Jamal Atkins
37, Vice President of Construction Engineering and Inspection
Volkert Inc.
Raleigh, NC
Atkins has 15 years of experience shaping transportation and infrastructure projects in the Carolinas. A civil engineering graduate of North Carolina State University, he started with the North Carolina Department of Transportation, becoming an assistant resident engineer before joining Volkert as vice president of engineering and construction inspection.
Oversees multibillion-dollar projects in bridge construction, road improvements, utility relocation, broadband and rail expansion. His portfolio includes the Charlotte Gateway station, pedestrian improvements in downtown Waxhaw and the statewide broadband infrastructure construction project.
Atkins served on the North Carolina Department of Transportation Joint Construction and Materials Subcommittee of the American Council of Engineering Firms, chairs the Volkert CEI Advisory Committee and previously chaired the Volkert Technology Advisory Committee. He and his family support Autism Speaks and the Autism Society of North Carolina.
How have you overcome challenges in your career?
Public speaking was once a major obstacle for Atkins. Over time, leading Bible study groups, managing projects that required media interviews, and serving in service line leadership roles helped him develop confidence. What was once daunting has become a natural part of his work.
What has been your most significant project?
He points to the Charlotte Gateway Station as the most formative project of his career. The multimodal core included bridges over several Uptown Charlotte streets, retaining walls, paving, utilities, storm drainage, micropiles, drilled shafts, grades, and a 1,100-foot high-level pedestrian platform. Coordination with NCDOT’s Railroad Division, the City of Charlotte, CATS and Norfolk Southern made the project unique. The lessons learned there continue to shape how CEI administers services today.
What is the best career advice you have received?
“To find a mentor.” Atkins credits trusted advisors with helping her overcome challenges, hone her skills and make thoughtful career decisions.
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What advice do you have for young professionals?
He encourages young engineers to seek out solid management and choose jobs that value the right things. He points to Volkert’s core values of safety, quality, ethics and service as examples of leadership that creates a healthy environment where people can thrive.
What is the best part of your job?
Helping people. Whether it’s helping someone find a job or seeing a completed project benefit the community, Atkins finds fulfillment in the human impact of his work.
