Our Firm

IMS is a fundamentally innovative, morally compelling, philosophically, positive company, where smart, committed and inspired people gather together to make a difference in the communities we serve.

Humble beginnings

IMS was founded in 1996 by two men committed to making a difference in their community.

As city employees, John D. Calhoun, Ph.D. and Rod L. Hill, P.E. saw a need for minority owned engineering firms and decided to take a chance at changing the landscape of the engineering industry.

Through their hard work, commitment and excellence, IMS has grown from a two-person partnership into one of the largest African-American owned and operated engineering firms in the US.

With a reputation of excellence, innovation and client responsiveness, IMS has established itself as a firm of choice for quality service. The passionate and indefatigable spirit of our founders is now the driving force behind every decision made as we too help our clients move their dreams and visions from sketch pads to reality. 

IMS is a full-service consulting, engineering, management and operations firm assisting public and private clients to improve the environment and public infrastructure.

Our service sectors include planning, civil, environmental, transportation, structural, water resources and water and wastewater engineering, program and construction management, the development of plans, specifications and estimates along with a cadre of other design engineering and construction phase services.

Our client list includes local, state as well as federal and international government agencies as well as industries ranging from locally owned businesses to Fortune 500 companies.

Leadership Team

John D. Calhoun, Ph.D.

CEO and Co-Founder

Rod L. Hill, P.E.

COO and Co-Founder

Tommy J. Avant, P.E.

Corporate Vice President

Derrick Cannon

Vice President of Operations

Devin Jones

Director of Business Development