Retiree Jamie James receives Distinguished Civilian Employee Recognition Award

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Oct. 28, 2026) – Jamie James, former deputy district engineer for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Nashville District, has been honored with the Distinguished Civilian Employee Recognition Award in recognition of two decades of public service, technical excellence, and regional leadership.

Lt. Col. Guillermo Guandique, Nashville District commander, formally presented the award to James, celebrating a distinguished 20-year federal career that shaped regional water resources, restored critical hydropower infrastructure, and guided high-stakes civil works projects across the Cumberland and Tennessee river basins.

The commander noted how the plaque recognizing distinguished civilians indicates that the award is given to recognize “merit,” and so he looked up the definition.

“It indicated that merit has a phrase worthy quality or character or conduct deserving of award or recognition,” Guandique explained. “So, we are immortalizing the respect and praise of quality work and dedicated service. And we are publicly recognizing his character throughout many years of dedicated service. So, it is my distinct honor to induct Mr. Jamie James as a distinguished civilian employee in the Nashville District.”

Valerie McCormack, chief of the Planning Branch, served as master of ceremonies and lauded James as both a consummate technical professional and an inspiring trailblazer.

“Beyond his many technical and program accomplishments, Jamie will be remembered for his exceptional character, steady leadership, and genuine commitment to people,” McCormack said. “He was a trusted advisor, a respected colleague, and a dedicated mentor who invested in the professional growth and success of those around him. His patience, collaborative approach, and ability to build lasting relationships earned the confidence and respect of employees, leadership, customers, and stakeholders alike.”

A foundation in engineering excellence

James began his career with the Corps in June 1992 after earning a Bachelor of Science degree from Tennessee State University. Starting as a cost engineer, he soon transitioned to hydraulic engineering, later earning a Master of Science in Public Works Engineering and Management from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, in 1995. During this early tenure, his technical work provided foundational floodplain management analyses and critical flood studies across the region.

After a 12-year stint gaining valuable perspective in private industry from 1997 to 2009, James returned to the Nashville District at a pivotal moment. His expertise immediately proved vital on several high-profile initiatives, including the complex Center Hill Dam Foundation Remediation Project, international hydraulic engineering exchanges, and emergency flood recovery operations following the historic May 2010 Nashville floods.

Delivering mega-projects and revitalizing regional power

In 2012, James moved into project management, taking charge of the Chickamauga Lock Replacement Project during a period marked by intricate funding constraints and multi-agency coordination. His steady oversight kept momentum alive on the nationally vital navigation facility.

Turning his focus to energy infrastructure, James took the helm of the Nashville District’s Hydropower Program. Under his stewardship, the district successfully restored Barkley Dam Powerhouse’s hydropower Unit 1—returning it to active service in 2013 following a three-year outage caused by a major fire.

That same year, James assumed leadership of the Section 212 Hydropower Program. In 2016, he spearheaded the renegotiation of a landmark partnership agreement that more than doubled Section 212 revenues. Under his direction, executed agreements surpassed $200 million, securing long-term capital investments that continue to rehabilitate and modernize power plants throughout the Cumberland River system.

Lasting impact and recognition

In 2019, James was appointed deputy chief of the Planning, Programs, and Project Management Division. Over the final chapter of his career, he provided executive oversight to landmark regional undertakings—including the Kentucky Lock and Chickamauga Lock additions—while also serving as Chief of the Project Planning Branch and Deputy District Engineer. Beyond project delivery, his leadership championed operational improvements that enhanced business processes across both district and national levels.

“Thank you very much for this honor,” James said at the conclusion of the ceremony.

He called it a “shared award,” because the tasks and assignments and missions are almost always accomplished as a team with help from every division and office in the organization.

“I did have so much help along the way from role models and teammates and people that I leaned on constantly,” James said. “There were so many people across the district that helped in one way or another.”

James saved his highest praise for his wife Rhonda, thanking her for steadfast support, not only during his employment with the Corps of Engineers, but going back to his early days serving in the U.S. Navy when he deployed for long periods.

“She’s been there the whole way, and I’ve been very thankful to have her as my person to help with everything I did in my career inside and out of the Corps. She was my reason for getting up every morning,” James stressed.

Established in 1922, the Distinguished Civilian Employee Recognition Award is the highest honor bestowed upon retired civilian personnel within the Nashville District. It is reserved for retirees with at least 20 years of service who have made profound and lasting contributions to the Corps' mission. James is the 107th distinguished employee to be displayed forever on a bronze plaque honoring recipients at the Nashville District Headquarters.

The public can obtain news, updates and information from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Nashville District on the district’s website at https://www.lrd.usace.army.mil/About/Districts/Nashville-District/, on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/nashvillecorps and on X (formerly Twitter) at http://www.x.com/nashvillecorps. Follow us on LinkedIn for the latest Nashville District employment and contracting opportunities athttps://www.linkedin.com/company/u-s-army-corps-of-engineers-nashville-district.

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