Russell Byrd: Engineering Vision into Reality, Community by Community
McGill’s newest project consultant Russell Byrd, PE, brings over 45 years of experience and knowledge to the McGill team. Russell is passionate about working with public and private sector partners and taking an idea from a vision into reality. He has worked on a variety of municipal and private projects, including street resurfacing, road construction, utility line extensions, and large-scale golf-orientated projects.
From Vision to Reality
After being invited by a high school classmate to attend an open house for engineering degrees at North Carolina State University (NCSU), Russell decided to pursue a degree in civil engineering at NCSU. He then attended the University of North Carolina (UNC) Chapel Hill – School of Government, where he completed the Municipal and County Administration program. He started his career as a staff engineer for the City of Wilmington. Russell has his professional engineering license in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida. With work in each of these states, he has been a part of many impressive projects, such as the Governor’s Club in Chapel Hill, large-scale golf courses in Hilton Head, and the creation of the largest indoor firing range in the United States.
Russell has also been a part of the adaptive reuse and rehabilitation of buildings in Winston Salem. He has worked alongside world-class developers to create both beautiful and environmentally conscious projects. As a city engineer in Clinton, North Carolina, Russell assisted with the replacement of a 60-year-old pump station and worked on many other large projects, such as bridge replacements, water tank construction, and the widening of North Carolina Highway 24.
Russell Byrd’s History of Service
Russell has a long history of service with the American Public Works Association (APWA), where has served in various roles including the president of APWA North Carolina Chapter in 2014. He currently serves as an ad hoc member of the APWA North Carolina Chapter Leadership Management Division Board and as a liaison with the North Carolina League of Municipalities. As such, Russell can have an impact on both the profession and state and local policies related to public works and infrastructure. He believes strongly in the benefits of belonging to these types of professional organizations. Considering this group of professionals as both colleagues and friends, Russell notes, “My involvement with APWA and the North Carolina League were great opportunities to expand my professional network. It has been and continues to be one of the most fulfilling experiences of my 45-year career.”
Dedication to Communities
After retiring from the City of Clinton in 2023, Russell is excited to continue work as a project consultant with McGill and remain connected to local governments. His involvement and experience greatly benefit the McGill team. Russell looks forward to building relationships with clients and pursuing projects that help shape communities. One of his biggest pieces of advice for clients: “Don’t try to eat an elephant in one bite. Make good decisions every step of the way.”
Beyond the workplace, Russell is passionate about improving his community. He has been involved in civic, community, and religious organizations for many years. Russell has been happily married for 42 years and has one child. He loves yard work, church, reading, crossword puzzles, and staying engaged with NC-APWA. Russell is driven to help local communities and looks forward to continuing this work at McGill.
How McGill Can Help You
Are you interested in learning about the variety of projects McGill can assist you with? We are eager to collaborate with you and help shape your community! Visit this page to learn more.
