Clyde Simmons is the Vice President of Operations overseeing F&R offices in Virginia, including the Crozet, Roanoke, Richmond, and Dulles branch offices. Mr. Simmons is a 21-year firm employee and previously served as Branch Manager of F&R Crozet.

Clyde grew up near Annapolis, MD, spending much of his youth on the water sailing, crabbing, or swimming. His childhood career aspirations evolved from marine biology to architecture and civil engineering. Geotechnical engineering eventually became a natural fit for Clyde, combining his interest in engineering with his love for the outdoors.

Clyde says the most difficult part of his move to landlocked central Virginia more than 15 years ago was that as a University of Maryland alum and proud Terps fan, he was now living deep in the heart of Cavalier and Hokie country! Outside work, Clyde enjoys hiking, camping, guitar playing, and spending time with his family, including his wife, a pediatrician, and their three children, two boys and a girl. He and his family enjoy visiting National Parks for their vacations, with highlights including Yellowstone, Bryce Canyon, Mount Ranier, and Banff.  Clyde says that as he’s gotten older, he’s also taken up playing Pickleball and has developed a wicked backhand slice (haha!).

Clyde has the theoretical background to work on highly specialized projects, having completed the required master’s level coursework at the University of Maryland. However, what helps to make him stand out to his clients is that he enjoys the “art” of geotechnical engineering just as much as the science. Clyde’s geotechnical analysis and design experience includes shallow foundation analysis, elastic and consolidation settlement analysis, deep foundation analysis, pavement design, slope stability analysis, reinforced slope design, and retaining wall design, including segmental retaining wall design, soil nailed walls, and soldier pile walls. He also has expertise in soil improvement analysis, including lime and cement stabilization, stone columns, geopiers, dynamic compaction, grouting, and geosynthetics design.