Sandra Knight-Helms, a former ASCE Board of Direction member, Tennessee Section president, and Region 4 governor with an expertise in transportation has died. She was 64.
Most recently, Knight-Helms, P.E., F.ASCE, was project manager and estimator with Caldwell Paving and Grading in Charleston, Tennessee. “Sandra was very special and a greatly loved member of the Caldwell Paving family,” the firm said in a statement. “She did everything with love and kindness from the bottom of her heart and wouldn’t expect anything in return.”
“She was a definite role model and fixture in our community, so it’s a big loss to our [ASCE] region,” said Christina L. Ammens, current Region 4 director.
Before Caldwell, she worked for the Florida Department of Transportation, the Bradley County, Tennessee government as engineer, and was Bradley County Highway Department road superintendent and commissioner. She designed, oversaw, and implemented numerous transportation projects and programs during her lengthy career. The past four years saw her enter consulting as well.
Knight-Helms was a graduate of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, earning her bachelor of science degree in civil engineering in 1986.
Known for her passion to serve an organization’s best interests, she helped each to grow and earned her the respect and admiration of members nationwide, lighting the way for future female engineers.
State Senator Adam Lowe also paid tribute to Knight-Helms. “She was always reachable and was a wealth of wisdom in her field,” he said.
She was an energetic advocate for engineering and active in several societies in addition to ASCE, including fellowship status in the National Society of Professional Engineers and as a board member of the Tennessee Society of Professional Engineers. The past four years saw her enter consulting as well.
In 2021, the ASCE Tennessee Section honored her by launching an award in her name: The Sandra N. Knight Distinguished Government Service Award.
Knight-Helms was a generous and constant source of comfort and support to her family and friends, always ready to lend a hand or simply listen.
She is survived by her husband Thomas "Tucky" Helms, mother Wanda Weaver, and four siblings.
