After more than 40 years in civil engineering, Mike Cochrane, PE, stepped into a well-earned retirement on Dec. 31.
Upon joining TTL in 2014, Mike was instrumental in transforming the firm’s design division. While Mike may have led the way, he credits the overall success to being surrounded by an exceptional team and supportive, values-driven leadership.
“It takes a lot of different people to have all the seats on the bus filled and working together,” he said.
From groundbreaking stormwater management initiatives at more than 35 airports across North America to the redevelopment of a Nashville mall into a vibrant mixed-use facility, Mike’s career has been defined by innovation and a commitment to meaningful projects. Along the way, he has left a lasting mark on communities through his insistence on impactful, yet responsible, solutions.
In preparation for this day, for the past year Mike has been working closely alongside Rick Nail, PE, who joined TTL in December 2023 and will succeed Mike as business unit leader for the civil design team.
“The transition has been seamless,” Mike said. “Rick’s experience, leadership, and moral character make him a perfect fit for TTL.”
Mike’s legacy both at TTL and in the field of civil engineering is one of innovation, collaboration, and service. In retirement, Mike plans to continue this work with a focus on giving back. His upcoming plans call for trips to underprivileged areas across Africa and Central and South America to offer his civil engineering expertise, and he encourages future engineers to find similar ways to use their abilities for the benefit of others.
“Most of us who have the opportunity to become a professional engineer put a lot of effort into the health, safety, and welfare of the public, and we make a good living doing so,” he said. “I’d urge them to use their skills not just to build careers, but to improve lives.”
As he steps into this next chapter, here’s to celebrating all of Mike’s remarkable achievements and wishing continued success for wherever his path may lead.
