Wise, VA — Thompson & Litton, Inc. (T&L), a full-service architectural, engineering, and surveying firm, is pleased to announce the promotion of Keli Ratcliffe, CPSM, to Vice President of Client Service. In this expanded leadership role, Ratcliffe has also been named an officer of the company and appointed to T&L’s Board of Directors, reinforcing the strength and depth of the firm’s executive leadership team.
A graduate of Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University with a Bachelor of Arts in English and Communications, Ratcliffe brings more than two decades of experience in marketing, communications, and client relations. Her promotion reflects a distinguished career dedicated to building client trust, advancing business development, and enhancing T&L’s profile throughout the communities it serves.
Since joining Thompson & Litton in 2018 as Client Service Manager, Ratcliffe has been instrumental in guiding project communications, fostering new business opportunities, and supporting a variety of community-focused initiatives, including water, sewer, broadband, and economic development projects. Her leadership has significantly contributed to T&L’s regional visibility and reputation.
“It’s a privilege to work alongside some of the most dedicated professionals in the industry and to continue delivering the level of service our clients expect and deserve,” said Ratcliffe.
Prior to joining T&L, Ratcliffe held senior marketing and communications roles at several AEC firms, where she led strategic initiatives, cultivated government partnerships, and strengthened public engagement. She also operated her own business, offering website design and marketing services—demonstrating her entrepreneurial drive and broad expertise in brand strategy and media relations.
A recognized industry and community leader, Ratcliffe previously served as President of the New River Valley chapter of the Society for Marketing Professional Services (SMPS) and currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Giles County Chamber of Commerce. She has held the Certified Professional Services Marketer (CPSM) credential since 2008.
“Keli’s promotion to Vice President and her appointment as an officer and board member are a reflection of her exceptional leadership, unwavering client focus, and deep understanding of the communities we serve,” said Greg Hurst, President of Thompson & Litton. “We look forward to the continued contributions she will bring to our strategic growth and success.”
Wise, VA — Thompson & Litton, Inc. (T&L) announces that Rick Chitwood, one of the firm’s most respected leaders, will be stepping down from his role as Vice President of Client Service to take on a new position as Client Service Manager. Rick will continue to serve as a valued member of T&L’s Board of Directors, maintaining his influence and guidance at the leadership level.
Rick’s transition marks a new chapter in a distinguished career that spans nearly 40 years at T&L. Since joining the firm in 1984 as a construction representative, Rick has steadily advanced through the ranks, contributing to the growth and success of the company through a tireless commitment to client satisfaction and project excellence.
Throughout his career, Rick has played a pivotal role in the development, planning, funding, and design of numerous water, wastewater, site, and infrastructure projects across Southwest Virginia and beyond. As Vice President of Client Services, he helped establish and lead T&L’s Client Service Department, ensuring the firm’s longstanding reputation for responsive, relationship-focused service.
Rick has always believed in the power of collaboration and client care. His leadership has been grounded in the principle that exceptional service leaves a lasting impression, often more than the final cost of a project. He has championed the philosophy, quoting President Ronald Reagan: “The greatest leader is not necessarily the one who does the greatest things. He is the one that gets the people to do the greatest things.”
T&L extends its deepest gratitude to Rick for his decades of service, leadership, and unwavering dedication to the company, its clients, and its mission. In his new role as Client Service Manager, Rick will continue to provide guidance, support, and continuity for the clients he has long served, ensuring a seamless transition and sustained excellence.
“We are incredibly thankful for Rick’s outstanding contributions over the years,” said Greg Hurst, President of Thompson & Litton. “His impact on T&L’s culture, client relationships, and operational success cannot be overstated. We are fortunate that Rick will continue to serve in a meaningful capacity and remain a key voice on our Board.”
We are proud to share that T&L and Burwil Construction Company have been recognized for excellence in design and construction, receiving the Renovations & Additions Over $5 Million award at the 33rd Annual Associated General Contractors (AGC) of Tennessee – Tri-Cities Branch Awards Dinner. The award was presented during a celebratory evening held at the historic Carnegie Hotel in Johnson City, TN.
The award-winning project—the EO of Southwest Virginia Adaptive Reuse of Regional Childcare & Workforce Development Design/Build—represents a significant achievement in both design innovation and community impact. Transforming an existing facility into a vibrant, multifunctional space, this project was built to support critical regional needs in childcare and workforce development.
About the Project
This design/build project required careful planning and strategic reuse of an existing structure. With a focus on community enrichment and sustainability, the adaptive reuse approach allowed the team to modernize the facility while preserving key elements of the original building. The result is a highly functional, welcoming space that now serves as a vital hub for families and job seekers across Southwest Virginia.
Award Categories & Recognition
The AGC Tri-Cities Awards Dinner is a cornerstone event that honors the people, projects, and companies that make a lasting difference in the construction industry. This year, project awards were divided into two divisions and four subcategories:
T&L and Burwil’s project earned top honors in the Division II: Renovations & Additions Over $5M category—acknowledging not just the scale of the work, but the quality, innovation, and collaborative spirit that brought the vision to life.
Looking Ahead
Receiving this award is not only a great honor—it’s a reminder of the importance of building spaces that serve and uplift communities. We’re proud of what this project stands for, and we’re grateful to AGC of Tennessee for this meaningful recognition.
As we look to the future, T&L and Burwil remain committed to delivering excellence in every project, from initial concept to final build. Whether through adaptive reuse, new construction, or community-focused design, we’ll continue to create spaces that make a lasting impact.
Community celebrates opening of new EO Regional Workforce and Child Development Hub
Having played a pivotal role on the project team, Thompson & Litton (T&L) was pleased to attend the recent ribbon cutting held in October celebrating the official opening of the new EO Companies (EO) Regional Workforce and Child Development Hub in Abingdon, Virginia.
On Saturday, Nov. 2 the public was invited to the new facility for an Open House, and all were very excited about the opportunities it will bring. EO is a newly launched Virginia-based 501c3 non-profit organization with a mission to research, pilot, and scale innovative solutions aimed at amplifying economic opportunities among Virginia’s most challenged communities. EO repurposed an existing structure that housed a large retail store (Kmart) located just north of Interstate 81 off Exit 17. The big-box facility was renovated to create critical infrastructure to address workforce development, attraction, and retention challenges essential to Southwest Virginia’s economic prosperity. The Hub expands access to education by providing onsite high-quality child care for 300 children, sustains a network of 200+ childcare operators by offering back-office services and supports, and delivers career exploration and hands-on learning to 30,000 K-12 students annually in partnership with area employers.
EO enlisted the help of BurWil Construction and T&L through a design build process, to redevelop the 85,000 plus square-foot facility in efforts to catalyze the attraction of new employers to the region and aid in retaining current workers by making employment in the labor force a feasible choice for families. T&L assisted with design development, construction documents, and construction contract administration for the project which became the gateway for developing responsive design and construction of the new facility. The Hub is expected to create 100 new jobs, enable area employers and businesses to grow and operate at their fullest potential, and help to ensure that residents do not have to leave the region for a good job with a livable wage.
Thompson & Litton, Inc. (T&L) has announced the acquisition of Tysinger, Hampton & Partners, Inc. (TH&P). The combination of T&L and TH&P brings together two well-respected civil engineering and land surveying firms, who have both been serving clients throughout Virginia, West Virginia, and Tennessee for decades. On May 15, 2024, TH&P joined T&L’s employee-owned operation, and is doing business as Thompson & Litton, Inc. The office will remain in Johnson City, Tennessee. “The combined experience and skills of the two firms will allow T&L to continue our long record of success,” says T&L President Greg Hurst. “With the addition of TH&P, an established engineering and land surveying firm with a long history and solid reputation, we can offer more value and convenience to our clients throughout Tennessee and the Mid-Atlantic region.” Founded in 1956, T&L serves it’s five-state Mid-Atlantic client base from offices in Wise, Radford, Tazewell, and Chilhowie, Virginia; Bristol, Johnson City, and Mosheim, Tennessee; and Princeton, West Virginia. Since its earliest days, T&L has emphasized serving its clients by producing quality work by committed people. This principle is stronger than ever. TH&P’s staff joins T&L’s existing professional and full-service staff of engineers, architects, surveyors, land-use planners, construction administrators, grant/financing specialists, and other support personnel. TH&P now a division of T&L, was founded in 1982 and is a full-service professional surveying and civil engineering firm providing services in civil, sanitary, highway, stormwater, site development, and construction engineering inspection. The merger allows the firm to continue to serve Towns, Cities, Counties, and private clients, throughout Tennessee with increased capacity, and expands its service offerings to include architectural, broadband, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing services. Tom Patton, II, PE, President of TH&P has been named Senior Project Manager for the newly consolidated company. He states, “We feel very blessed to have the opportunity to join T&L in this acquisition. As a past employee of T&L, I am familiar with their excellent treatment of employees as well as good moral and ethical standards. Greg Hurst has been excellent to work with on this acquisition and we appreciate the effort that T&L has made to ensure that both our staff and clients will benefit from the acquisition. This opportunity allows us to provide continued employment and benefits for our staff while continuing to provide surveying and engineering services to our clients.”
T&L is wishing Bill Thompson, AIA a happy retirement after an illustrious 41 years with us. Thompson first joined T&L in 1983, bringing along his architectural expertise. He is set to embark on his next greatest adventure on March 19, 2024. As the founder of T&L’s current architectural practice, Thompson has been a crucial member of our team. His time and commitment to this company, as well as to our clients, have been invaluable. We would like to take this opportunity to thank him for innovating and advancing T&L into the firm that it is today. On behalf of T&L, we congratulate Bill Thompson on an enormously successful career, and we hope that his future endeavors are filled with just as many incredible stories. Please join us in thanking Bill Thompson for his dedication and hard work at T&L.
