Sam Panah
Lawrenceville,GA
Summary
Licensed Civil Engineer and Transportation Project Manager with over 20 years of experience overseeing state and federally funded highway, bridge, and roadway infrastructure projects, including annual multimillion-dollar capital improvement programs.
Proven expertise in GDOT standards, CEI oversight, contract administration, utility coordination, and QA/QC compliance. Strong track record of delivering multimillion-dollar transportation projects on time and within budget while maintaining strict adherence to regulatory and safety standards.
Committed to driving project success through strategic planning, risk mitigation, and effective stakeholder collaboration, ensuring optimal outcomes for all.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Project Engineer
Volkert, Inc.
Atlanta, GA
01.2023 - 06.2024
- Managed CEI inspectors across multiple GDOT transportation projects valued at approximately $20M+ combined
- Reduced potential cost overruns by 5–7% through detailed quantity verification and proactive change order review
- Improved plan production efficiency by 8–10% by streamlining quantity takeoffs and 6-series cost estimate preparation
- Shortened RFI and submittal turnaround time by 10–15%, minimizing schedule delays
- Maintained 100% compliance with GDOT standards, erosion control requirements, and safety regulations
- Coordinated utility relocation activities, reducing associated delays by approximately 5%
- Supported bridge and roadway projects including White Sulphur Road, Pine Log Creek Bridge, SR 54 @ Shoal Creek, and SR 16 @ Flint River
Project Manager
Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT)
Lawrenceville, GA
01.2014 - 01.2022
- Led multimillion-dollar bridge and highway projects including SR 369 Bridge Replacement, SR 13/Buford Highway Widening, and SR 20/Buford Highway Reconstruction
- Delivered projects on schedule with minimal change order growth (under 7%)
- Managed annual contractor payments exceeding $40M+ with accurate quantity validation and documentation
- Reduced change order processing time by approximately 10% through improved coordination and documentation review
- Improved issue resolution timelines for right-of-way and traffic concerns by 15%
- Conducted structured preconstruction meetings that improved contractor schedule adherence by approximately 8%
- Oversaw prime contractors, subcontractors, inspectors, and utility providers
- Administered contracts, supplemental agreements, and monthly pay applications
Project Manager
Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT)
Lawrenceville, GA
01.2012 - 01.2014
- Managed I-85 Auxiliary Lane Project at Jimmy Carter Boulevard
- Directed nine federally funded county and city transportation projects
- Oversaw SR 316 Interchange Project delivery
Assistant Project Manager
Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT)
Lawrenceville, GA
01.2006 - 01.2012
- Supported I-85/SR316 Interchange Project
- Assisted with I-985/SR 419 Interchange Reconstruction
- Contributed to ARRA-funded US29/Beaver Ruin Intersection Improvement
- Assisted SR 53 Widening Project
Engineering Intern
City of Murray
Murray, KY
01.2004 - 05.2005
- Utilized MicroStation and GeoMedia for GIS mapping
- Assisted in sidewalk and curb design
- Performed cost estimating for municipal infrastructure improvements
- Enhanced safety protocols in lab settings, leading to reduction in workplace accidents and promoting culture of safety.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Civil Engineering
Murray State University
Murray, KY01.2005
Skills
- Infrastructure development expertise
- Bridge Replacement & Rehabilitation
- Roadway infrastructure improvement
- Construction Engineering & Inspection (CEI)
- Utility oversight
- Management of federal and state funded projects
- Contract Administration & Supplement Agreements
- Change Order Management
- Cost Estimation & Quantity Takeoffs
- Materials testing expertise
- Right-of-Way Coordination
- Traffic Control & Work Zone Safety
- OSHA Compliance
- Knowledge of GDOT and FDOT regulations
- MicroStation and OpenRoads experience
Certification
- GSWCC Level 1A Certification
- Worksite Erosion Control Supervisor
- GDOT PEDP (2-Year Program)
- TQM (Total Quality Management)
- ISO 9000 Training
- OSHA Safety Training
Timeline
Project Engineer
Volkert, Inc.
01.2023 - 06.2024
Project Manager
Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT)
01.2014 - 01.2022
Project Manager
Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT)
01.2012 - 01.2014
Assistant Project Manager
Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT)
01.2006 - 01.2012
Engineering Intern
City of Murray
01.2004 - 05.2005
Bachelor of Science - Civil Engineering
Murray State University