By Lauren Dean
Nashville based engineering and consulting firm Smith Seckman Reid, Inc. (SSR) has announced changes to its executive leadership structure. CEO and President, Steve Lane, PE, BCEE, FACEC, announced that the SSR Board of Directors promoted Susan Osterberg to Chief Operating Officer (COO) and Mike Rogers, PE, LEED AP, to Chief Growth Officer (CGO). Lane stated that the moves are an extension of the firm’s overall succession planning efforts.
“We recognized that seasoned, committed leaders are needed to seize emerging opportunities,” said Lane. “In their respective roles, they will drive SSR’s new strategic plan and move forward the plan’s emphasis on people and culture, processes, partners and clients, and performance.”
Susan Osterberg previously served as SSR’s Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) since 2015. Prior to that she 
was Vice President of Human Resources. As CAO, Osterberg was responsible for support services and effectively encouraged collaboration between the different support groups and partnership with operations. She focused on fostering increased employee engagement, organizational development, and leadership succession planning. Over her tenure, Osterberg has taken on additional duties as part of the management team, including facilitating operational restructuring and strategic planning.
“Susan’s background and career are ideally suited to guide continuous learning, sustained career growth for our people, and assure consistency in the quality and delivery of our services,” stated Lane. “She is first-rate at building a better team and processes.”
“SSR is well positioned for growth,” said Osterberg on the new position. “Shifting from CAO to COO provides the opportunity to more closely blend our focus on people with solid operational processes and execution. Success with our clients always begins with the commitment and engagement of our colleagues.”
Osterberg received both her bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Organizational Communications from Concordia College in Moorhead, Minnesota. She takes pride on giving back and has a passion to grow and develop people around her. In her free time, is an enthusiastic baseball fan and loves to bike.
Mike Rogers has served as SSR’s Sports and Entertainment Market Leader for the past 18 years. His leadership has proven instrumental in establishing SSR as one of the top engineering firms in the sports and entertainment market. SSR was ranked 9th in Building Design + Construction’s 2020 Giants report for Sports Facilities Sector Engineering firms. Under his direction, SSR has designed numerous high-profile sports facilities, including the recently completed Allegiant Stadium, home of the NFL’s Las Vegas Raiders, and the Chase Center, home to the NBA’s Golden State Warriors.
“Mike’s varied experience combined with his ability to embrace customer needs, understand their success factors, and build strong connections quickly,” Lane added. “He will ensure that mutually beneficial client relationships and rewarding outcomes flourish.”
“SSR is a diverse enterprise spanning multiple markets and geographies,” said Rogers. “We have many opportunities before us. My goal is to help us multiply our impact in these existing markets, move effectively into new market opportunities, and have positive impacts on our clients and colleagues. Our success and growth will revolve around two main things: success of our clients and growth of our people.”
Rogers is a 35-year veteran of the AEC industry. He joined SSR in 2000 and served in numerous roles before overseeing the sports and entertainment market. He received his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Tennessee. After graduation Rogers served as a Combat Construction Engineer for the United States Air Force. In his spare time, he’s an avid runner and gear head.
Lauren Dean is Senior Communications Associate for Smith Seckman Reid.
