Stephen James
Hiram
Summary
Senior public-sector program and project manager with extensive experience delivering large, complex capital construction projects from planning through design, construction, commissioning and closeout. Proven record managing multi-million-dollar budgets, consultant and contractor procurement, schedule control, and regulatory compliance for projects with countywide impact. Trusted advisor to executive leadership on capital planning, risk management, and program oversight.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
ENGINEERING DIVISION MANAGER
Paulding County DOT
06.2024 - Current
- Manage large-scale capital projects with countywide impact, providing full lifecycle oversight from project initiation through closeout and warranty administration.
- Oversees consultant and contractor performance to ensure compliance with approved scope, budget, schedule, and County objectives.
- Lead project scope definition, cost estimating, and capital budget development, supporting executive leadership during CIP planning and funding discussions.
- Procure professional services and construction contracts, including advertisement, evaluation, negotiation, and contract administration.
- Provide design oversight to ensure compliance with applicable codes, standards, and County requirements while maintaining constructability and fiscal discipline.
- Monitor construction progress, schedules, pay applications, change orders, commissioning activities, and substantial completion milestones.
- Review and approve invoices; resolve cost and contract issues; ensure accurate tracking of expenditures, encumbrances, and forecasts.
- Coordinate with internal departments, regulatory agencies, consultants, and contractors to resolve issues impacting delivery, occupancy readiness, and operational turnover.
- Prepare executive-level status reports on project performance, risks, schedule adherence, and budget health.
PROJECT MANAGER
Southland Engineering
07.2017 - 06.2024
- Managed design and construction administration for public infrastructure projects using formal project management controls.
- Developed project scopes, budgets, schedules, and fee proposals in support of capital improvement initiatives.
- Coordinated multidisciplinary teams and acted as primary liaison between owners, consultants, contractors, and agencies.
- Assisted with procurement documentation, proposal reviews, and contract administration.
- Provided construction-phase support including review of RFIs, submittals, schedules, and pay applications.
- Supported closeout documentation and final acceptance processes.
PROJECT ENGINEER
Huitt-Zollars, Inc.
01.1999 - 01.2008
- Supported delivery of new construction and renovation projects through design development, cost estimating, and construction coordination.
- Assisted senior project managers with budget tracking, schedule monitoring, and quality control.
- Reviewed plans for compliance with applicable codes and owner standards.
- Coordinated with contractors and subcontractors to resolve field issues and support timely completion.
PROJECT ENGINEER
VIKA Inc.
01.1999 - 01.2008
- Supported design and construction of projects. Efforts included cost estimating and construction coordination.
- Assisted senior project managers with budget tracking, schedule monitoring, and quality control.
- Reviewed plans for compliance with applicable codes and owner standards.
- Monitored installation of materials and equipment for compliance with drawings and specifications.
- Coordinated with contractors and subcontractors to resolve field issues and support timely completion.
PROJECT ENGINEER
Moreland Altobelli Associates
01.1999 - 01.2008
- Performed detailed engineering design calculations and developed construction plans for road projects.
- Developed and implemented innovative engineering solutions to enhance project efficiency and quality.
- Assisted with budget tracking, schedule monitoring, and quality control.
- Reviewed plans for compliance with applicable codes and owner standards.
- Coordinated with contractors and subcontractors to resolve field issues and support timely completion.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Civil Engineering
Savannah State University
Skills
- Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Management
- New build project oversight
- Project Budget & Scope Development
- Consultant & Contractor Procurement
- Design Phase Oversight & Code Compliance
- Construction Administration & Commissioning
- Schedule, Cost & Risk Control
- Contract Negotiation & Change Management
- Closeout, Warranty & Asset Turnover
- Stakeholder & Executive Reporting
- Public-Sector Standards & Governance
Certification
- Professional Engineer (PE)
- GDOT Plan Development Process (PDP)
- Right-of-Way Acquisition for Public Projects
- Title VI & ADA Compliance
- Local Agency Program (LAP)
Timeline
ENGINEERING DIVISION MANAGER
Paulding County DOT
06.2024 - Current
PROJECT MANAGER
Southland Engineering
07.2017 - 06.2024
PROJECT ENGINEER
Huitt-Zollars, Inc.
01.1999 - 01.2008
PROJECT ENGINEER
VIKA Inc.
01.1999 - 01.2008
PROJECT ENGINEER
Moreland Altobelli Associates
01.1999 - 01.2008
Bachelor of Science - Civil Engineering
Savannah State University