Mackenzie Simmons, a civil engineering specialist with STV, has been selected for the 2026 Emerging Leaders Class of the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) Tennessee. The program provides participants with opportunities to learn from industry leaders, build professional relationships and develop the leadership skills needed to take on greater responsibilities within their organizations.

“This program is an opportunity to become a more thoughtful and effective leader as I continue building my career in engineering,” Simmons said. “I’m looking forward to learning from other professionals, gaining new perspectives and bringing those lessons back to my work and colleagues at STV.”

Simmons joins a cohort of engineering professionals from across Tennessee selected through a competitive application process that evaluates professional experience, leadership potential and industry involvement. Through peer collaboration, mentorship and focused learning opportunities, participants will strengthen their leadership capabilities while gaining perspectives from professionals across firms and disciplines.

Based in Franklin, Simmons is active in professional organizations including the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), the American Society of Highway Engineers (ASHE) and the Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE). She also participates in STV’s early-career professional program, which connects emerging professionals across the organization through networking, learning and mentorship opportunities.

“Mackenzie brings curiosity, initiative and a collaborative approach to her work, all of which will serve her well in this program,” said Brad Thompson, AICP, vice president and Tennessee area manager at STV. “This opportunity will allow her to build on the strengths she already demonstrates while learning from peers across Tennessee’s engineering community.”