Former NCDOT Western Deputy Chief Engineer Mark Gibbs Joins RS&H as Program Director

[Asheville, N.C.] Employee-owned, RS&H announces the addition of Mark Gibbs, PE, as program director for its construction management business unit in North Carolina. Gibbs brings more than 30 years of distinguished public service with the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT), where he most recently served as western deputy chief engineer until his retirement in June 2025. 

Throughout his career with NCDOT, Gibbs demonstrated exceptional leadership in managing critical infrastructure projects across western North Carolina. His expertise encompasses overseeing major highway initiatives, including the I-26 widening in Buncombe County and the Rutherfordton Bypass, while advancing multimodal transportation planning and American with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance improvements throughout the region. 

Gibbs’s leadership proved most vital during natural disaster response and recovery efforts. Following Hurricane Helene, he spearheaded the reopening of more than 1,000 roads and coordinated the restoration of 52 primary routes. As manager of the WNC STRONG Program, Gibbs led statewide recovery efforts that repaired thousands of damaged infrastructure sites, including over 850 bridges and culverts, while securing federal reimbursements and establishing long-term resilient infrastructure planning. 

“Mark’s comprehensive understanding of North Carolina’s transportation infrastructure and his proven ability to deliver results under some of the most challenging circumstances in North Carolina make him an invaluable addition to our team,” said Nathan Laukka, PE, Associate Vice President and CEI State Leader for North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia at RS&H. “His character, commitment to excellence, and collaborative approach to problem solving all align perfectly with our purpose to create tomorrow, together. We’re confident his expertise will strengthen our ability to serve clients and communities across North Carolina.” 

“I am excited to begin this next chapter of my career with RS&H, an organization that shares my commitment to my home of Western North Carolina and its people,” said Gibbs.  

Gibbs will immediately apply his expertise to assist NCDOT’s ongoing Hurricane Helene recovery efforts, utilizing established relationships and connections to deliver excellence while deepening RS&H’s partnerships with clients and communities throughout the state. 

“My passion for helping the people of North Carolina continues to drive me forward. Specifically, after the devastating impact of Hurricane Helene. I am grateful to be able to continue leveraging my experience to support the state’s recovery and to aid RS&H to expand its impact while contributing to the resilient infrastructure our communities deserve,” added Gibbs. 

A registered professional engineer and North Carolina State University graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering, Gibbs also served as First Lieutenant in the 505th Engineering Battalion of the North Carolina Army National Guard. His technical expertise spans transportation planning, infrastructure emergency response, budget oversight and interagency collaboration. 

About RS&H

Employee-owned, RS&H is a leading provider of architecture, engineering, and consulting services, driven by a purpose of creating tomorrow, together. Rooted in integrity, accountability, curiosity, and teamwork, RS&H works alongside clients and communities to deliver innovative, purpose-driven solutions that inspire progress and redefine possibilities. With a history of tackling some of the world’s greatest challenges, RS&H combines technical expertise with a boundless spirit to create resilient, forward-thinking infrastructure and spaces. Together, we’re building a better tomorrow. Learn more at www.rsandh.com.