At HR Green, the Principal role represents more than tenure or title—it is a recognition of leaders who consistently demonstrate vision, collaboration, and a commitment to growing both people and communities. Today, we are proud to celebrate two such leaders: Ryan Simbro and Tony Simmons, who have been named Principals of HR Green, Inc.

Ryan Simbro, PE – Regional Director of the Transportation Business Unit – Midwest

Ryan’s journey with HR Green began in 2000, when he joined the firm as a student intern. After graduating from Iowa State University, he started as a Staff Engineer in 2003, earned his PE license, and advanced to Project Manager in 2008. His leadership continued to grow as he guided multidisciplinary teams on some of the largest and most complex transportation projects in Iowa, including the I-29 Sioux City Corridor and the I-35/80/235 System Interchange. By 2018, he was named Regional Manager of the Iowa Transportation Business Unit, and earlier this year he became Regional Director of the Midwest.

“I’ve been fortunate to call HR Green my home since my early college days,” Ryan shares. “Every project, every mentor, and a strong work ethic instilled by my father has shaped me into the leader I am today. We are invisible public servants, and it’s rewarding to see how our work transforms communities and helps the next generation of engineers do the same.”

Tony Simmons, PE – Regional Manager of Transportation Business Unit – Illinois

Tony’s HR Green career spans more than 24 years, beginning when he joined the firm right out of the University of Illinois in 2001. Starting as a Staff Engineer, he grew into a Project Manager in 2005, where he oversaw some of the firm’s largest transportation design projects. His leadership and technical expertise carried him into roles as Senior Project Manager and Group Leader before he was named Illinois Regional Manager of the Transportation Business Unit in 2017. Today, Tony leads teams across the state in delivering roadway, highway, and bridge improvements for IDOT, the Illinois Tollway, several counties, and numerous municipalities.

“HR Green is a family where people are encouraged and supported to stretch, grow, and lead,” Tony reflects. “I’ve had mentors who invested in me, and I’m passionate about doing the same for our teams as we build projects that make Illinois safer and stronger.”

Ryan and Tony’s dedication, mentorship, and vision have strengthened HR Green’s teams, advanced transformative infrastructure, and made a lasting impact on the communities we serve.

“HR Green’s success has always come from the people who invest in one another,” says Jason Poppen, CEO. “Ryan and Tony’s promotions to Principal highlight more than their professional accomplishments—they embody the very qualities we value in our leaders. Their journeys show what’s possible when people are empowered to grow and lead at HR Green.”

About HR Green

Founded in 1913, HR Green has offices nationwide and provides engineering, planning, technical, and management solutions that build communities and improve lives in: Broadband, Construction, Environmental, Geospatial, Land Development, Municipal Services, Planning, Transportation, and Water. For more information, visit www.hrgreen.com.