Community Impact Award recognizes an employee who has had a positive impact on the community and who possesses outstanding leadership skills, passion, self-motivation and commitment to service. This year’s award was presented to Monique Nichols-Moore, an architectural project coordinator in the firm’s Charlotte Aviation studio. Monique was honored for her work with Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools, which includes organizing volunteer events to enhance the learning environment, coordinating mentorship programs to promote student growth, and planning events to raise funds for essential educational resources.
Corporate Services Star Award
The newly established Corporate Services Star Award honors the contributions made by the firm’s Corporate Services departments, which includes Accounting, Corporate Communications, Human Resources, Information Technology, Marketing Resources, and Risk Management. The award was presented to Joan Garr Hamrick, a client experience specialist in the firm’s Nashville office, and the “Pit Crew”—the group who helped her host more than 200 clients in Gresham Smith’s Nashville office during the 2023 Music City Grand Prix. The team went the extra mile to plan and execute the one-of-a-kind event, aimed at fostering relationships with the firm’s clients and partners.
