At Cannon & Cannon, Inc. (CCI), our strength comes from the passion and expertise of our team members, who are committed to building sustainable solutions for our communities. We spoke with Drew Williamson, Environmental Specialist, to hear about his career journey and the impact of environmental engineering in shaping a better future.
What is your current role within the CCI Environmental team, and what aspects of your work do you find most fulfilling?
I am an Environmental Specialist at CCI, leading field sampling, data collection, and management while also working closely with clients in project management roles.
What I find most fulfilling is the collaboration—whether it’s with clients or my team. Being part of a group working toward a shared goal and seeing all the pieces come together is incredibly rewarding.
Can you share a bit about yourself and how you first became interested in environmental engineering?
I’m originally from Columbia, TN, and I earned my bachelor’s degree in Environmental and Sustainability Studies from Tennessee Technological University. During my time there, I played and coached football for TTU and enjoyed volunteering with various clubs and ministries. These days, I love cheering on the Vols, cooking, staying active, attending church, and spending time outdoors.
I initially started college as a mechanical engineering major with a focus on mechatronics and robotics. The idea of using technology to ‘pave the way for the future’ was exciting, but somewhere along the way I realized being inside in front of a computer left me longing for fresh air and greener pastures. I felt unfulfilled with the decision I had made, so I changed it. I wanted to spend more time outside and working hard on projects that made a more tangible difference.
Could you highlight a particularly memorable project you’ve worked on at CCI and the impact it had on the community or environment?
CCI Environmental has secured several significant opportunities in Brownfield remediation, tackling large, historically contaminated sites. These projects showcase collaboration between local governments and communities to transform neglected properties into valuable redevelopments that benefit municipalities and their communities. Brownfields are contaminated properties left idle until a voluntary party, unrelated to the original contamination, undertakes cleanup and redevelopment for business and community benefit. These projects are complex and require a multidisciplinary approach, often involving nearly every service CCI provides. Seeing these spaces go from unusable to full of potential has been incredibly rewarding.
What’s something about working at CCI that makes you feel valued as an employee?
The work I do at CCI is meaningful, providing a sense of purpose by aligning with my values and driving positive environmental impact. It allows me to tackle real-world challenges, fostering creativity and problem-solving. Seeing tangible results from our efforts makes each contribution significant. Plus, collaborating with like-minded professionals creates a shared sense of accomplishment. In environmental science and engineering, meaningful work often means combining passion with impact to drive positive change.
What’s one way you’ve been able to expand your skill set since joining CCI?
One of the best parts of working at CCI is the opportunity to collaborate across different departments. Every project brings new challenges that push me to expand my skills and gain a deeper understanding of the many services we offer. There’s always something new to learn, which keeps things exciting and rewarding.
What environmental regulations or policies most influence your work, and how do you stay up to date with changes?
Environmental regulations are always evolving, and staying ahead of changes is key to the work we do at CCI. We keep up by actively engaging with regulators, participating in industry committees, attending webinars and training sessions, and continuously researching the latest standards. This ensures that our team—and by extension our clients—stay compliant and informed every step of the way.
What advice would you give to someone looking to become an Environmental Specialist?
Master the fundamentals of environmental science and engineering such as chemistry, biology, geology, and engineering principles. Constantly seek new opportunities that refine your skill set and improve your personal and professional development. Stay updated and educated on key areas in the industry that help you align with industry trends and make a meaningful impact in the field. Finally, meet every day as a challenge to make a bigger impact than the day before.
Drew’s journey highlights the dedication and expertise that drive CCI Environmental. Whether it’s tackling complex Brownfield remediation projects, ensuring regulatory compliance, or collaborating across engineering disciplines, our team is committed to tailoring solutions that solutions that strengthen and support our communities.
If you’re looking for an environmental partner that prioritizes innovation and sustainability, learn more about our Environmental Services.
Interested in joining a team that values growth, collaboration, and meaningful impact? Explore our career opportunities today!
