Hillis-Carnes Welcomes Stephen Forest, PE, as Associate Principal and Geotechnical Division Manager in Sarasota

Hillis-Carnes is pleased to announce that Stephen Forest, PE, has joined our team as Associate Principal and Geotechnical Division Manager. He brings over nine years of experience in geotechnical engineering, construction materials testing, threshold inspections, and pressuremeter testing makes him a key addition and further strengthens Hillis-Carnes’ technical capabilities and growing presence throughout Florida.

Stephen earned his Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of South Florida and is a licensed Professional Engineer. Throughout his career, he has provided geotechnical engineering and consulting services for a broad range of projects across Florida. His experience includes project scoping and management, analysis and design, report preparation, and client development.

Stephen has experience coordinating subsurface exploration programs and evaluating subsurface conditions to develop foundation and site development recommendations. He has prepared geotechnical engineering reports and proposals and works closely with clients and project teams to develop solutions tailored to site-specific conditions and project requirements.

A particular area of Stephen’s technical expertise is in-situ pressuremeter testing. This method measures soil response directly in the ground and provides site-specific engineering parameters. The resulting data can be used to develop refined bearing capacity and settlement estimates and, where conditions are appropriate, optimize foundation design. This approach can deliver foundation construction savings while giving project teams a clearer understanding of subsurface performance.

As Associate Principal and Geotechnical Division Manager, Stephen will provide technical and operational leadership for Hillis-Carnes’ geotechnical services while supporting project delivery, client relationships, business development, and strategic growth. His technical expertise, project management experience, and knowledge of the Florida market will support Hillis-Carnes’ continued expansion and commitment to responsive, high-quality engineering solutions.

We are pleased to welcome Stephen to Hillis-Carnes and look forward to the expertise, leadership, and specialized geotechnical capabilities he will bring to our team, our clients, and our continued growth.