SDL is honored to celebrate the 50th work anniversary of our president, Dr. Thomas S. Tarpy, Jr. (Tom), on April 15, 2024. Tom joined our firm full-time in 1974, having worked part-time since 1972. Since 2002, he has served as our President and Chairman of the Board. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering and Master of Science in Engineering Mechanics from Tennessee Technological University and a Doctor of Philosophy in Civil Engineering from Vanderbilt University. Tom is a registered Professional Engineer in 41 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
In addition to his work at SDL, Tom was an Assistant Professor of Civil Engineering at Vanderbilt University from 1969 to 1974, continuing part-time until 1989. He has authored and co-authored numerous papers and publications and actively participated in several national committees. He has also served as an expert witness for numerous projects, including the Adaptive Re-use of Soldier Field in Chicago, the GSA Federal Office Building in NY, and the LSU Tiger Stadium West Side Expansion.
His achievements include numerous honors and awards such as the NDEA Title IV Fellowship at Vanderbilt University, membership in Chi Epsilon – National Civil Engineering Society, The Society of Sigma XI, Honorary Research, and Order of the Engineer.
Tom’s commitment to the field of structural engineering is evident through his memberships in the American Concrete Institute, American Institute of Steel Construction – Code of Standard Practice Committee (past Partners in Education Committee), American Iron and Steel Institute (past Advisory Member), American Society of Civil Engineers (past President of the Nashville Branch and Steering Committee Chair), American Society for Testing and Materials (past Chair), Research Council on Structural Connections – Board of Directors (past Chair Executive Committee), Singapore Structural Steel Society, and Construction Specifications Institute.
During the 1980s, Tom was instrumental in expanding SDL’s presence in Florida and Kentucky, solidifying SDL’s place as one of the Southeast's leading engineering firms. Dr. Tarpy is well-known and respected in the structural design industry and has been invited to address architects and engineers worldwide on design issues involving innovative and economical structural advances. He remains an outstanding marketing leader for SDL, with an extensive network and strong relationships.
Tom’s contributions to the growth and stability of SDL cannot be overstated. Thank you, Tom, for your unwavering dedication. We are grateful for your years of leadership, vision, and drive for excellence at SDL.
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