Ryan Livingston, PE

Chief Operating Officer

Ryan serves as HLR’s Chief Operating Officer and Director of Engineering, providing strategic leadership for the firm’s operations, engineering services, and long-term growth. His broad technical background, operational expertise, and commitment to developing people have made him a key leader in advancing HLR’s mission and culture.

Ryan began his career at HLR as a Staff Design Engineer after earning a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering and a Certificate in Business Entrepreneurship from the University of Iowa. Over the course of his career, he has gained experience across every professional service offered by the firm, providing him with a unique perspective on both internal operations and client service. This comprehensive understanding enables him to identify opportunities for innovation, improve efficiency, and strengthen collaboration across departments.

In addition to his consulting experience, Ryan served as City Engineer and Assistant Public Works Director for the City of Woodstock in 2018 and 2019. Working closely with local government agencies gave him firsthand insight into the challenges and priorities facing public-sector clients. This experience continues to influence his leadership approach and reinforces his commitment to delivering practical, responsive solutions that serve the best interests of the communities HLR supports.

As Chief Operating Officer and Director of Engineering, Ryan is passionate about continuous improvement, operational excellence, and developing future leaders within both HLR and the engineering profession. He works closely with employees across the organization to foster professional growth, encourage innovation, and strengthen the firm’s collaborative culture. A strong advocate for HLR’s Work Hard | Have Fun | Give Back® philosophy, Ryan is dedicated to supporting clients, empowering employees, and making a meaningful impact in the communities HLR serves.

"No matter the field or profession, I believe success depends on the relationships built in the process. What I love most about my job is the personal and professional relationships I get to build with our amazing staff at HLR and our clients, while providing solutions to problems out in the world that people face every day.”