news archive

Richard I. Durrett, PE, PLS receives Award from the Louisiana Engineering Society

Richard I. Durrett, PE, PLS, Director of Waggoner Engineering’s North Louisiana office, is the recipient of the 2011 Leo M. Odom Award for Services to the Profession from the Louisiana Engineering Society.  The award is given annually to a member for distinguished service to the engineering profession.  The award recognizes service over a period of long duration in an unselfish manner and in keeping with the high professional standards of conduct. 

Since 2006 Mr. Durrett has served as Director of Waggoner Engineering’s Ruston, La., office.  He has successfully “worn many hats” during his 47-year engineering career.  His diverse experiences include research engineer for a major corporation, chief engineer and general manager for steel fabrication companies, president of a lumber company, owner of an oil service company, parish administrator/engineer, and consulting engineer. 

Mr. Durrett, a Ruston native and graduate of Louisiana Tech University, has also served on multiple boards and commissions. He is a former president of the Louisiana Parish Engineers and Supervisors Association and currently serves on the association board. He and wife, Nancy, have been married 50 years.

The recognition was announced during the Louisiana Engineering Society’s Annual Awards Meeting on Jan. 20 in Lafayette, La. No more than one engineer a year receives the Leo M. Odom award, which is named for a former society leader who was the award’s first recipient in 1972. The recognition is intended to encourage engineers to work for advancement in the profession and in its service to the public.