NASHVILLE, Tenn. (July 21, 2020) – Ryan Wigner, civil engineer in the Water Resources Section within the Engineering and Construction Division, is the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Nashville District employee of the month for June 2020.
Wigner is being recognized for his significant contributions in support of the creation of plans and specifications development for removing and replacing a sewer line and renovating a restroom facility at Kuttawa, Kentucky at Lake Barkley.
According to William Terry, Water Management Section chief, because of COVID19, the Engineering and Construction Division was in need of a civil design engineer. Wigner volunteered and assisted.
In his normal duties, Wagner was working on the Cumberland Gap, a water study project and the Tennessee Flood Preparedness Flood Plain Management Special Study. With his new tasks, he ventured into learning several new computer programs and gained valuable experience.
“We are absolutely proud of him and his diligent efforts to complete the tasks,” said Terry. “We have a great team, he is an invaluable asset to our section and we are glad that he is a member of our team."
Frank Mills, a supervisory civil engineer in the Survey and Mapping section, said Wigner has gained an incredible amount of knowledge about civil engineering, procedures and shouldered the significant workload in a short time with a positive "can do" attitude.
“He’s actually new to the Corps, with no prior design or contract experience, and he learned two new computer systems, and helped develop sound plans and specifications for the project,” said Mills. “He helped us deliver the program and complete the mission.”
Mills said he recommended Wigner for the award and feels he is most deserving for this award because of the sacrifice and extra effort he put forth to do his job.
Wigner said he was grateful to receive the award but was caught off guard and is happy that his work is getting noticed considering he’s only been onboard 10 months. He credits his coworkers in the water management section for the support.
He came to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Nashville District in September 2019 after earning a Master’s Degree in Civil Engineering from Tennessee Technological University in Cookeville, Tenn.
“I am thrilled about working with great people, and I’m enjoying learning about the lakes and our projects,” said Wigner.
Wigner is a native of Gallatin, Tenn. His favorite lakes are Watts Bar Lake and Old Hickory Lake.
Wigner’s hobbies include hiking, fishing, boating, outdoor activities and spending time with family.
Lt. Col. Sonny Avichal, Nashville District Commander said Wigner’s technical abilities, motivation, work ethic and adaptability are critical to the organization in difficult times where missions and priorities are ever-changing.
“His outstanding performance along with his efforts, patience, and diligence were steadfast during this extremely stressful, challenging and fast paced learning environment. He has a great attitude for service and it significantly contributes to another successful job by the Engineering and Construction team and to the mission of the Nashville District and USACE,” said Avichal.
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