OHM Advisors Announces Six New Shareholders
The OHM Advisors board of directors and partners has elected six new shareholders to the firm's ownership group: Chris Elenbaas, Jimmy Cleveland, Eric Dryer, Branden Battig, Susan Knepper, and Sara Merrill.
Nominated by fellow owners and partners, each of these individuals embodies the values that drive us forward as an organization.
The leadership and passion of this group is inspiring. Welcoming them as shareholders marks an exciting step in advancing our mission to build thriving communities and solidify our path of continued growth.– Jon Kramer, OHM Advisors President
Chris Elenbaas, PE; Senior Project Manager, Municipal
Chris joined OHM Advisors with a wealth of municipal, water resources, and facilities expertise, quickly becoming a trusted advisor to major clients like the City of Ann Arbor. His technical skills and client-focused approach have secured significant capital improvement projects and strengthened relationships across multiple city departments. Chris’s leadership has not only expanded the firm’s footprint in Ann Arbor but also fostered growth opportunities for the municipal team and the local office, cementing his role as a valued partner.
Jimmy Cleveland, P.L.S., R.L.S.; Principal
Jimmy joins OHM Advisors through the firm’s merger with THY, Inc., bringing nearly 30 years of surveying and engineering expertise. (Watch my welcome message here if you missed the big announcement!) A former surveying practice owner and industry leader, Jimmy’s experience spans transportation, municipal, and government projects, particularly with the City of Memphis and the Tennessee Department of Transportation. A past president of the Tennessee Association of Professional Surveyors, Jimmy’s leadership and technical acumen will play a pivotal role in expanding OHM’s mission of Advancing Communities throughout Tennessee and beyond.
Eric Dryer, PLACE Studio Manager
Eric’s career at OHM Advisors showcases his evolution from a planner to a key leader in Michigan’s PLACE and transportation planning sectors. Known for his ability to win signature projects and foster collaborative teams, Eric has built strong relationships with clients and mentored staff, driving growth in both technical services and business development. His vision and commitment to excellence continue to enhance OHM’s brand and position the firm as a leader in innovative community solutions across Michigan.
Branden Battig, P.E., PLS; Ohio Survey Manager
Branden has been instrumental in establishing and expanding OHM Advisors’ Field Services in Ohio. His strategic vision has driven the growth of the Ohio survey practice, including advancements in SUE technologies and mobile LiDAR. A leader both internally and externally, Branden is a graduate of OHM Grad School and a frequent presence at recruitment events and professional conferences. His commitment to innovation and culture makes him an invaluable asset as he continues to elevate the firm’s survey capabilities across markets.
Susan Knepper, Senior Project Engineer, EWRG
Susan is a recognized leader in drinking water solutions across the Great Lakes region, bringing exceptional expertise to her clients and teams. Her contributions include securing major grants, expanding the firm’s client portfolio with cities like Ann Arbor and Saline, and delivering innovative emergency response planning. A mentor and team builder, Susan has cultivated a high-performing group of engineers who credit her leadership with their success. Her dedication to advancing clients’ needs and pioneering solutions underscores her impact at OHM Advisors.
Sara Merrill, PE, PTOE; Senior Technical Leader
With nearly two decades at OHM Advisors, Sara has become a cornerstone of the firm’s Traffic Mobility and Maintenance of Traffic (MOT) services. Renowned for her technical expertise, she has shaped project strategies for high-profile clients, developed staff training programs, and led efforts to enhance traffic QA/QC standards. Her leadership extends to mentoring, client relationship-building, and active involvement in industry organizations, including completing the prestigious Leadership ITE program. Sara’s contributions have advanced her discipline and strengthened the firm’s reputation across the region.
ABOUT OHM ADVISORS
OHM Advisors is a community advancement firm designing award-winning work across the architecture, engineering, and planning spheres. Founded in 1962, we believe in the power of multidisciplinary teamwork to find ideas that aren’t just different – they are better. With offices in multiple states, our 700+ person team partners with leaders at all government levels, school districts, developers, universities, and private companies to create great places for people.
