STV Senior Transportation Engineer Larry Ridlen, PE, has received the American Society of Highway Engineers’ (ASHE) 2024 Shirley Stuttler Lifetime Achievement Award. This prestigious award recognizes ASHE members who have supported the organization throughout their careers and was presented to Ridlen earlier this month at the ASHE National Conference in Raleigh, NC.

“It is a great honor to be recognized with this award and to be included among the past recipients who have shaped ASHE and the transportation industry into what they are today,” said Ridlen. “I had the privilege of working with and befriending Shirley Stuttler while on the ASHE National Board of Directors, so it is especially meaningful for me to receive this award.”

Ridlen began his involvement with ASHE in 2004 when he and Brad Winkler, PE, STV senior vice president and region manager, identified the need for an ASHE chapter in the Middle Tennessee area. The Middle Tennessee Section was chartered in August 2005 and has since served as a valuable resource for highway industry professionals. Ridlen served as the chapter president for the first two years and developed and chaired several committees over the years. He is also passionate about supporting young professionals by sharing his experience and expertise, and by encouraging them to pursue leadership positions.

“ASHE’s mission is to provide a forum for members to promote a safe, efficient and sustainable transportation system through education, innovation, and fellowship,” Ridlen said. “I am proud to have had a role in providing the opportunity for our local members to grow technically, professionally, and personally through the Middle Tennessee Section.”

Ridlen has also supported the ASHE Southeast Region throughout his career, serving as a Middle Tennessee Section representative, region secretary, and region president.

A testament to his contributions to the industry and reputation among his peers, Ridlen served as ASHE national director from 2010-2013; vice president from 2014-2016; and president from 2016-2017. He is currently serving as a member of the national Nominating Committee, a Project of the Year judge, and as an ASHE History Committee member. Ridlen also co-chaired the 2019 ASHE National Conference held in Nashville.

Ridlen’s esteemed career began with the Tennessee Department of Transportation, where he worked as a highway engineer and manager. He then contributed to transformative local and regional projects while working with two professional services firms before joining STV. In his current role, Ridlen is a key member of STV’s Corridor K project team, which aims to enhance safety and connectivity throughout the 20-mile Corridor K/US 64/SR 40 roadway system in Southeast Tennessee.

In addition to his ASHE involvement, Ridlen has been a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers since 1985 and served as the Tennessee Section transportation chair from 1997-2008. He has also been a member of the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) Civil Examination Committee since 2000, helping develop questions for the Principles and Practice of Engineering exam.

“The first time I met Larry was to discuss starting a Middle Tennessee ASHE Chapter over 20 years ago,” Winkler said. “I’ve since had the privilege of learning from Larry and working with him on ASHE initiatives as well as on professional endeavors. Larry truly cares about ASHE and connecting with people. He’s one of the best highway engineers I know, and he is an even better person. He is an outstanding mentor to our STV employees and a tremendous asset to our team.”