Meet the Team

Robert (Bobby) Cates serves as Chief Financial Officer of Ruby-Collins, guiding the company’s financial strategy and overall fiscal health. With more than 30 years at Ruby-Collins, Robert’s career has spanned both field operations and executive leadership. He spent his first 18 years in the construction of underground utilities before transitioning into the CFO role, where he applied his operational knowledge to strengthen the company’s financial foundation.

Robert’s move into finance was unconventional but defining. Without formal accounting training at the time, he transitioned into the CFO role while attending school at night and supporting a young family at home. That determination—balancing long days in the office with late nights of study and just a few hours of sleep—laid the groundwork for his leadership style: hardworking, curious, and committed to finding solutions no matter the challenge. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Indiana Wesleyan University and today serves as Chairman of the Ruby-Collins Board of Directors.

Over the course of his career, Robert has been part of countless milestones in the company’s growth. One that stands out is the South Fork Peachtree Creek Outfall Sewer for the City of Atlanta, completed in 2001–2002. At the time it was one of Ruby-Collins’ largest utility line projects, and it was especially meaningful because Robert served as Project Manager alongside his father, who was the Project Superintendent.

Born and raised in Georgia, Robert is a lifelong Bulldogs fan who proudly “bleeds red and black.” Outside of work, he prioritizes faith and family and enjoys hobbies such as shooting, restoring old cars, and spending weekends on an excavator or dozer clearing land for future pastures.

TJ Ackerman leads Ruby-Collins as Vice President, overseeing the company’s Plant and Heavy Civil Divisions. In this role, he guides projects through both preconstruction and construction phases, ensuring teams have the resources, strategy, and support to deliver successful outcomes. Since joining Ruby-Collins in 2016, TJ has been instrumental in expanding the Plant Division from a single $10 million project to a portfolio of more than 20 projects valued at roughly $1 billion.

TJ’s career foundation was built in the field and office, serving as a Project Engineer, Project Manager, and Estimator before stepping into executive leadership. This experience gives him a holistic view of the construction process, from initial pursuit and estimating through project delivery. He is especially proud of strengthening collaboration between the Plant and Heavy Civil teams, working as one to deliver complex, high-value projects that serve communities across the Southeast.

TJ’s passion for the water and wastewater industry stems from its direct impact on people’s daily lives and the environment. He first discovered this path as an intern with Ruby-Collins in 2007 while studying Civil Engineering at Georgia Tech, an alma mater he still proudly supports as a lifelong Yellow Jacket fan. He went on to earn a Master of Engineering in Water, Wastewater, and Stormwater Engineering from the University of Florida.

Based in Atlanta and the company’s Smyrna headquarters, TJ enjoys traveling with his family, golfing, and being a dad to his seven-year-old son.

Jason Hyde serves as Vice President of Ruby-Collins, providing operational and financial leadership for the company’s Pipeline and Trenchless Divisions. His day-to-day role focuses on ensuring critical project needs are met, client concerns are addressed promptly, and—most importantly—employees are supported and set up for success.

Jason joined Ruby-Collins in 2019 as Senior Project Manager for the newly formed Heavy Civil Division, where he played a pivotal role in establishing the division, driving its profitability, and positioning it as a trusted partner in the private construction market. That first project remains an active client relationship today, a testament to the long-term partnerships he helps foster. Prior to Ruby-Collins, Jason managed construction operations across North Georgia for a heavy civil contractor and began his career in the late 1990s with the Georgia Department of Transportation.

With more than 25 years of industry experience, Jason remains motivated by the satisfaction of guiding projects from start to finish—navigating challenges, supporting teams in the field, and ultimately delivering essential infrastructure that benefits countless people, often behind the scenes. He takes the most pride, however, in seeing individuals within his divisions grow in their careers and step into greater responsibility.

Jason also serves as Vice Chair and rising Chairman of the Georgia Utility Contractors Association Scholarship Board, which provides scholarships to children of industry professionals. Based at the Smyrna headquarters, he enjoys golf, fishing, clay shooting, and time with his family and dogs. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Kennesaw State University.

Andy Cook leads Ruby-Collins’ Pipeline Division, executing projects from concept through completion and positioning the division as a leader in complex pipeline work. He works closely with clients, engineers, and field teams to keep projects on track and drive efficiency—all while keeping safety and innovation central to the work. His goal is simple: make sure every crew has what they need to deliver high-quality work that strengthens our communities.

Since joining Ruby-Collins in 2016, Andy has been instrumental in the division’s growth. What began with just two dedicated pipe crews has expanded into an operation capable of handling some of the Southeast’s most complex projects. Under his leadership, the division has built in-house expertise for testing, chlorination, disinfection, bypassing, and even large-diameter tie-ins with zero service interruption—critical work when rerouting water for major metropolitan areas.

Andy grew up in the industry, learning the fundamentals from his father before gaining experience with both national and regional pipe contractors. He credits those early years with instilling lasting lessons—show up on time, give 100%, follow through—that still guide him today. While he didn’t initially plan on pursuing construction as a career, he discovered a passion for problem-solving in the fast-paced world of water and sewer systems. To him, the work is both challenging and deeply rewarding: delivering the vital resource communities depend on every day.
Active in professional and community organizations, Andy serves on the Executive Board of the Georgia Utility Contractors Association as Treasurer and is President of the Due West Foundation, supporting Cobb County schools. He previously held a board role with the GUCA Scholarship Foundation.

Based in Smyrna, Andy still travels frequently to projects throughout the Southeast. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his wife and three sons, coaching youth ice hockey, and remains active on the ice in addition to behind the bench. Andy holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Georgia Tech.

Bobby Touhy directs Ruby-Collins’ Heavy Civil Division, managing its operations and guiding its role as both a stand-alone business line and a support partner to other divisions. Since joining the company in 2019, he has built the division from the ground up, opening opportunities in the private sector and expanding Ruby-Collins’ reach into new markets.

Bobby’s career spans more than 40 years in the utility and civil construction industry. Before Ruby-Collins, he managed operations at Civil Site Services, Inc., where he sharpened his skills in running complex projects and leading teams in a competitive market. His early career began in the field, working summers on construction sites, where he quickly discovered a passion for turning drawings into reality.

Throughout his career, Bobby has contributed to some of the Southeast’s most complex projects—from Atlanta’s MARTA rail lines and high-rise buildings to underground storage tanks, water intakes, and pump stations across the region. Today, he continues to thrive on the day-to-day challenges of heavy civil construction, bringing his expertise to projects that demand precision and creativity.

Active in the industry, Bobby is a long-time member of the Georgia Utility Contractors Association, where he has served as President and chaired multiple committees. Based in the Atlanta office, he enjoys mountain biking, hiking, and backpacking in his free time.

Russ McConnell serves as Trenchless Division Director at Ruby-Collins, where he provides leadership for the field and office management of the company’s Trenchless Division. In this role, he is responsible for guiding operations, supporting project teams, and helping position the division for continued growth and long-term success. Russ joined Ruby-Collins in 2026, bringing with him more than 30 years of experience across municipal, federal, industrial, and heavy civil infrastructure markets.

Throughout his career, Russ has built a strong reputation for operational leadership, program delivery, and managing complex self-perform construction work. His background includes extensive experience in trenchless construction, underground utilities, structural concrete, excavation, grading, water and wastewater facilities, and major infrastructure programs. He has held senior leadership roles with companies including Layne Heavy Civil, CA Murren & Sons, and Kiewit Pacific Company, with responsibility for P&L, operations, estimating, staffing, and client relations across diverse project types and markets.

Russ’s experience spans work with municipal owners, federal agencies, and large infrastructure clients throughout the United States. Over the years, he has helped deliver a wide range of critical projects, including utilities, reservoirs, lift stations, treatment facilities, tunnels, marine work, and major program-driven construction efforts. His ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and navigate challenging project demands makes him a strong fit to build on the success of Ruby-Collins’ Trenchless Division.

Russ holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Auburn University and has completed additional training in project management, tunneling, executive leadership, and construction operations. He also holds multiple industry certifications and licenses, including Georgia GC Unlimited License, NASCLA Certification, and NASSCO PACP/LACP/MACP certification. Based in the Atlanta area, Russ brings deep industry knowledge, a broad operational background, and a leadership style shaped by decades of hands-on infrastructure experience.

Ryan “Ram” Mott leads Ruby-Collins’ Equipment Division, known by many across the company as “The Shop.” From purchasing and maintaining the fleet to coordinating the movement of millions of dollars’ worth of heavy equipment, Ram and his team keep the gears of the company turning—literally and figuratively. Their work ensures project teams have the equipment, support, and logistics they need to build critical infrastructure across the Southeast.

Since joining Ruby-Collins eight years ago, Ram has carved out a vital role within the company, growing the Equipment Division tenfold by recruiting and developing a team of skilled mechanics and drivers who thrive on solving problems in real time. Before Ruby-Collins, he worked in pipe installation for a local contractor and gained early experience in environmental remediation in Australia, coordinating excavation work to remove underground storage tanks. Those early years built his deep respect for the industry and its essential role in supporting modern life.

Ram often says wet utilities are “the prerequisites of civilization”—if you don’t have clean water in and dirty water out, nothing else works. That belief drives his commitment to supporting the work in the field and investing in the people and tools that make it possible. One of his proudest achievements has been leading the development of the company’s new equipment facility in South Fulton, a major investment in the future of the division and the projects it supports.

Based in Atlanta, Ram enjoys life outside of work with his wife and three young children. He spends much of his free time outdoors—golfing, hunting, and fishing with friends and colleagues. He is a proud graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where, as he likes to say, “God must be a Tar Heel, because he made the sky Carolina Blue.”

Jennifer Oetgen leads Ruby-Collins’ business development, marketing, and preconstruction efforts as Director of Project Development. Since joining the company in 2022, she has worked closely with leadership to build and grow the preconstruction division—expanding Ruby-Collins’ ability to strategically position for projects, implement growth initiatives, and develop collaborative solutions for clients.

Jennifer brings more than 20 years of experience as a consulting engineer, where she specialized in municipal water and wastewater system design, infrastructure planning, and construction support. This background gives her a deep understanding of the entire project lifecycle, from concept to delivery, and strengthens Ruby-Collins’ ability to partner with owners and engineers early in the process to deliver innovative, cost-effective solutions.

Her connection to the industry runs deep—Jennifer’s father was a sanitary engineer who introduced her to the field. She’s remained in the water sector because of the critical role it plays in public health, community growth, and environmental protection. She is actively involved in professional organizations including ASCE, WEF, DBIA, GAWP, and SCEC, contributing her expertise to advance best practices in the industry.

Originally from the Midwest, Jennifer has called Savannah, Georgia home for more than 25 years. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time outdoors and on the water with her family and friends. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Purdue University and a Master of Science in Environmental Engineering from the University of Iowa.

Chris Neely is Regional Operations Manager for Ruby-Collins’ Plant Division, directing water and wastewater projects across Atlanta, Savannah, and surrounding communities. Since joining the company in 2016, he has managed both pipe rehab and plant projects, including the Peachtree Trunk Sekisui Lining project for the City of Atlanta—a job that finished ahead of schedule and under budget and helped raise Ruby-Collins’ profile in the pipe rehab market.

Before stepping into his current role, Chris spent six years with Reynolds/Layne Heavy Civil, gaining experience as a Project Engineer, Project Manager, and Superintendent on major plant projects throughout the Southeast. That background, along with early experience working in his family’s asphalt paving business, gave him a strong appreciation for hard work, problem-solving, and the pride that comes from seeing projects take shape.

Chris is motivated by the challenge of delivering one-of-a-kind plants and the essential service they provide. Water and wastewater construction may not be the most visible type of work, but he finds it rewarding to build the systems that keep communities running every day.

Based in Franklin, Georgia, Chris works out of Ruby-Collins’ Smyrna office. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Construction Management from Southern Polytechnic State University. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time outdoors with his wife and two boys, often hunting and fishing together.

Andy Thibodeau manages Ruby-Collins’ Coastal Plant Division, overseeing all water and wastewater plant projects across Coastal Georgia and South Carolina. Since joining the company in 2019, he has helped establish and grow Ruby-Collins’ presence in the region, leading projects that deliver reliable systems for rapidly developing communities. His work includes the North Bryan County Water Reclamation Facility—a fast-tracked project that pushed the limits of schedule and execution while delivering lasting value to the community.

With more than 25 years of experience, Andy brings deep technical and operational expertise to every project. He spent 14 years as a Project Manager with Reynolds Construction’s Plant Division, following five years working on pulp and paper mill construction. Over two decades in the water and wastewater industry have given him a front-row seat to the challenges and innovations that define plant construction today.

Andy’s path to construction began while studying Civil Engineering at the University of Maine, where summer work with a utility contractor sparked his interest in the field. After a short stint in Civil Engineering design, he shifted into construction full time and has never looked back. He stays motivated by the fact that no two plants are the same—each one brings new challenges, problem-solving, and opportunities to deliver critical infrastructure.

A certified Florida General Contractor, Andy is based in Hastings, Florida, a small town outside St. Augustine, where he and his wife live on a 20-acre farm with horses, chickens, and plenty in between. When he’s not leading projects, he enjoys the life and responsibilities that come with managing a working farm. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Maine, Orono, and proudly cheers for the Black Bears.

Dobrina serves as Executive Director at Ruby-Collins, overseeing office operations and acting as the key liaison between the corporate office and all divisions. In her role, she manages employee benefits, ensures corporate compliance, coordinates company events, schedules leadership meetings, and works closely with the company’s insurance and legal partners. She stepped into the position in 2024, succeeding a long-tenured leader, and has embraced the responsibility of guiding critical administrative functions for a growing, dynamic company.

Prior to joining Ruby-Collins, Dobrina spent 20 years working in the legal field, where she honed her ability to navigate complex issues under pressure. Her experience collaborating with attorneys, clients, and courts shaped her strong organizational skills, strategic mindset, and ability to communicate effectively—skills that now serve as the backbone of her leadership.

Since taking on her role, she has led initiatives to strengthen company-wide communication and support for employees. One of her early accomplishments was successfully organizing Open Enrollment meetings for more than 450 employees across five cities in both English and Spanish, ensuring everyone had access to the information and resources they needed. She is especially proud of her work updating insurance policies and encouraging greater employee participation in 401(k) benefits.

Based in Ruby-Collins’ Smyrna office, Dobrina is energized by the company’s culture and growth, and values being part of a team that recognizes and appreciates its people. Outside of work, she stays busy with the extracurricular activities of her three children and enjoys the sense of community that comes with both her professional and personal worlds.