Mr. Brian R. Billings was born July 1, 1971, at Ireland Army Hospital, in Fort Knox, KY. He was born to the late Russell B. (Rusty) and Jennifer Billings. Mr. Billings grew up in the small town of Stanton, KY, where he still resides to this day. At an early age, he began delving into his interests in engineering by trying to figure out how things work. He got his natural interest to understand things from his father who was a welder by trade, with natural abilities to solve problems and build complex machines with perfection. He was also encouraged to pursue further education by his high school math teacher, Mrs. Davis.
In 1989, Brian graduated high school and enrolled in Eastern Kentucky University’s Pre-Engineering department. After two years, he was transferred into the Civil Engineering Department at the University of Kentucky. Shortly after enrolling at UK, his father passed away with cancer. Ralph Burton Conlee, a personal friend of his Grandfather’s, and a Civil Engineer, gave Brian a copy of his autobiography entitled, “The Sun Will Rise – Again. An Orphan Boy’s Journey Through the Great Depression and the ‘Big War.’” The book was filled with stories that comforted Brian and gave him encouragement during a very tough, but growth period of his life.
Over the next months, Brian dedicated his life to earning the best education possible. After receiving all A’s during his first semester at UK, he was awarded the Kentucky Transportation Scholarship for his senior year. He was a member of the student chapter of the American Society of Civil Engineers, Chi Epsilon honorary society, and graduated in 1994 Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Civil Engineering.
During his professional career, Mr. Billings has had the privilege of serving as a Civil Engineer for ten years for the Kentucky Department of Transportation. He credits his growth of knowledge and experience to the engineers and engineering technicians who were willing to share their knowledge and help him improve. He served as a Resident Engineer at Slade, KY where he directly oversaw reconstruction of portions of the Bert T. Combs Mountain Parkway, realignment of KY213 over Morris Creek Mountain, as well as directing surveying classes across the state of Kentucky.
Brian was given the opportunity to serve as the KYTC Pilot Design-Build Project Manager. The experience was the most challenging, as well as the most enjoyable experience he has had as a Civil Engineer. It was a rare opportunity to guide a project as it moves through the design phase and into construction to ensure that all project commitments and intent are carried out in every detail of construction, not to mention the challenge of doing it at a very fast pace.
In 2001, Brian took over the responsibilities as Transportation Engineering Branch Manager of Construction for the Lexington District where he is currently employed. The exposure of an urban and professional environment with a workload of over $100,000,000 and 70 projects per year has been a great challenge. Being a part of District 7 has given Brian the opportunity to be involved with many exciting projects, such as Paris Pike, Richmond Road widening, Harrodsburg Road widening, Interstate 75 and 64 widening, US150 Viaduct replacement in Danville, and reconstruction of many other routes across the Bluegrass Region. The culture of the District is one with a strong belief in Context Sensitive Design and Construction practices, dedicated employees who are committed to a Project Team concept that really performs, and a strong commitment to Customer Service. Being able to work and contribute to the success and accomplishments of the District and with the dedicated Engineers who work there has been a great opportunity to grow and develop as a Professional Engineer.
Brian describes his greatest achievement in his thirty-two year life as being partly responsible for having and raising three wonderful children. He has found that to be a true team effort with his wife, Carmen. Just like the dedication he has given his professional career as a Civil Engineer to improve the world around him, he has found that giving the same dedication to his family is worth every minute.