Ralph Wessels, PE, President of CivilAir Engineers, PLLC (CAE), announced today that the veteran‑owned civil engineering consulting firm has acquired
SouthSound Permitting of Camas, Washington.
“The expansion of our partnership to include Kelle Powell is an exciting and logical step that allows us to offer a broader range of services to our current and future clients,” Wessels said. “This acquisition fills a recognized need among contractors, developers, and others seeking permitting services where project management and engineering expertise are often required.”
Kelle Powell added, “I am equally excited to join CAE and help build the firm as they continue serving public agencies such as WSDOT and municipal clients on transportation and other civic projects.”
Founded in 2021, CivilAir Engineers is a partnership focused on delivering deep expertise in project planning, design, and project delivery for regional public agencies and municipalities. With core strengths in transportation and airport planning and design, the firm provides cost-effective, high-quality consulting services.
Glenn Chouinard, Vice President of CAE, noted that CAE’s client representation and staff extension services will expand significantly for clients needing permitting expertise or accelerated permit approval support. “Kelle’s philosophies and actions align closely with the vision and purpose of CAE,” Chouinard said. “Her client base will also greatly benefit from having engineering professionals integrated into their teams.”
SouthSound Permitting, founded by Kelle Powell, brings more than 25 years of leadership in permitting, land use, and environmental compliance. Powell is known for her empathetic leadership style and her ability to foster productive relationships with planning departments, environmental agencies, and city leaders. Her public- and private- sector experience positions her uniquely to bridge competing interests and guide clients through regulatory requirements with clarity and purpose.