State of Alabama Engineering Hall of Fame Inducts 2026 Class

Eric F. Edwards

Consultant and retired national defense strategist

Eric F. Edwards' career reflects a legacy of lasting contributions to national defense, with 31 years as a U.S. Army civilian employee, culminating in his service as a Tier II member of the Senior Executive Service and director of the U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Research, Development and Engineering Center. Under his leadership, AMRDEC advanced critical technologies that directly enhanced U.S. Army capabilities, including the development of seven of the 11 new technologies featured on the AH-64E Apache helicopter. Edwards' career has been recognized with multiple awards. Since retiring from civil service in 2014, Edwards has continued his work in national defense as founder and president of Edwards Strategic Consulting LLC, advising defense organizations and industry partners.

Keith A. Jones, P.E.

CEO of Prism Systems Inc.

For more than four decades, Keith A. Jones has been at the forefront of engineering innovation in Alabama. Jones and two partners founded Prism Systems Inc. in Mobile, Alabama, in 1989, and Jones later acquired full ownership of the company. Under his guidance, Prism has executed projects in more than 45 countries and served 19 of the Fortune 50 companies. Prism software and control systems support some of the world's most advanced manufacturing operations and iconic theme park attractions. Jones is dedicated to service and mentorship, serving on multiple advisory organizations and having created an endowed scholarship with his wife, Alison, to benefit underrepresented engineering students at Auburn University.

Jonathan Pettus

Executive director of the Auburn University Applied Research Institute

Jonathan Pettus has dedicated more than three decades to advancing aerospace, defense and national security technologies. Starting his career as a computer engineer at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Pettus advanced through the organization to become chief information officer and eventually associate director, overseeing a $2.5 billion enterprise with more than 6,000 employees. Following his career at NASA, Pettus joined Dynetics in Huntsville, where he served as senior vice president for aerospace, defense and civil programs. In 2025, he was named executive director of the Auburn University Applied Research Institute in Huntsville, and in this role, he leads faculty, research professionals and students in developing advanced solutions in aerospace, defense, biotechnology and national security.

Barry J. Pike

Retired senior executive with the U.S. Army

Barry J. Pike devoted 35 years to developing and advancing missile and space defense systems that have strengthened America's security and protected soldiers and allies around the world. Pike's leadership in his early career helped establish the United States' missile defense infrastructure. He retired in 2020 from his role as director of the Weapons Development and Integration Directorate at the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Aviation and Missile Center. Under Pike's leadership, the Army advanced multiple defense systems, playing a critical role in U.S. and allied readiness in global conflicts. Pike was selected for the Army's Senior Executive Service in 2010 and promoted to Tier II in 2016.

Lloyd L. Pitts, P.E., CBI

Senior structural engineer with Volkert Inc.

Lloyd L. Pitts has shaped Alabama's infrastructure for more than four decades through landmark bridge, coastal and transportation projects that connect communities and strengthen the state's economy. Pitts has provided leadership for many of Alabama's most complex engineering projects, including the Cochrane-Africatown USA Bridge in Mobile, which is the state's only cable-stayed bridge, the restoration of Little Bay Peninsula following Hurricane Katrina, and multiple highway construction projects statewide. He currently serves as structural lead for the I-10 Mobile River Bridge and Bayway replacement projects. Pitts' technical excellence and integrity have made him a trusted advisor to the Alabama Board of Licensure for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors.

Chris E. Singer

Retired NASA engineering leader

Chris E. Singer has devoted more than three decades to advancing America's space program as a senior leader at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville. From 2004 to 2016, Singer served as director and deputy director of engineering at MSFC, leading more than 2,500 engineers and managing a $550 million annual budget. Under his direction, the organization designed, tested and operated spacecraft, payloads and propulsion systems for the Space Shuttle and early Space Launch System programs. In 2016, Singer was named NASA's deputy chief engineer, overseeing senior technical leaders across all 10 field centers. He retired in 2017 after 34 years of federal service, but he continues to share his expertise as a consultant and mentor.

Integrated Solutions for Systems Inc.

Integrated Solutions for Systems Inc., an employee-owned engineering firm headquartered in Huntsville, is one of the state's most innovative technology companies, advancing national defense and engineering excellence through its work in aerospace, energetics and navigation systems. Founded in 2008, IS4S has grown to employ more than 400 individuals with offices across the state. The company's core competencies span systems engineering and integration, software development, open systems architecture, computational physics, additive manufacturing, production and advanced testing. The company has played a critical role in advancing missile systems, energetics and manufacturing in Alabama. By pairing technical excellence with an employee-ownership model, IS4S has strengthened Alabama's economy, expanded opportunities for engineers across the state and delivered technologies vital to national security.

The University of Alabama, part of The University of Alabama System, is the state's flagship university. UA shapes a better world through its teaching, research and service. With a global reputation for excellence, UA provides a forward-thinking environment and over 200 degree programs on a beautiful, student-centered campus. A leader in cutting-edge research, UA advances discovery, creative inquiry and knowledge through more than 30 research centers. As the state's largest higher education institution, UA drives economic growth in Alabama and beyond.

Contact

Alex House, [email protected]