Chatham County Department of Engineering and Engineering Director Suzanne Cooler were recently honored with awards at the 2026 Georgia Engineering Awards, presented by the Georgia Society of Professional Engineers (GSPE).

The GSPE Engineer of the Year Awards recognize outstanding engineers, projects, organizations, and students whose work exemplifies technical excellence, leadership, service, and innovation. These awards highlight the individuals and teams shaping Georgia’s engineering future and advancing the profession.

The Chatham County Department of Engineering received the Engineering Employer Award, recognizing the department’s commitment to professional excellence and support of the engineering profession. Additionally, Chatham County Department of Engineering Director Suzanne Cooler was honored with an Engineer of the Year award.

Additionally, the Scott Stell Park Airnasium project received a merit award for engineering excellence.  The project has transformed the park’s sports complex, adding four new basketball courts, four new tennis courts, and ten new pickleball courts, and all are sheltered under three Airnasiums equipped with lights and fans for comfortable, year-round play. Visitors can also now enjoy four new covered pavilions, along with upgraded parking, lighting, and landscaping throughout the park.

Cooler said her team is devoted to improving the lives of everyone in Chatham County, even if their work is often not recognized by the public.

“It feels good to be recognized because a lot of time what we do, people take for granted that a lot of these things just happen, and don't realize the effort that engineering puts into it," Cooler said. "I think that's what keeps most of us in public service... making our community better."