Alford is president and chief executive officer of Allied Energy Services and is currently responsible for more than $5 billion of energy projects in Central and North America. Nationally known for his entrepreneurship and strategic planning expertise, Alford has been responsible for the formation of six start-up companies. He has served as a consultant to the U.S. Congressional Office of Technology Assessment on energy policy issues.

"The Engineer of the Year Award recognizes the success, commitment, and contributions of an outstanding individual to the engineering profession," said Gary S. May, dean of the Georgia Tech College of Engineering. "Dean reminds us that we all share a civic responsibility to educate the next generation of leaders in this industry. His successes in promoting education are matched by his successes in engineering and the workplace."

Currently a member of the University System of Georgia Board of Regents, Alford also serves on the College of Engineering's External Advisory Board and the Georgia Tech Foundation Board. He is the past chair of the Board of Trustees for the Georgia Tech Alumni Association and was awarded the Dean Griffin Award for Community Service in 2001.  In 1997, Alford was inducted into the Academy of Distinguished Engineering Alumni. From 1983 until 1993, Alford was a member of the Georgia House of Representatives.