As a young Auburn graduate, Perry Hand oversaw the site engineering at Gulf State Park. Now, 45 years later, he is CEO of Volkert, Inc., the firm managing the restoration of this ecological and recreational treasure. “Being here is like visiting an old friend, ” Hand says. Under Hand’s leadership, Volkert has grown to over 900 employees, expanded into new markets, and achieved record revenue while consistently ranking among the top engineering consultants in the nation. Based in Alabama for 70 years, Volkert is currently delivering the largest transportation project in state history, the redesign of I-59/20 through the Birmingham Central Business District.