(Savannah)  Gus Bell, III, Chairman of Hussey, Gay, Bell & DeYoung (HGBD), announced today that Eric Johnson has returned to the firm as President of HGBD International, Inc. Johnson is an architect, the former Senate President Pro Tem and a recent Republican candidate for Governor of Georgia.

Gus Bell stated, “Eric Johnson is second to none when it comes to integrity, and strong work ethic.”

Johnson returns to HGBD after four years working in real estate development for North Point Industrial. While there, he oversaw the design and construction of the Research & Development campus for Gulfstream Aerospace. Prior to that, Johnson worked for HGBD International for 19 years, rising to Vice President and successfully expanding the firm into north Georgia by establishing the Gainesville office. He has a Masters in Architecture from Tulane University and is a Fellow of the American Institute of Architects.

HGBD International, Inc. is one of eight specialized companies within the Bell Companies.  The firm employs over 220 employees located throughout Savannah and Gainesville, Georgia; Charleston and Columbia, South Carolina; Riyadh, Saudi Arabia and Hamilton, Bermuda.  Over the past fifteen years, the firm has gained international recognition as one of Engineering News Record’s Top 500 Design Firms.  HGBD offers extensive in-house multi-discipline design services.  From their origin as a civil engineering firm, HGBD has continued to expand their capabilities to meet the changing needs of their clients.  The firm offers a complete range of civil, water, wastewater, transportation, environmental, geotechnical, and structural engineering as well as architecture, interior design, surveying and support services.  HGBD has completed a wide array of projects in 35 states and 16 countries.

“I am excited about the opportunity to use my 30 years of professional experience and statewide network to expand this firm’s footprint and services,” said Senator Johnson. “As this region recovers from the recession, HGBD is positioned to offer the critical services needed to build infrastructure and create jobs.”