Ask Brad Hammond what has kept him passionate about engineering for 34 years, and he talks about people. The colleagues who pushed him to get involved. The engineers who became mentors and friends. The young professionals he now helps guide.  

Hammond's passion for building relationships and for the engineering profession has led to a pinnacle career moment: being inducted into the prestigious College of Fellows, by the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC).

The organization recognizes engineering leaders who have elevated the profession through their careers and service. Fellows also support the profession through scholarships, outreach, educational opportunities, and other efforts.  

"Brad sees the big picture and has done so much over his career to improve the image of the consulting engineering profession."

Hammond was inducted during the October 2026 ACEC Fall Conference in Phoenix. Angie Cooper, executive director of ACEC Arkansas, said the recognition was well-earned.

"Brad Hammond embodies the spirit of service,” she said. “Through his many leadership roles within ACEC Arkansas, he has consistently given back to the profession and helped develop future leaders. He is highly deserving of this recognition."

Fellows must be nominated and have served with ACEC on a local and national level. Hammond held leadership positions with ACEC Arkansas, the Arkansas Society of Professional Engineers, and the American Water Works Association, and he currently serves on the national ACEC Board of Directors.

“Knowing how high caliber the people who came before me are, not just professionally but as people, has made being inducted as an ACEC Fellow more meaningful to me,” Hammond said. “It’s one of the biggest accomplishments of my career and I’m incredibly honored.”

He learned what it meant to be an ACEC Fellow by watching one.  

In 1995, his late uncle and mentor, Carl Yates, was selected as the first ACEC Fellow from Arkansas. Brad remembers him as an icon of engineering in the state and, personally, someone he deeply admired.

“My uncle brought me to his office as a kid and introduced me to engineering," Hammond said. "He also taught me the importance of being involved, building relationships, and trying to make an impact in whatever you do.”

He went on to work with his uncle Carl at McGoodwin, Williams and Yates. Brad later served as president and chief financial officer before Olsson acquired the firm in 2018.  

During the acquisition process, Chief Relationship Officer John Olsson – also an ACEC Fellow – met Hammond. John Olsson said that from his first encounter with Hammond, he knew there was something special about him.

“Brad sees the big picture and has done so much over his career to improve the image of the consulting engineering profession,” Olsson said. “Through service, leadership and public engagement he has done everything right to arrive at this pinnacle moment.”

Today, Hammond’s focus is managing client relationships and building Olsson’s brand and work across Arkansas and southwest Missouri. He was also instrumental in facilitating the acquisition of FTN Associates in 2024 to expand our footprint in Arkansas and Louisiana.  

“Brad has invested years building relationships, serving the engineering community, and representing our profession,” said Olsson’s Jared Rasmussen, who has worked closely with Hammond for years.

One way Hammond continues that work is by sharing what he’s learned with the next generation of engineers. He mentors younger engineers in and outside the office and teaches Business 101 through ACEC Arkansas' Emerging Leaders Program, helping engineers understand the business side of consulting engineering.  

As a Fellow, Hammond will continue to advocate for the engineering profession and hopes to promote the importance of professional licensure, qualifications-based selection, and the value engineers bring to the public.

“I can’t imagine a higher calling for an engineer than to be able to be an ambassador for our profession,” Hammond said. “However I can help the industry, I’d love to continue to be a part of that in any way I can.”