The People Shaping Ohio’s Transportation Infrastructure

From bustling highways and city streets to airports and traffic systems, CEC’s Ohio transportation professionals are shaping the state’s mobility today and for the future. With decades of combined experience, our local engineers and project leaders bring both technical expertise and in-depth knowledge of Ohio’s communities to every project, from large-scale infrastructure programs to complex roadway projects.

Meet Our Team of Experts

Bryan Bender, P.E. – Senior Project Manager at CEC Cincinnati

Bryan has over 30 years of experience managing and designing transportation projects, including roadway widenings, structural improvements, intersection improvements, and multi-use trails. He has worked on both local streets and major state routes, delivering projects from planning and grant writing through design, permitting, bidding, and construction. Throughout, he consistently ensures compliance with ODOT standards.

Kathryn Gruver, P.E. – Principal at CEC Cincinnati

Kathryn has more than 30 years of experience in stormwater management and hydraulic design for transportation projects. She has led the ODOT’s statewide MS4 program, ensuring compliance with audits and implementing post-construction best management practices. Kathryn develops stormwater management plans, trains team members on erosion and sediment control, and monitors the performance of stormwater systems.

Jim Harris, P.E. – Project Manager II at CEC Columbus

Jim has more than 14 years of experience in civil and hydraulic engineering for transportation, land development, and environmental projects. He specializes in stormwater and roadway drainage design, hydrologic and hydraulic modeling, erosion and sediment control, and utility and pipeline engineering. James has managed complex projects for public and private clients, ensuring designs meet all regulatory requirements.

Jeff Henfling, P.E. – Project Manager III at CEC Cleveland

Jeff has more than 17 years of experience designing and managing transportation projects throughout Ohio. He has prepared plans for roadways, sidewalks, and multi-use paths, and designed stormwater, sanitary sewer, and waterline systems to support these projects. Jeff has also managed construction administration and performed extensive field observation services, ensuring projects meet design, safety, and regulatory standards.

Grant Hoot, P.E. – Project Manager I at CEC Cleveland

Grant brings more than 10 years of experience planning, designing, and managing transportation infrastructure projects. He has led roadway and sidewalk improvements, and associated storm and sanitary drainage work. Grant’s expertise includes preparing construction drawings, budget management, coordinating permits, and more. His work has supported agencies such as OTIC and ODOT.

Evan Krinock, P.E. – Assistant Project Manager at CEC Cleveland

Evan has more than 7 years of experience working on a number of transportation, municipal, site development, and water infrastructure projects in Ohio. Evan has helped prepare design and layout plans for roadways, storm sewers, sanitary sewers, and more. Evan has completed numerous pre-design site visits, roadway culvert inventories, and construction observation services.

Travis Rhoades, P.E.  – Principal & Transportation Lead at CEC Toledo

Travis Rhoades, P.E., brings over 25 years of experience in planning, management, design, analysis, and construction support for projects across Ohio and Michigan. His core expertise includes the design and rehabilitation of highways and roadways in both urban and rural settings. Travis has partnered with numerous public sector clients, including state departments of transportation, county engineers, municipal agencies, and regulatory bodies.

Featured Project

Ohio Turnpike and Infrastructure Commission

In Ohio, CEC is helping the Ohio Turnpike and Infrastructure Commission rehabilitate and widen key roadways along one of the state’s most heavily traveled corridors. Our teams have completed field assessments of transportation infrastructure to evaluate conditions and then developed engineering plans to meet current and future traffic demands. By incorporating LiDAR survey methods and phased construction approaches, the work was completed with minimal disruption to Turnpike users. These efforts are part of a broader initiative to upgrade aging infrastructure across the 241-mile route while supporting the long-term performance of the Turnpike system.