June 2009
Volume 34, Number 6

ASCE members begin the process of electing new national officers this month to fill the positions of president-elect, at-large director, region director, region governor, and Technical Region director. All officers will assume their terms at the business meeting scheduled during the 139th Annual Civil Engineering Conference, which will be held October 29–31 in Kansas City, Missouri.

Although paper ballots have been included in the June issue of ASCE News in the past, this issue does not include a ballot; ASCE News will no longer include the ballot for the Society’s national elections. All eligible voting members will receive a paper ballot, but it will be delivered via the U.S. Postal Service and will be sent directly from the election vendor, Survey & Ballot Systems. Those belonging only to an institute and not to ASCE are not eligible to vote in ASCE elections. However, those belonging only to the Environmental and Water Resources Institute (EWRI) will receive their ballot and be able to vote for candidates running for ewri positions. Electronic voting will continue to be available, and ASCE encourages international members in particular to take advantage of this option. This change in delivery method will save in printing and postage costs. The new procedure will also allow other institutes, sections, branches, et cetera, to piggyback on the ASCE ballot, assuming the election cycles are the same. The broadcast e-mail containing the unique e-signature pass codes will be distributed beginning on June 15. A valid e-mail address is required in order to receive the e-mail, and spam filters must allow messages from ASCE. If an e-signature code has not been received by June 19, contact the customer service department at (800) 548-ASCE (2723). To be eligible to vote, members must be in good standing at the grade of associate member or higher and must have a valid e-mail address on file as of May 15, 2009.

Although the laws of New York—the state in which the Society is incorporated—do not expressly permit electronic voting, they do permit nonprofit organizations to implement electronic proxy voting in which members may submit proxy ballots that ultimately are cast by a designated proxy holder. In this case, that proxy holder is the secretary of ASCE.

Members who are eligible to vote are those whose membership grade is at the associate member level or higher and whose dues for this year were processed by May 15. (Members who wish to explore the possibility of upgrading their membership may visit www.asce.org/membership/advance/ but they will not be able to vote in the national election until next year.) Affiliate members and student members are not eligible to vote in the national election; the same is true for those who belong to an institute but not to ASCE. The voting will remain open from June 15 until 5 pm (eastern time) on August 14, and the results will be published in the September issue of ASCE News.

All of the candidates are official nominees, and pursuant to subsection 7.14.1 of the rules of policy and procedure, they are presented in alphabetical order within the region or office for which there is a vacancy. This information is also posted on the online site. The nominees for president-elect are Kathy J. Caldwell, P.E., M.ASCE, and Moustafa A. Gouda, P.E., D.GE, F.ASCE. For Region 3 director, the nominee is Eriks V. Ludins, P.E., M.ASCE; for Region 4 director, Sandra N. Knight, P.E., F.ASCE; and for Region 8 director, Kancheepuram N. Gunalan, Ph.D., P.E., M.ASCE. For Technical Region director, the nominees are Billy L. Edge, Ph.D., P.E., Dist.M.ASCE, and Robert D. Stevens, Ph.D., P.E., F.ASCE, and the nominee for at-large director is Kevin C. Womack, Ph.D., P.E., M.ASCE.

The nominees for region governor are as follows: William J. Cunningham, P.E., M.ASCE, and George Moglia, Jr., P.E., M.ASCE, for Region 1; Donald W. Vannoy, Ph.D., P.E., F.ASCE, for Region 2; Darrell J. Berry, P.E., S.E., F.ASCE, for Region 3; J.P. Mohsen, Ph.D., M.ASCE, and Aaron K. Robinson, P.S., P.E., M.ASCE, for Region 4; Fraser S. Howe, Jr., P.E., M.ASCE, for Region 5; Craig M. Newtson, Ph.D., P.E., M.ASCE, and Walter T. Winn, Jr., P.E., BCEE, F.ASCE, for Region 6; F. Jay Burress, P.E., M.ASCE, and Loras A. Klostermann, P.E., M.ASCE, for Region 7; Tony Chung-Gem Lau, P.E., F.ASCE, Michael E. Mathieu, P.E., F.ASCE, and Raymond Walton, Ph.D., P.E., D.WRE, M.ASCE, for Region 8; Kathleen S. Haynes, P.E., M.ASCE, for Region 9; and Himansu Banerjee, Ph.D., P.E., M.ASCE, Pratim K. Ghose, CEng, F.ASCE, Ronald Hine, M.ASCE, and Mostafa M. Soliman, Ph.D., P.E., Hon.M.ASCE, for Region 10.

Endorsements for the candidates are available on the ASCE Web site: http://content.asce.org/Board%20Elections/2010/index.html. In addition to this Q&A, the president-elect candidates also recorded podcast interviews to reply to questions posed by ASCE members. The podcasts can be heard and downloaded at http://content.asce.org/Board%20Elections/2010/PresElectPodcasts.html.

As stipulated by article 7.6.6.3.3 of ASCE’s Rules of Policy and Procedure—Contested Election Interview—when there are two or more nominees for the office of president-elect all nominees shall participate in an interview conducted by the editor in chief of ASCE News. The interview shall focus on topics of importance to the Society during the current election cycle as determined by the editor in chief of ASCE news. These are the responses of the two candidates to 13 questions.

Kathy J. Caldwell, P.E., M.ASCE, responded to the questions as follows:

ASCE’s Board of Direction is focusing special attention on—and allocating resources to—four major professional issues: improving America’s infrastructure, raising the educational bar for entry into the profession, helping shape the civil engineer’s role in the 21st century, and raising public awareness that civil engineers are significant contributors to a sustainable world. Should these four issues be given equal weight and why or why not?
ASCE’s Radar Screen of Professional Issues is routinely evaluated, and America’s infrastructure renewal and expansion always surfaces as our top priority. That is appropriate as civil engineers are the stewards of the nation’s infrastructure. Next in priority is the future of the profession, as addressed in The Vision for Civil Engineering in 2025. The “raise the bar” initiative ranks next, as it can be thought of as the primary
educational component of Vision 2025. Finally, there is sustainability. We must actively promote good practice to create a more sustainable world. While all of these issues are important, public awareness of our contributions to sustainability will increase as we meet our other objectives.

What do you believe should be ASCE’s primary focus in the year ahead?
Many of our members are suffering from the impacts of the current recession, which impacts ASCE as an organization. Consequently, our members rightfully expect ASCE to make similar tough financial, operating, and management decisions. We must systematically review every element of the Society, going beyond the work of the Program Committee, which looks at only 10 percent of our overall budget. A benefit-versus-cost analysis must be performed to identify areas of the Society that are underperforming or unproductive and, therefore, should be corrected or suspended.  We need to trim the trees and weed the garden without destroying the landscape. 

What do you see as ASCE’s primary challenges in the year ahead?
Our members are our most valuable asset and their advancement is the reason for our being. Membership retention is critical to future organizational and individual member success. Right now our members are making very personal budget decisions, including decisions regarding multiple professional and technical society memberships. ASCE’s primary challenge in the year ahead (and, in fact, at all times) is the delivery of value for every single dues dollar. That means we must take a fresh look at expanding individualized member benefits and services such as ASCE’s online jobs database, member-to-member network systems, insurance programs, and locally relevant technical information sources. 

What do you hope to accomplish in the year ahead?
In the next year, and throughout my term, I will seek much broader engagement of our members in ASCE’s governance. Just as our most active members get the greatest value from the Society, the Society, in turn, would be enhanced by greater member engagement. I will also promote widespread understanding and excitement regarding The Vision for Civil Engineering in 2025. Foundations will also be laid with respect to reengineering our annual conference. These goals are in addition to addressing the impacts of current economic conditions on ASCE and our members as previously discussed.

How can ASCE’s strengths be further optimized?
ASCE’s greatest strength is our members. The quality programs being delivered by our geographic units, our younger members, and our students are tremendous. Their culture is based on member and community service and their strength can be further optimized by facilitating collaboration among local leaders, committees, and the Board of Direction.
Another great strength is the technical expertise of our members. Institutes house an amazing breadth and depth of cutting edge knowledge. Our members have told us they value and seek access to technical knowledge. One way we can optimize this strength is to significantly increase the number of local institute chapters.

How can ASCE strengthen its ties to members?
We must build bridges between our many operating units to span the gap between ASCE “local,” ASCE “national,” and ASCE “institute” in order to move toward more local control of the Society.  We will do this by reaching out through our geographic entities and the institutes through which our members relate. We can span the gap through continued development and definition of the role of the regions, strengthening connectivity with branches and sections, and the establishment of more local institute chapters. We must recognize the value these organizations deliver to our members and facilitate and celebrate their successes.

What can ASCE do to help draw more people into the profession, especially more women and more members of minority groups?
ASCE must communicate and celebrate the people-serving nature of our profession, an aspect [that] resonates with young people. Teamwork, social consciousness, connectivity, and advanced technology also appeal to this group. ASCE’s methods of marketing and social networking must be relevant to effectively communicate these aspects of our profession. The ASCE publication Diversity by Design points the way. The National Academy of Engineering publication Changing the Conversation is another great tool for reaching out to young people, women, and underrepresented minorities. These tools should be actively promoted and provided to our members. I also propose strengthening our partnerships with other organizations such as the Society of Women Engineers. 

What, if anything, can ASCE do differently to serve the 21st-century engineer?
ASCE must expand its services to members and radically improve its capabilities in the instantaneous electronic delivery of those services. The engineers of the future will have never known a world without the Internet. ASCE must provide a more virtual and more vital online presence, accessible by all manner of mobile devices as well as computers. To a degree, we need to embrace the culture of FaceBook, Twitter, and other emerging service delivery and networking technologies. The new ASCE Web site will be a significant step in that direction.

What do you believe is the single most important objective the civil engineering profession must achieve within the next five years?
Civil engineers are problem solvers, but we need to broaden the scope of our services to include problem definition. Civil engineers must go beyond thinking in terms of project specific limits and scopes of work and become involved in systemwide, program-related decisions and policy making to achieve long-term, sustainable solutions. We must be facilitators of collaboration among multiple agencies/owners and across jurisdictional boundaries. We must also take a leadership role in developing acceptable and sustainable methods of funding infrastructure development and asset management. ASCE’s new Industry Leaders Council can help move this objective forward.

What do you believe is the single most important objective ASCE must achieve within the next five years?
ASCE must act now to achieve the Vision for Civil Engineering in 2025. Reaching this objective will require long-term efforts by many and must include entities outside ASCE and beyond our country’s borders. ASCE has developed an implementation roadmap and should continue in a leadership role. In the next five years ASCE must generate excitement for the plan and deliver the roadmap to the appropriate action planning and implementation teams. Then we should establish procedures to oversee and evaluate progress and adjust the plan as needed. This objective can be accomplished by merging the Strategic Planning Committee and the roadmap to achieve Vision 2025.  

What should ASCE’s role be in influencing public policy?
ASCE has an obligation to positively influence public policy as it relates to public health, safety, and welfare. We must maximize our opportunities to play a key role in not only influencing, but also developing, public policy. We must actively support legislation that will improve public health, safety, and welfare and oppose legislation that will not. In order to maintain our credibility, we must refrain from advocating for or against issues that do not reasonably fall within the expertise and responsibility of the civil engineering profession. As a professional society, we must also refrain from supporting or opposing individual politicians.

In specific terms, how can ASCE strengthen its commitment to sustainability/sustainable development?
ASCE has recently taken very specific actions [that] illustrate our commitment to sustainability and sustainable development. Our Committee on Sustainability developed a Sustainability Action Plan in May 2008 and the Strategic Planning Committee worked with leaders of this group to move that plan forward. In January, the Board of Direction subsequently moved sustainability from the “radar screen” to a full Society strategic initiative, including establishment of the Task Committee on Sustainable Design. This task committee has a well-defined five-part charge, to be completed this fall. Concurrently, the Strategic Planning Committee is coordinating and managing Society-wide sustainability activities, engaging our subject experts.

How can civil engineers work toward mitigating the effects of climate change during the 21st century?
Civil engineers must become recognized champions of both the natural and built environments. This includes becoming leaders in adapting our existing infrastructure and designing future projects for the probable impact of climate change. In doing so, sustainability must become central to the practice of civil engineering, not just in design, but in education, planning, construction, operation, and maintenance. Climate change is a “hot topic” societal issue and is of importance to the current governmental administration. It is appropriate that civil engineers take our place in the discussions and in the evaluation of future impacts to the natural and built environment.    

Moustafa A. Gouda, P.E., D.GE, F.ASCE, responded to the questions as follows:

ASCE’s Board of Direction is focusing special attention on—and allocating resources to—four major professional issues: improving America’s infrastructure, raising the educational bar for entry into the profession, helping shape the civil engineer’s role in the 21st century, and raising public awareness that civil engineers are significant contributors to a sustainable world. Should these four issues be given equal weight and why or why not?
We need to focus, set priorities, and make proper use of our resourses; therefore, I would not give these four professional issues equal weight. Raising the bar, shaping the civil engineer’s role, and raising public awareness that civil engineers are significant contributors to a sustainable world are important issues that will take years to accomplish and we are making a steady, but slow progress. However, America’s infrastructures are a pressing immediate needs issue that affects the health and safety of our citizens. I believe that improving America’s infrastructures shall be top priority and shall be our major focus during the next few years.

What do you believe should be ASCE’s primary focus in the year ahead?
Aside from advocating America’s infrastructures improvement as stated above, ASCE shall focus on improving and enhancing members’ values and programs. ASCE shall work harder to get our members engaged and excited about ASCE’s strategic issues and polices. Getting our members to buy in and support our policies and strategies is required to sustain our success.

What do you see as ASCE’s primary challenges in the year ahead?
1. The effect of the downturned economy on ASCE Operations, Finances, and Reserves;
2. Achieving the goals of ASCE Strategic planning;
3. Improving the image of the civil engineer and raising the bar;
4. Implementation of the Roadmap to Destination 2025.
    To overcome the economic downturn, we need to continue on the path of fiscal responsibility. Challenges 2, 3, and 4 require the full cooperation and collaboration between ASCE and our institutes and sister societies. ASCE shall work harder to unite the civil engineering profession under the banner of the common good for all civil engineers.

What do you hope to accomplish in the year ahead?
In the year ahead and as the president-elect, I plan to work with our members, regions, sections, branches, and institutes to get our members engaged. I hope to increase communications with our national and international members. I want to see that every member is on board, embracing the “all on board” philosophy, contributing to sustaining ASCE’s success through full support of ASCE strategic planning, initiatives, and policies. I want to encourage all ASCE members to become active participants in their communities. I know firsthand that civil engineers can translate their knowledge of basic applied science into civic problem solving.

How can ASCE’s strengths be further optimized?
In order for ASCE to optimize its strength, grow, and meet future challenges, ASCE shall continue to improve members’ benefits and programs. ASCE shall work harder to make sure that as a profession, we are continuing to move forward. ASCE shall be focusing on assisting its members so they can have [a] better work environment, better opportunities, and better compensation for their services. ASCE leadership in raising the bar, in influencing public policy on infrastructure, and in advancing technology shall continue.

How can ASCE strengthen its ties to members?
Transparency and effective communication are important to improving and strengthening ASCE ties with its members. Coordinate any future constructive changes with regions, sections, branches, and institutes.

What can ASCE do to help draw more people into the profession, especially more women and more members of minority groups?

• Enhance and expand the outreach programs and promote math and science studies;
• Partner with educational institutions to attract more students, especially women and minorities, [to] civil engineering;
• Partner with businesses to provide resources and opportunities that support the career development of women and minority civil engineers;
• Partner with organizations close to the heart of women and minorities such as Engineers Without Borders;
• Raising the bar and improving the image of the civil engineering profession will attract more people to our profession;
• Promote women and minority membership involvement in ASCE leadership, committees, and institutes.

What, if anything, can ASCE do differently to serve the 21st-century engineer?
Use electronic media for the delivery of our products and services. Move faster on sustainability-related research and initiatives. Create communication tools such as My ASCE so younger members can use the ASCE Web page for communications and sharing of ideas.

What do you believe is the single most important objective the civil engineering profession must achieve within the next five years?
Improving the image of the civil engineer, promoting the fact that the civil engineer is the one [who] society can entrust to create a sustainable world and enhance the global quality of life.

What do you believe is the single most important objective ASCE must achieve within the next five years?
ASCE’s most important objective is to achieve the creation of a national policy for sustainable improvement of America’s infrastructure, which will be adopted by the U.S. Congress and the executive branch of our government and will be implemented at all levels of government that impact infrastructure.

What should ASCE’s role be in influencing public policy?
ASCE shall continue to be the stewards of public policy. Policy is the heart of ASCE and the result of the labor of its members. Shaping and directing the policy cannot be left to others. ASCE shall continue to be [at] the forefront of influencing public policy.

In specific terms, how can ASCE strengthen its commitment to sustainability/sustainable development?

• ASCE must continue to integrate the principles f sustainability into all its policies, education, and practices;
•  ASCE must promote a robust program of research in sustainable technologies and practices;
•  ASCE shall advocate to its members the importance of applying the principles and practices of sustainability in their work;
•  ASCE shall actively share its principles and practices of sustainability worldwide among developing and developed nations; 
•  ASCE shall advocate to the public and private sector decision makers the important role of civil engineers in developing a sustainable world.

How can civil engineers work toward mitigating the effects of climate change during the 21st century?

• There are uncertainties associated with the science of climate change. However, it is certain that greenhouse gases lead to climate changes;
• Civil engineers should promote ASCE’s Greenhouse Gases: Policy Statement 488; 
• Civil engineers should promote development and actions that reduce greenhouse gases and support sustainable development which promotes reduction of greenhouse gas emissions;
• Civil engineers and ASCE should encourage the use of nongreenhouse gas-emitting energy-generating sources such as nuclear, hydropower, wind, and solar; 
• ASCE should research and implement new technologies and materials to further improve energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
  

Kathy J. Caldwell, P.E., M.ASCE

Kathy J. Caldwell, P.E., M.ASCE, graduated from the University of Tennessee with high honors in structural and construction engineering in 1985 after employment as a drafter and field technician for nine years following high school. Upon college graduation, she was a structural designer with Lockwood Greene in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. Kathy moved to Austin, Texas, in 1987 and joined Parkhill Smith and Cooper, where she was commended by the Texas Department of Highways for her work as a design consultant. During this time, her husband, Ronald Cook, completed his doctoral work in structural engineering at the University of Texas.

Kathy and Ron moved to Gainesville, Florida, in 1989, and there Kathy joined Jones Edmunds and Associates, Inc. During her 19 years with the firm, she served public works clients as a design engineer, project manager, and senior construction resident engineer. She became a division manager, vice president, and executive committee member. During her tenure, she participated in the development of the firm’s strategic plan, managed plan implementation, and served as a member of the leadership team that integrated the five elements of the plan into the firm’s culture and operations.

Kathy led the successful establishment of a new market sector for the firm, ultimately resulting in her being named president of JEA Construction Engineering Services, Inc. (JEACES), a wholly owned subsidiary of Jones Edmunds, in 1999. The subsidiary grew to generate 25 percent of Jones Edmunds’s net revenue in its first five years of operation. Kathy retired from her position at jeaces in May 2008 and is now president of Caldwell Cook and Associates and an adjunct professor at the University of Florida.

Kathy has been an active, service-oriented member of ASCE since 1984. She was president of the Gainesville Branch in 1993 and 1994 and was the first president of the consolidated Florida Section (1999–2000). Her organizational and leadership skills contributed to the adoption of the bylaws and rules for Region 5. Kathy remains active with the Gainesville Branch, the Florida Section, Region 5, and Society committees. Kathy has long been a passionate proponent of ASCE’s student program and is a practitioner adviser for the University of Florida chapter. Most recently, Kathy served on the ASCE Board of Direction and Executive Committee while chairing the Region 5 Board of Governors and the Society’s Strategic Planning Committee.

In addition to her professional successes, Kathy is proud to have been honored as an Outstanding Alumnus by the University of Tennessee’s civil and environmental engineering department.

Education

• B.S., structural engineering, University of Tennessee, 1985

Work experience

• 2009–present: adjunct professor, University of Florida
• 2008–present: president, Caldwell Cook & Associates
• 1999–2008: president, JEA Construction Engineering Services, Inc. (subsidiary of Jones Edmunds & Associates, Inc.)
• 1994–2008: vice president, Jones Edmunds & Associates, Inc.
• 1989–2000: design engineer/project manager/assistant division manager/division manager, Jones Edmunds & Associates, Inc.
• 1986–89: structural and civil engineer, Parkhill Smith & Cooper, Inc., Austin, Texas
• 1985–86: structural designer, Lockwood Greene Engineers, Inc., Oak Ridge, Tennessee
• 1981–82: engineering technician, Gilbert Associates, Inc., Knoxville, Tennessee
• 1980–81: designer, United Engineers & Constructors, Inc., Knoxville, Tennessee
• 1975–79: drafter/designer, Dow Chemical Company, Knoxville, Tennessee, and Houston

ASCE involvement

• 2008: Executive Committee
• 2005–08: Board of Direction
• 2008–09: member, Strategic Planning Committee
• 2008: chair, Strategic Planning Committee
• 2006–08: member, Board of Governors, Region 5
• 2008: chair, Board of Governors, Region 5
• 2009: member, Paraprofessional Task Committee
• 2008–present: corresponding member, Committee on Geographic Units
• 2006–08: member, Educational Activities Committee
• 2007: member, Policy Review Committee
• 2006–07: officer liaison, Engineers Joint Contract Documents Committee
• Member, Construction Institute
• 1995–99: member, Committee on Student Activities
• 1997: chair, Committee on Student Activities
• 2000: president, Florida Section
• 1994: president, Gainesville Branch (Florida Section)
• 1985: president, University of Tennessee student chapter
• 1989–present: practitioner adviser, University of Florida
• 1991–94: chair, Science Fair Committee, Florida Section
• 2002–04: chair, Student Activities Committee, Florida Section
• 2008–present: member, Local Planning Committee, 2010 Structures Congress
• Multiple task committees (for example, chair, Florida/South Florida Section Consolidation Committee; chair, Region 5 Transition Committee; and Task Committee on Election Procedures)

Other volunteer activities

• Member, Engineers Without Borders
• Member, Transportation Committee, Florida Institute of Consulting Engineers
• Member, cei Subcommittee, Florida Institute of Consulting Engineers
• Member, Florida Engineering Society
• Treasurer, Clear Lake Homeowners Association
• External Advisory Panel, Department of Civil and Coastal Engineering, University of Florida
• 1989: assistant study team member, postdisaster study regarding Hurricane Hugo, Committee on Natural Disasters, National Academy of Sciences
• Participant, multimedia program to advance licensure, National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying
• Member, Chi Epsilon
• Member, Tau Beta Pi

Honors and awards

• 2006, 2008: President’s Award, Florida Section
• 2005: Outstanding Alumnus Award, University of Tennessee
• 1996: Engineer of the Year Award, Florida Section
• 1995: Engineer of the Year Award, Gainesville Branch (Florida Section)
• 1994: Outstanding Committee Chair of the Year Award, Florida Section
• Nominee, ASCE Extraordinary Women Engineers Project

Personal

• Mother is a civil engineer
• Married to Ronald A. Cook, Ph.D., P.E., M.ASCE, Byron D. Spangler Professor of Civil Engineering, University of Florida
• Avid international and domestic traveler

Vision statement

MOVE Forward

ASCE is on an exciting journey into the future. Our destination has been defined, our road map is being entered into our gps, and our itinerary is being planned. The time has come to start our engines and move forward.

 M  Member-driven and member-focused
 O  Opportunity
 V  Vision
 E  Excitement

My vision to move ASCE forward includes four specific areas of action:

• Addressing the challenges of the present;
• Spanning gaps by building bridges to our membership;
• Embarking on our path to the future;
• Reengineering our annual conference.

M: Member-driven and member-focused
ASCE’s guiding principle must be the provision of first-class service to our members, which requires us to be member-driven and member-focused at all times.

Presently, many of our members are suffering from the impact of an economic recession. ASCE must do everything possible to support individual members as they struggle with current economic realities. We can start by expanding ASCE’s online jobs database and customizing it for highly localized effectiveness.  We can also establish a member-to-member network using current Internet-based technology to connect our members to increasingly scarce opportunities.

 In addition, we must make sure that we are using ASCE resources efficiently and economically to serve our members, especially in today’s economic climate. We must immediately conduct a thorough fiscal examination of every element of our Society to evaluate perceived benefits versus projected costs. Areas that are identified as underperforming or unproductive can then be corrected or suspended to responsibly respond to our members’ needs.

ASCE must also connect with our members through our geographic entities and institutes to span the gap between local and national roles and activities. Bridges can be built through collaboration and cross-communication between our operating units, elected leaders, committees, and staff to move toward more local control of the Society. We must enhance the delivery of member service and member recognition through our governors and the regions. We must also better facilitate delivery of technical content by establishing significantly more institute chapters and improving our publication processes.

Addressing membership needs and building bridges to our members will move us forward.

O: Opportunity
ASCE’s opportunities are great. We have the opportunity to better serve and engage our members (M: Members) and to take our future firmly in hand (V: Vision).

In addition, ASCE’s opportunity to take our place at the head of the table as advisers and recognized experts on infrastructure renewal and development has never been greater. We must take the lead in formulating and implementing comprehensive infrastructure policy to include systematic planning, development, maintenance, and operation to encompass the concept of sustainability. The current national emphasis on infrastructure investment provides the opportunity to build on ASCE’s 2009 Report Card for America’s Infrastructure and expand our involvement.

ASCE also has the opportunity to advance our profession through our “raise the bar” initiatives, including adoption of the Civil Engineering Body of Knowledge for the 21st Century. We have invested tremendous human, organizational, and monetary resources to advance this initiative and have reached a pivotal point in our efforts. The intensity of our efforts must now be increased through grassroots programs geared toward local licensing boards and legislators combined with current task committees’ work in defining the “+30” educational element and the role of paraprofessionals.

Seizing these opportunities will move us forward.

V: Vision
ASCE’s vision for the profession is contained in The Vision for Civil Engineering in 2025 (Vision 2025). Realization of Vision 2025 will require a focused effort over many years combined with the involvement of other organizations both here and abroad. ASCE’s continued role as the leader of this effort demands that we start the journey now, as outlined in Achieving the Vision for Civil Engineering in 2025: A Roadmap for the Profession (The Roadmap).

ASCE’s strategic planning process also provides a vision for our Society and the profession, albeit within a shorter time window. The flexibility of our strategic planning and strategy management process allows us to act today while the wisdom of Vision 2025 ensures that our near-term actions will have long-term benefit.

For these reasons, an arranged marriage must be made between the Strategic Planning Committee and the efforts described in The Roadmap. This would combine the relative short-term nature of our strategic planning and management process with the longer-term goals and action management plan of The Roadmap. This new organizational unit would be charged with overseeing and monitoring measurable progress toward the future. This organization would also coordinate ASCE’s specific efforts in achieving meaningful steps forward, including the overall efforts of other organizations and other nations.

Embracing Vision 2025, combined with ongoing strategic planning and embarking on the journey represented by The Roadmap, will move us forward.

E: Excitement
Civil engineering is exciting, as is our future! Generating a “buzz” around the opportunities to serve our members, to advance our profession, and to improve the global quality of life makes membership in ASCE fun (yes, fun!) and rewarding.

ASCE’s student members and younger members exude excitement. Their culture is one of teamwork, social consciousness, connectivity, and advanced technology. They are genuinely excited about civil engineers’ many opportunities to make the world a better place. They enthusiastically embrace ASCE’s vision for the future with passion and excitement.

Building on this excitement for our profession requires that ASCE’s methods of communication, social and professional networking, and program development and delivery be relevant and timely. We should focus attention on creating excitement for our annual conference by reengineering it into an event that members want to attend, at locations members find interesting, and with programs that provide the technical content members seek.

Excitement moves us forward!

ASCE provides diverse services to an increasingly diverse membership. ASCE is like a 1,000-piece jigsaw puzzle. The members, staff, and many organizational entities represent the multifaceted pieces. Vision 2025 provides the completed picture. I have the personal and professional diversity of experience to put the pieces together—interlocked and matched according to their varying interests, strengths, and contributions—to move ASCE forward.

Moustafa A. Gouda, P.E., D.GE, F.ASCE

Moustafa A. Gouda, P.E., D.GE, F.ASCE, is a fellow and life member of ASCE. He is a diplomate of the Academy of Geo-Professionals. Moustafa is a senior vice president and principal of cmx, a national firm with headquarters in Manalapan, New Jersey. Moustafa is a licensed professional engineer in 12 states.

Moustafa has amassed more than 45 years of professional experience, 29 years of involvement in ASCE local sections and branches, and 19 years of services on the ASCE Board of Direction and Board of Direction committees. He is currently a governor of the Geo-Institute, chair of the Engineers Joint Contract Documents Committee (EJCDC), and a member of the Society’s Strategic Planning Committee (SPC). He is also the liaison of the spc with the Finance Committee and the Program Committee.

Moustafa served as president of the Philadelphia and New Jersey sections and the Central Jersey Branch. He also served on the District 1 and District 4 councils for many years. His services on the Board of Direction include three years as District 1 director, two years as Society treasurer, and two years as a Society officer representative to the Executive Committee. Moustafa served as chair of several Board of Direction committees and subcommittees, including membership benefits, programs, investment, audit, and finances committees. Moustafa did serve in the recent past on several board committees, among them the Membership Committee, the International Activities Committee, and the Policy Review Committee.

For his service to engineering, Moustafa was named the 1987 Philadelphia Civil Engineer of the Year, the 1996 Central Jersey Outstanding Civil Engineer, and the 1999 South Jersey Distinguished Engineer. In 2006 he received a lifetime achievement award from the Delaware Valley Engineering Council for services to the engineering communities. Moustafa’s services in southern New Jersey earned him special honor from the U.S. Congress, which declared May 16, 1999, Moustafa A. Gouda Day in New Jersey’s First Congressional District.

Moustafa is widely recognized for his outstanding contribution to the civil engineering profession in general and to the field of geotechnical and geoenvironmental engineering in particular. In addition to his professional work, Gouda has also served as an adjunct professor at the New Jersey Institute of Technology and Rowan University and as an associate professor at Mercer County College.

Education

• M.S.C.E., New Jersey Institute of Technology, 1982
• M.S., geotechnical engineering, Cairo University, Egypt, 1968
• B.S., civil engineering, Cairo University, Egypt, 1964
• Licensed professional engineer in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Kansas, Indiana, Massachusetts, Florida, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, Ohio, and Illinois

Work experience

• 1999–present: senior vice president and principal, cmx, Manalapan, New Jersey
• 1980–99: principal, Lippincott, Jacobs & Gouda, Riverside, New Jersey
• 1978–80: project manager, Mueser Rutledge, New York City
• 1972–78: project manager, Raamot Associates, New York City
• 1970–72: project engineer, Frank H. Lehr, East Orange, New Jersey
• 1964–69: resident engineer, Grand Hotel construction, Egypt

ASCE involvement

• Life member
• 2009: diplomate, Academy of Geo-Professionals
• 2008–present: governor, Geo-Institute
• 2008–present: chair, Engineers Joint Contract Documents Committee 
• 2006–present: member, Planning and Budget Subcommittee, Engineers Joint Contract

 Documents Committee

•  2002–present: ASCE delegate, Engineers Joint Contract Documents Committee
• 2007–present: member, Strategic Planning Committee
• 2005–07: Society treasurer
• 2005–07: Society officer representative, Executive Committee
• 2005–07: Society officer representative, Board of Direction
• 1999–2002: director, District 1
• 1999–2002: member, Board of Direction
• 2005–07: chair, Finance Committee
• 2003–05: chair, Investment Subcommittee
• 2001–02: chair, Program Committee
• 2001–02: chair, Audit Committee
• 1991–97: chair, Member Benefits Subcommittee
• 2006–07: Task Committee on Institute Operation Procedures
• 2003–05: ASCE assistant treasurer
• 2003–07: member, Finance Committee
• 2000–03: member, International Activities Committee
• 2000–02: member, Audit Committee
• 1999–2001: member, Evaluation Team
• 1997–98: member, Policy Review Committee
• 1991–97: Ex Officio Membership Committee
• 1977–present: member, New Jersey Section
• 1995–96: president, New Jersey Section
• 1994–95: president-elect, New Jersey Section
• 1994–98: board member, New Jersey Section
• 1997–98: chair, 150th Anniversary Committee,

New Jersey Section

• 1994–present: chair, Awards Committee, New Jersey Section
• 1994–97: member, Legislative Committee, New Jersey Section
• 1994–2002: delegate, District 1 Council
• 1993–94: president, Central Jersey Branch (New Jersey Section)
• 1992–93: vice president, Central Jersey Branch (New Jersey Section)
• 1992–98: board member, Central Jersey Branch (New Jersey Section)
• 1981–94: member, Philadelphia Section
• 1991–92: president, Philadelphia Section
• 1982–90: chair, Geotechnical Committee, Philadelphia Section
• 1985–95: board member, Philadelphia Section
• 1988–92: delegate District 4 Council

Other volunteer activities

• Member, South Jersey Chamber of Commerce
• Member, Environmental Committee, South Jersey Chamber of Commerce
• Member, South Jersey Third Friday Fryers
• Referee, Marlboro Soccer Association 
• Coach, Marlboro Little League
• Volunteer, United Way of Monmouth County 
• 1985–present: Board of Trustees, Burlington County College Foundation 
• 1990–91: chair, Burlington County College Foundation
• 1988–95: chair, Auction Committee, Burlington County College Foundation
• Adjunct professor, New Jersey Institute of Technology
• Adjunct professor, Rowan University
• Associate professor, Mercer County College

Publications

• Innovative Design & Construction for Toe-In Sheet Piling in Bedrock, 2008
• Distress to Buildings on Loose Ash & Cinders, 1998
• Cold Recycling of Pavement, 1982

Honors and awards

• 1987: Philadelphia Civil Engineer of the Year Award
• 1995: Central Jersey Outstanding Civil Engineer of the Year Award 
• 1999: South Jersey Distinguished Engineer of the Year Award 
• U.S. Congress declared May 16, 1999, Moustafa A. Gouda Day in New Jersey’s First Congressional District 
• 2006: Lifetime Achievement Award from the Delaware Valley Engineering Council

Personal

• Born in Cairo, Egypt
• Immigrated to United States on January 12, 1970
• U.S. citizen since 1975
• Wife: Nelly S. Gouda
• Married on Valentine’s Day in 1970
• Son: Tamer F. Gouda, 33 years
• Son : Saher M. Gouda, 31 years
• Hobbies: travel, reading, and history studies

Vision statement
Vision, Leadership, and Experience
I am humbled by the vote of confidence given to me by the ASCE Nominating Committee and by the opportunity to serve our members as ASCE president-elect. I am humbled by the support and encouragement I have received from many of our members, regions, sections, and institutes. I have visited with our members and experienced firsthand how enthusiastic they are about ASCE’s initiatives and programs in general and about this election in particular.

The world is suffering from an unprecedented economic downturn; ASCE is not isolated or immune to this downturn. Our Society income is experiencing a shortfall. Our reserves are falling below our board-approved target of 35 percent. What ASCE needs to sustain success and maintain the high level of services and benefits for our members is a seasoned and experienced leadership that can steer our ship in these uncharted waters of economic downturn.

As the immediate ASCE past treasurer and past chair of the Finance and Programs committee and of the membership, benefits, and investment subcommittees, I can personally attest that our financial foundations are solid. We have strong programs, strong membership, and a nationally and internationally recognized stature. Thanks to the work of volunteers like you and our ASCE staff, we are at the summit of the mountain of professional societies.

What we need now is to sustain our success and to continue our position at the summit. We need to work together to face up to the expected and unexpected challenges over the coming years. ASCE and its members need leadership with a seasoned background in Society finances to meet the economic challenges while maintaining membership values and membership benefits. When it comes to selecting the incoming president-elect, there is no substitute for experiences with ASCE programs, benefits, and financial management.

I want to put my 45 years of U.S. and international professional experience, my institute experience as a sitting governor of the Geo-Institute, my 29 years of ASCE section and branch involvement, and my 19 years of service—on the ASCE national Board of Direction and as District 1 director, Society treasurer, Society officer representative to the Executive Committee, and chair of major board committees and subcommittees—at the service of our members and provide leadership over the upcoming challenging years.

In addition to the economic challenges, we have more work to do to achieve several ASCE priorities: (1) improving the image of the civil engineer by “raising the bar”; (2) achieving the goals of ASCE’s strategic plan; and (3) implementing the road map to Vision 2025, which is: “The civil engineer would be entrusted by Society to help achieve a sustainable world and raise the global quality of life.”

Regardless of the magnitude of the challenges, we must preserve our core values in order to sustain our success. Together we can achieve our goals under my theme of C3, which stands for coordinated constructive change. To better serve our members, we need to find answers to the following questions:

• What programs are we providing today and need to do better in the future?
• What programs are we providing today that should be done differently in the future?
• What new programs do we need to offer in the future to keep our members engaged?

I pledge that under my leadership the ASCE Board of Direction will work with our members, regions, sections, branches, institutes, and our sister societies to meet and overcome the challenges that face our profession. I pledge that we will work together to evaluate and implement coordinated constructive changes in the following major areas of ASCE operation:

Member benefits and programs: In order for ASCE to grow and meet the future challenges, we must continue to improve member benefits and programs. I want to make sure that as a profession we continue to move forward to provide our members better opportunities and improved compensation. I am committed to continuing ASCE’s leadership in raising the bar, in influencing public policy on infrastructure and the environment, and in advancing technology and sustainability.

Policy: I will work to ensure that ASCE continues to be the steward of public policy. Policy is the heart of ASCE and the result of the labor of its members. Shaping and directing infrastructures and environmental policy cannot be left to others.

Strategy and advocacy: I firmly believe that ASCE must continue to press on to achieve our strategic initiatives. We must use our resources to support our strategies. We must water what we want to grow.

Education: I see ASCE as a leader in education. We will continue to educate our members and continue to influence policy and decision makers regarding the need to increase funding for infrastructure and the environment. We must continue to raise the bar by influencing, reforming, and shaping the future engineering educational curriculum.
Unification: My goal is to get all civil engineering associations to agree to speak with one single voice that is heard loud and clear in the court of public opinion.

Fiscal responsibility: I will lead an ASCE that will work harder to preserve its assets while providing resources for programs, for strategic initiatives, and for advocacy. I see an ASCE that is committed to finding new revenue sources to offset the need to raise dues.
All on board: Should you honor me and select me to serve as ASCE president-elect, I will focus my efforts on the needs of our members. For our long-term sustained success, I will improve communication with our national and international members. I plan to work with our members, regions, sections, branches, and institutes to engage our members to embrace the “all on board” philosophy to sustain ASCE’s continuing success.

Confidence, transparency, and effective communication: I commit to you that hard work and a full-time commitment will define my presidency. You have my personal pledge that my extensive experience makes me well prepared for the effort required to lead ASCE. I look forward to working with all of you improving and enhancing ASCE’s services to its members and to society.

Region 3:

Eriks V. Ludins, P.E., M.ASCE

Education

• B.S.C.E., University of Minnesota, 1984
• Registered professional engineer in Minnesota and Wisconsin

Work experience

• 1986–present: Public Works Department, St. Paul, Minnesota (bridge engineering, 1986–2007; transportation planning and emergency management, 2007–present)

ASCE involvement

• Chair, Structural Committee, Minnesota Section
• Chair, Legislative Committee, Minnesota Section
• Member, History and Heritage Committee, Minnesota Section
• 1993–2001: board member, Minnesota Section
• 1999–2000: president, Minnesota Section
• 2005–present: governor, Region 3
• 2006–present: member, Technical Activities Committee
• 2006–present: member, Codes and Standards Committee
• 2009: member, Key Contact Program

Other volunteer activities

• Habitat for Humanity
• Civil engineering capstone project adviser, University of Minnesota

Personal

• Married (Barbara)
• Four sons (three married), one grandson

Vision statement

I see ASCE as an organization of solutions.

In these times of economic difficulty and uncertainty, the nation’s infrastructure has an even greater role in our economic recovery. The government is spending billions of dollars on infrastructure as a means of creating jobs, but unless the spending is guided by experienced leaders, the long-range effects of that spending could be meaningless. President Obama himself referred to ASCE’s 2009 Report Card for America’s Infrastructure in his 2010 budget outline in late January 2009. We can build on this recognition, offering technical expertise, research on innovative solutions, and improved standards of construction.

I see ASCE taking a greater role in shaping national policy. As our country grows/ages/expands (take your pick) our infrastructure sags under the weight of diminished resources and increased expectations. Transportation, power generation and transmission, water supply, wastewater, et cetera, must be planned, designed, and constructed with an eye toward the future. Filling potholes and patching leaky pipes may put a few people to work in the short term, but they do nothing to stimulate the economy or position us for a sustainable future.

I see civil engineers taking leadership roles within their companies, their communities, and their country. ASCE has been tremendously influential pointing out the deficiencies, but the time has come where it is no longer enough to simply point out what is wrong. I believe that we can offer far more—elegant, specific recommendations for optimizing a sustainable system of roads, power, water, and buildings. In my vision, we are the resource of choice.

I see ASCE as uniquely positioned to offer real solutions to our infrastructure challenges.
My vision for the future of ASCE strengthens each of our multiple branches. For each of these branches, I envision a higher profile, placing us at the forefront of solution generation and public and official education. In this way we will be leading the dance rather than waiting to be asked to waltz along.
 

Region 4:

Sandra N. Knight, P.E.., F.ASCE

Education

• B.S.C.E., University of Tennessee at Knoxville, 1986

Work experience

• 1987–93: construction and project management, Florida Department of Transportation
• 1993–96: project manager, Cook & Spencer Consultants
• 1996: engineering design manager, City of Chattanooga, Tennessee
• 1996–present: county engineer, Bradley County, Tennessee

ASCE involvement

• 2006–09: member, Committee on Professional Practice
• 2006–09: member, Committee on Career Development
• 2006–09: member, Policy Review Committee
• 2007–10: member, Engineering Practice Policy Committee
• 2008: corresponding member, Committee on Geographic Units
• 2005–11: governor, Region 4
• 2005–11: secretary, Region 4
• 2004–05: chair, District 9
• 2004–present: secretary, Tennessee Section
• 2002–06: awards chair, Tennessee Section
• 2000–01: president, Tennessee Section
• 1999: chair, annual meeting, Tennessee Section

Other volunteer activities

• Member, Tennessee Society of Professional Engineers
• Member, National Society of Professional Engineers
• 2008–10: Southeast vice-chair, Professional Engineers in Government, National Society of Professional Engineers
• 2007–10: member, Mentoring Task Force, National Society of Professional Engineers
• 2004–07: regional director, House of Delegates, Tennessee Society of Professional Engineers and National Society of Professional Engineers
• 2003–04: state president, Tennessee Society of Professional Engineers
• 2000–01: general chair, Chattanooga Area Engineers Week
• 2000–02: Chattanooga area president, Tennessee Society of Professional Engineers
• 1999–2003: Board of Directors, Tennessee Society of Professional Engineers
• 1998–present: Economic Development Council, City of Cleveland, Tennessee, and Bradley County, Tennessee
• 2001–present: Industrial Technical Advisory Council, Cleveland State Community College
• 2007–10: governmental delegate, International Code Council
• 2008–11: Board of Directors, InfraGard of se Tennessee

Vision statement

Engineering is not only a profession; it’s also a way of life! It is not a way of thinking but a way of solving problems to make the world a better place. When someone asks, “How do you find the time to volunteer?” The answer should be, “How could you not devote extra time, energy, and effort to something that you love?”

The profession of engineering is not only an occupation but also a selfless service to my community and the nation. It is imperative that we, as a professional society, work together to protect, advance, and set goals for the civil engineering profession. Beginning with the educational process, we need to dedicate efforts to instill a hunger to become part of an elite group within society.

It is insufficient to be only technically competent. As a member of a learned profession, I hold the trust of the employers I support and of the users to whom I provide services and protect. The execution of my duties as a professional engineer requires me to be competent in my assigned roles and trusted by employers, peers, and the public served by my efforts. It may sound idealistic, but it is nonetheless true: civil engineering is a noble profession. I am honored and humbled to be a member.

I view my role as a member of this profession to extend beyond the specific tasks for which I am financially compensated. My responsibilities, as an individual and as espoused by the ASCE Code of Ethics that I have sworn to uphold, are to contribute to the profession and public at large. I view these responsibilities as requiring me to assist in the refinement of better technical methods of analysis, design, and construction; to be engaged with policy and legislative matters that affect the delivery of engineering services; to develop future generations to be more capable and competent than my generation; and, finally, to further the level of trust displayed by the public toward the profession of engineering. This last point is often overlooked but is exceptionally important, so I and my peer civil engineering professionals can remain empowered to provide the cost-effective engineering services that perform adequately and in a sustainable manner while providing for the health, safety, and welfare of the public.

Each ASCE member should feel an obligation to promote the civil engineering profession in his or her community and throughout the nation. This can be accomplished by participation at many levels of the Society. Local, state, and national involvement, along with dedicated leadership at various levels and in a variety of capacities, is essential to the continued expansion and improvement of the Society and our profession. I am committed to being an active and effective ASCE member in whatever level or capacity I serve. I am especially interested in issues affecting the professional components of our profession, including licensure, postlicensure certification, business practices, paraprofessionals, and outreach by ASCE. I am also interested in the services provided by ASCE to our members and especially Society membership growth. My experiences at the branch and section levels as well as region governor have prepared me for the task of serving as a region director.

In summary, I am proud of my accomplishments as an engineer but am not satisfied with my accomplishments. I seek additional opportunities to serve. Service as a member of the ASCE Board of Direction is a unique position that I believe I am well prepared for and very interested in holding. I feel that as a professional engineer and an ASCE member it is my duty and responsibility to share my love of engineering through service. 

Region 8:

Kancheepuram N. Gunalan, Ph.D., P.E., M.ASCE 

Education

• Ph.D., civil engineering, Texas Tech University, 1986
• M.E., soil mechanics and foundation engineering, Anna University, India, 1981
• B.E., civil engineering, University of Madras, India, 1979

Work experience

• 2005–present: vice president, Parsons Brinckerhoff
• 2006–present: manager, Design Build tec, pb Americas, Inc.
• 2004–present: deputy manager, pb Geotechnical & Tunneling tec, pb Americas, Inc.
• 2000–present: senior project manager/senior professional associate, pb Americas, Inc.
• 1993–96: office/engineering manager, Utah operations, Huntington/Chen–Northern
• 1987–93: vice president/general manager, Terra Engineers, Lubbock, Texas
• 1985–87: engineering manager, Terra Engineers, Lubbock, Texas
• 1982–85: part-time instructor, civil engineering, Texas Tech University
• 1981–82: associate lecturer, College of Engineering, Anna University, India

ASCE involvement

• 2005–07: governor, Region 8
• 2009: chair, Subcommittee on Global Principles for Professional Conduct
• 2005–present: chair, Task Force on Mechanically Stabilized Earth Walls, Geo-Institute
• 2005–present: member, Technical Committee on Embankments, Dams, and Slopes, Geo-Institute
• 2005–06: member, Task Force on Global Principles for Professional Conduct
• 2004–05: critical infrastructure champion, Utah
• 2001–present: member, Key Contact Program
• 2001–04: presentations at Westland Elementary School and Midvale Middle School as part of outreach programs
• 2002–03: president, Utah Section
• 2001–02: president-elect, Utah Section
• 2000–01: Chair, geotechnical group, Utah Section
• 1992–93: president, High Plains Branch (Texas Section)

Other volunteer activities

• Mentoring champion for local pb office; mentor outside of pb
• Volunteer responsible for snow removal for opening and closing ceremonies of 2002 Winter Olympics
• 1998–2001: awards chair, Troop 1526, Boys Scouts
• 1993–99: subcommittee chair, Utah Council of Engineering Consultants
• 1993–present: India Forum of Utah

Personal

• 1997–present: member, Civil Engineering Academy, Texas Tech University
• Author/presenter on a variety of geotechnical and design/build topics
• Attended more than six national ASCE conferences

Vision statement

In spite of the current status of the economy, all indications are that the major population growth in the United States over the next 25 to 50 years is going to happen primarily in the states within ASCE’s Region 8. This growth will have a huge impact on our profession due to added responsibility on our membership to develop new and improved infrastructure in a responsible (sustainable) manner so that a good quality of life is maintained for us and our fellow citizens. This added responsibility will require reinventing the way we normally do business with respect to balancing our water and energy needs, using available resources sensibly, and maintaining mobility with minimal impact on the environment. Over the last two or three decades, we have witnessed the world becoming a much smaller place, and our members are competing in a more global environment. It is the responsibility of the region leadership to recognize the challenges our future civil engineers face and to help them become prepared.

Region 8 is fairly diverse in terms of socioeconomic makeup, and therefore there are numerous issues confronting our membership. These include (but certainly are not limited to) accessibility of advanced technology, availability of tools and concepts such as flexible work hours to enhance work/family balance, and implementation of good public policies. To this end, I will work with the ASCE region and Society leadership to provide our members with the necessary tools to fulfill their obligations to themselves, their families, their communities, and the great profession to which we all belong. My agenda will include developing a program to help members sharpen and sustain their skills not only to survive in hard times, but also to be competitive in a global environment over the long term. I will work with the board to assess the Society’s role and services, and make necessary changes or improvements to help individual members so that they may fully realize their individual potentials. I strongly believe in encouraging the development of new technology and tools of the highest caliber that will help our members efficiently deliver quality service and products. I believe this approach will help them lead productive, balanced, and fulfilled lives.

I am proud to be a civil engineer and to belong to such an esteemed organization that is intently focused not only on improving the quality of life of all the world’s inhabitants, but also on preserving the planet we all call home. I have had the privilege of serving our members and our profession in many capacities over the years, including serving as Region 8 governor from 2005 to 2007; being a member of and now chairing the Subcommittee on Global Principles for Professional Conduct; being a member of the Geo-Institute’s Technical Committee on Embankments, Dams, and Slopes; and chairing that institute’s Task Force on Mechanically Stabilized Earth Walls. Additionally, I have supported and assisted the Society leadership in a few initiatives, such as Policy 465, Global Principles for Professional Conduct, and Security of Critical Infrastructure, to name a few. Given the opportunity again, I will assist the leadership of the Society to meet the challenges ahead and make our profession the preferred alternative for those seeking to make a difference in our lives.

Billy L. Edge, Ph.D., P.E., Dist.M.ASCE

Education

• B.S.C.E., Virginia Polytechnic Institute, 1964
• M.S.C.E., Virginia Polytechnic Institute, 1966  
• Ph.D., civil engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, 1969

Work experience

• 2002–present: director, Haynes Coastal Engineering Laboratory
• 1993–present: professor, ocean and civil engineering, Texas a&m University
• 1988–present: president and senior engineer, Edge & Associates, Inc.
• 1980–87: president and senior engineer, Cubit Engineering Limited
• 1970–83: assistant professor to professor, civil engineering, Clemson University
• 1968–70: research physical scientist, deputy district engineer, and captain, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Great Lakes Research Center, Detroit

ASCE involvement

• 2009: Task Committee on Engineering Review Procedures
• 2009: chair, Task Committee for the Academy of Coastal, Ocean, Port, and Navigation Engineers
• 2003–08: Governing Board, Coasts, Oceans, Ports, and Rivers Institute
• 2005–08: External Review Panel (erp) for Hurricane Katrina Interagency Performance Evaluation Task Force (ipet)
• 1980–present: Coastal Structures Committee, Coasts, Oceans, Ports, and Rivers Institute
• 1976–present: Coastal Engineering Research Council
• Proceedings editor, International Conference on Coastal Engineering
• 2005: cochair, Fifth International Symposium on Ocean Wave Measurement and Analysis
• 2001: cochair, Fourth International Symposium on Ocean Wave Measurement and Analysis
• 1997: cochair, Third International Symposium on Ocean Wave Measurement and Analysis
• 1974: cochair, International Symposium on Ocean Wave Measurement and Analysis
• 1995: chair, International Symposium on Coastal Zone Management
• 1980: general chair, International Symposium on Coastal Zone Management
• 1977: vice-chair, Symposium on Coastal Sediments and Structures
• 1975: general chair, Symposium on Modeling Techniques in Waterways, Harbors, and Coastal Engineering
• 1977–80: Executive Committee, Waterway, Port, Ocean, and Coastal Engineering Division
• 1970–79: Research Committee, Waterway, Port, Ocean, and Coastal Engineering Division

Other volunteer activities

• Associate editor, Journal of Ocean Engineering
• Associate editor, Journal of Coastal and Ocean Management
• Director, Coastal Zone Foundation
• Director, Association of Coastal Engineers
• 2001–07: member, Coastal Engineering Research Board, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
• 1995–2002: member, Marine Board, National Academy of Engineering
• Member, Executive Committee, Marine Board, National Academy of Science/National Academy of Engineering
• 2005–07: president, Association of Coastal Engineers
• 1975–81: chairman and vice-chairman, Shoreline Erosion Advisory Panel, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
• Chairman, Water Quality Committee, Marine Technology Society
• 1985–2001: director, American Shore and Beach Preservation Association

Personal

• Married Rebecca Edge in 1963; three children and three grandchildren
• 2009: named ASCE distinguished member
• 2007: Outstanding Civilian Service Medal from U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
• 2006: James Purpura Award, Florida Shore and Beach Preservation Association
• 1998: ASCE John G. Moffat–Frank E. Nichol Harbor and Coastal Engineering Award
• 1997: ASCE International Coastal Engineering Award
• 1983: ASCE Arthur M. Wellington Prize
• 1980: Marksman of the Year Award, Engineering News-Record

Vision statement

Civil engineers are well positioned to contribute to the national recovery with the investments being made in energy, water, health, and civil infrastructure. ASCE provides the common voice for us to be heard. Now is a vital time for ASCE to step forward and assert the national leadership the country needs during this time of troubled economy and recognition of an infrastructure in serious condition. The current and planned major investments being made in the nation’s infrastructure are creating an exciting and potentially rewarding time for individuals invested in the profession of civil engineering. Civil engineers are ready to contribute in ways that assure the safety, health, and welfare of the public with the principles of sustainable development. By capitalizing on the unique opportunities provided by these challenges, ASCE will continue to serve a central role in the professional identity and development of the nation’s civil engineering talent.

Younger members, the institutes, and national leadership are the keys to ASCE fulfilling its responsibilities to society. Younger members with a revitalized vision of civil engineering are critical to the future of ASCE. As an educator, I believe emerging views on resilience and sustainability have galvanized a new generation of socially and environmentally conscious young professionals interested in creating a better world through engineering. I believe we must continue to attract younger members by investing in their ideas and professionalism. Their voice must be heard or they will leave ASCE and seek other opportunities to make a professional contribution.

The future of ASCE will be shaped to a large degree by the maturing of the institutes. These semiautonomous entities are the focus of the technical competencies that are the heart and soul of ASCE as a professional society. The institutes provide opportunities to attract and retain younger ASCE members who have very strong technical interests at the early stages of their careers. I believe that the institutes have a vital role in the future growth and health of ASCE.

The Society has made a bold move in providing the institutes representation on the Board of Direction. Technical Region directors will continue to have a major responsibility and role in ensuring communication between the institutes and the geographic region directors, the Executive Committee, and the staff of the Society.

As opportunities for change arise, ASCE must discharge its professional duties to help in guiding the nation toward establishment of continuing and sustainable investments in infrastructure, national policy issues, and technological development. The ASCE “report card” has done much to affect awareness of the poor state and sometimes dangerous condition of the nation’s infrastructure. Investment of ASCE’s resources is imperative in bringing about a change in attitude toward improvement of our country’s infrastructure. Keeping our policy statements current provides an opportunity to provide a professional assessment of many areas that affect our responsibilities to society.

The institutes remain an important element in discharging these professional duties and in advancing technology to address the future needs of society, to the maturation of our younger members, and toward national leadership for engineering in the 21st century.

Robert D. Stevens, Ph.D., P.E., F.ASCE

Education

• M.S.C.E., University of Michigan, 1970
• Ph.D., transportation, University of Michigan, 1972
• MCP, city planning and traffic engineering, Yale University, 1965
• B.S.C.E., B.S., mathematics, University of Akron, 1963
• Registered as a professional engineer in Ohio, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Nevada, and Texas

Work experience

• 2000–present: executive vice president, arcadis
• 1995–2000: executive vice president, Morrison Knudsen (urs)
• 1993–95: senior vice president, Morrison Knudsen (urs)
• 1992–93: vice president/regional manager, mk Centennial (urs)
• 1989–92: vice president/senior project manager, DeLeuw Cather (Parsons)
• 1987–89: vice president, urs International
• 1981–87: vice president, urs Consultants (urs)
• 1979–81: director of transportation, urs Consultants (urs)
• 1976–79: project manager, DeLeuw Cather (Parsons)
• 1969–73: director, transportation projects, Bendix Corporation
• 1965–68: technical director, transportation study, City of Akron, Ohio
• Adjunct professor, transportation design and planning courses: University of Akron (1981, 1985–86); University of Michigan (1970–72); and Cleveland State University (1967)
• Planning, design, and construction management experience in highway, bridge, rail, mass transit, port, and airport projects using traditional methods and design/build

ASCE involvement

• 2009: Paraprofessional Task Committee
• 2008–present: Sustainability Committee, Colorado Section
• 2002–present: Planning and Economics Committee, Transportation and Development Institute
• 2008–present: Task Committee on Branding
• 2008–present: Professional Practice Ethics and Leadership Award Committee
• 2007–present: National Engineering Practice Policy Committee
• 2006–present: Committee on Professional Practice
• 2006–present: editorial board, Journal of Management in Engineering
• 2006–present: paper reviewer, Journal of Management in Engineering
• 2008–present: chair, Administrative Council, Transportation and Development Institute
• 1996–present: member, Key Contact Program
• 2008: Paraprofessional Exploratory Task Committee
• 2008: draft reviewer, “Destination 2025: The Roadmap to Achieve the Vision for Civil Engineering in 2025”
• 2004–08: Nominating Committee, Transportation and Development Institute
• 2004–08: Awards Committee, Transportation and Development Institute
• 2007: draft reviewer, Manual 73 (Quality in the Constructed Project)
• 2006: invited participant, Summit on the Future of Civil Engineering
• 2003–05: Council of Institute Leaders
• 2002–06: Board of Governors, Transportation and Development Institute
• 2002–03: treasurer, Transportation and Development Institute
• 2003–04: vice president, Transportation and Development Institute
• 2004–05: president, Transportation and Development Institute
• 2005–06: past president, Transportation and Development Institute
• 1999–2002: Transportation and Development Institute Task Committee
• 1998–99: chair, Executive Committee, Highway Division
• 1997–98: vice-chair, Executive Committee, Highway Division
• 1996–2002: Executive Committee, Highway Division

Other volunteer activities

• 2007–present: Board of Directors, American Road and Transportation Builders Association
• 2003–present: director, Planning and Design Division, American Road and Transportation Builders Association
• 1987–present: Planning and Design Division, American Road and Transportation Builders Association
• 1978–82: Committee on Automated Guideway Transit, American Public Transportation Association
• 2006–07: director, U.S. Maglev Coalition
• 1978–90: Rapid Transit Facility Design Committee, Institute of Transportation Engineers
• 1979–81: Transportation Engineer Employment Conditions Committee, Institute of Transportation Engineers
• 1980–83: Recommended Salary Ranges and Benefits Committee, Institute of Transportation Engineers
• 2000–07: Design Professional Coalition, American Council of Engineering Companies
• 1993–99: California Caltrans Liaison Committee, American Council of Engineering Companies
• 1995–98: California Board of Registration Committee, American Council of Engineering Companies
• 1994–96: delegate, California Marine Affairs and Navigation Conference
• 1980–85: Reinforced Concrete Guideway Structures Committee, American Concrete Institute
• 1992–99: director, Coalition for Project Delivery
• 1965–present: American Planning Association
• 1992–2008: American Public Works Association
• 1996–99: Professional Services Management Association
• 2007–present: Lone Tree Transportation Advisory Committee
• 1990–99: Orange County Business Council
• 1991–98: director, California Renaissance Homeowner Association
• 1981–87: zoning commissioner, Hudson, Ohio
• 1977–79: school board member, Glenbrook, Illinois

Personal

• Married to Bonnie, 43 years
• Residing in Lone Tree, Colorado, for the past 10 years
• Two grown children, Jeff and Kim
• One grandson, Robbie, born March 11, 2009
• Church organist since 1960
• Part-time work for arcadis after retiring in August 2007
• International project work experience in seven countries
• Extensive personal travel, particularly by cruise ship, to more than 100 countries

Vision statement

In these challenging times, it’s great to be a civil engineer. Civil engineers can provide society the infrastructure that it needs as long as funding is available for it. asce’s Roadmap 2025 provides specific steps that the civil engineering profession can take to achieve The Vision 2025 for the Civil Engineer. This is a global vision of civil engineers working smarter and more effectively for the good of all people by creating a sustainable world and enhancing the global quality of life. To accomplish this, civil engineers need to be not only planners, designers, constructors, and operators of the built environment but also leaders in infrastructure policy, managers of risk due to natural and man-made disasters, and innovators and integrators of ideas and technology. It will take a closely coordinated global civil engineering community endeavor to achieve this vision.

There is much to be done to achieve Vision 2025 in the next 16 years. There are also a number of specific items in the nearer term vision for ASCE, including:

• Integrating more effectively the civil engineering paraprofessional into the work of civil engineering and providing a place for them in ASCE.
• Continuing to provide information, examples, and tools for working smarter and producing results in the most efficient manner.
• Making consideration of life-cycle costs a standard procedure in civil engineering work.
• Building and promoting the ASCE brand to enhance membership value and attract members from within and from outside the United States.
• Finding better ways to give members, prospective members, and society the information they require via the most effective and lowest-cost methods.
• Completing the update of the ASCE Web site and offering more networking opportunities.
• Encouraging more members to serve as volunteers through working on committees; as student chapter, section, branch, region, and institute officers; with Engineers Without Borders; and as members of the Key Contact Program furthering government relations.
• Working together more with related civil engineering organizations to reduce redundancy and costs and give the profession more strength and value.
• Raising the bar through ongoing efforts with the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying and others to promote the body of knowledge as the standard for becoming a professional engineer to enhance civil engineer value.
• Promoting the successful infrastructure “report card” concept worldwide to raise infrastructure awareness.
• Maintaining and implementing the strategy management process.

Increasing benefits and programs to members has helped ASCE grow to over 140,000 members. An example is what has been accomplished by the creation of the eight institutes. With nearly 80 percent of ASCE members now identifying with an institute, there is an increasing focus on the technical activities in eight specialties or disciplines within civil engineering. The institutes continue to expand their activities and to build closer relationships with the sections and branches. Some local technical groups/committees have already converted to institute chapters, and others are in the process of doing this. The goal is to get more of them to convert, as conversion offers more links to technical activities in the institutes and in other institute chapters.

Continuing to have and to enhance the institute self- assessment/peer review process that was started last year will help the institutes to learn from the experiences of each other. This assessment process is helping the institutes to continue to improve by offering examples of best practices such as communicating with members, getting younger members more involved, increasing the cooperation among the institutes on common issues such as attracting new professional and nonprofessional members, enhancing the working together of the institutes such as on conferences that have crosscutting sessions and, as a result, giving more value to their members.

Kevin C. Womack, Ph.D., P.E., M.ASCE

Kevin C. Womack, Ph.D., P.E., M.ASCE, is a professor of civil and environmental engineering and director of the Utah Transportation Center, at Utah State University, where he has been on the faculty since 1989. He received a bachelor of science and a doctorate from Oregon State University and a master of science in engineering from the University of Pennsylvania. Womack has been a member of ASCE for over 20 years and is a registered professional engineer in Oregon.

Womack is a structural engineer by training, and his research over the course of his career has focused on transportation infrastructure (bridges) but over the past few years has included transportation policy research. He has authored or presented more than three dozen papers, reports, and presentations. His latest publication is entitled “Infrastructure Renewal: The Need for Political Leadership” and was published in the October issue of ASCE’s Leadership and Management in Engineering. Currently, he is part of the Long Term Bridge Performance Program research team at Utah State University. This is a Federal Highway Administration research program authorized under SAFETEA-lu. The Utah State University team is part of a consortium led by the Center for Advanced Infrastructure and Transportation at Rutgers University and includes several other universities, along with Parsons Brinckerhoff.

In 2001 Womack was selected to be the ASCE congressional fellow under the American Association for the Advancement of Science fellowship program, and from December 2001 to August 2002 he served as a fellow for the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works (epw), under Senator James Jeffords. During his time on the epw committee, Womack was tasked with drafting the research title (Title V) for the surface transportation authorization bill. Womack’s draft of the research title was the foundation for what would be contained in the Senate’s version of SAFETEA.

Upon returning to Utah State University, Womack accepted a new position as the associate vice president for business and finance, the group responsible for all nonacademic activities of the university, a position he held from August 2002 to August of 2005. At this point in time Womack returned to the College of Engineering and the civil and environmental engineering department to teach and serve as director of the Utah Transportation Center, a center designated within the SAFETEA-LU authorization bill.

During the period of November 2002 to November 2008, Womack had the privilege of serving on two significant transportation policy committees. One was the Research and Technology Coordinating Committee (rtcc), a Transportation Research Board committee called for in istea that serves to advise and oversee the research efforts of the Federal Highway Administration. Womack participated in the production of the latest rtcc publication, entitled The Federal Investment in Highway Research 2006–2009: Strengths and Weaknesses (trb Special Report 295). The intent of this report is to provide information to the pertinent congressional committees that will be responsible for drafting the research title in the next surface transportation authorization bill.

The other committee that Womack served on during this time period was the ASCE National Transportation Policy Committee, which he also chaired from 2005 to 2008. This committee is responsible for developing transportation policy on behalf of ASCE. As chair of that committee, Womack led the effort to produce the ASCE policy statement for the upcoming surface transportation authorization bill that will replace SAFETEA-lu. This ASCE policy document is entitled “The Nation’s Surface Transportation System: A New Vision for the Future.”

Womack has also testified before Congress on issues relating to transportation research and policy. His latest policy-oriented activities have been to serve on the ASCE Advisory Council for the 2009 Report Card for America’s Infrastructure, where he is providing expertise on bridges and roads, and the ASCE-aashto Ad-Hoc Group on Bridge Inspection, Rating, Rehabilitation, and Replacement. This group was formed after the I-35W collapse on August 1, 2007, and the group wrote a white paper on bridge inspection and rating that was published in the January/February 2009 issue of the ASCE Journal of Bridge Engineering.

Womack’s other ASCE activities include serving as the faculty adviser for the ASCE student chapter at Utah State University for six years, 1989 to 1996, and serving on the ASCE Technical Committee on the Performance of Structures during Construction.

Womack has been the recipient of many teaching, advising, and research awards at both Utah State University and Oregon State University. He has also served as a reviewer for the National Science Foundation and several journals, including three ASCE journals.

Prior to receiving his doctoral degree, Womack worked a total of two years as a consulting engineer for Kramer, Chin, and Mayo, Inc., in Portland, Oregon, and in Seattle.
 
Vision statement:

As the most recent past chair of the ASCE National Transportation Policy Committee (NTPC), it was my responsibility to work with the committee and ASCE staff to produce a policy statement for the upcoming re-authorization of the surface transportation authorization bill, currently known as SAFETEA-lu. This bill is extremely important to the civil engineering profession, as it determines the amount of revenue the Highway Trust Fund will receive and how those funds will be spent. The title of the policy document that the NTPC developed is “The Nation’s Surface Transportation System: A New Vision for the Future.” This title relates directly to my own personal vision for the civil engineering profession, that we, as a profession, must develop a new vision. This new vision must be one that transcends future generations and leads us to a revitalized, revolutionary type of infrastructure system that will meet the needs of our grandchildren and great-grandchildren in an energy-efficient, environmentally friendly, and efficient (both in cost and function) manner.

As civil engineers, though we work on projects with life spans in the decades, we tend to look to near-term issues at the expense of the future. The current focus on the dilapidated state of the nation’s civil engineering infrastructure is necessary, and of critical importance, but such a dialogue cannot occur in the vacuum of the present at the expense of the vision we must have of the infrastructure that will exist 50 years from now. ASCE’s 2009 Report Card for America’s Infrastructure is a tremendous policy tool; however, it does focus on the immediate needs. The Society must begin a discussion, and develop policies, that look forward. This is a difficult task, when at times we don’t even know what the future will look like.

A very good example of this is the surface transportation system. For this nation to reach energy independence it would be optimal to eliminate the use of fossil fuel as the energy source for our trucks and automobiles. The new generation of vehicles could utilize hydrogen within an internal combustion engine or electricity in a type of hybrid plug-in vehicle with extended range. At this point in time we are not sure what the scenario will be; however, it is obvious that either choice will require a major investment in a new type of infrastructure, either hydrogen production and distribution infrastructure or an electric production infrastructure sufficient to power automobiles while at charging stations or maybe even while they are moving on the road. The point is, if we delay envisioning what this future infrastructure may look like, then we delay its implementation. We cannot wait to react to developments; we must, as civil engineers, help design the future in a way that is responsive to the nation’s needs.

Much of what I am discussing is still in the conceptual or research stage; however, as civil engineers we must influence the form of these concepts or the direction that the research will take. A very near opportunity to do this is in the next surface transportation authorization bill, which will be written over the next year or two.

Key legislators (Senator Barbara Boxer, chair of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, for example) have stated that this will be a “green” bill looking at energy and the environment. This bill must more aggressively fund the surface transportation infrastructure needs, even at the cost of a user fee increase, but it must also look forward 50 years to the next generation of infrastructure that will include new types of roadways, new power infrastructure (either electric or hydrogen), and even water infrastructure, which is critical in any type of power generation effort. I have a vision of significant ASCE influence in the drafting of this major piece of legislation.

Having worked on the staff of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works as an ASCE congressional fellow, I want to put that experience to work as an at-large director on the ASCE Board of Direction, working to disseminate ASCE’s policy positions through interaction with congressional staff and members through testimony, briefings, receptions, and any other means possible. If we, as a profession, fail to influence policy that will shape the future of this country, then it will be left to other, less-qualified, parties to do so and we will have abdicated our responsibilities as builders of this nation. This is a violation of trust that I do not want to participate in. As a member of the board I will work to ensure that we fulfill our role as designers of the future for this nation, to ensure that it will meet the needs of future generations.

I want to see civil engineers across the country become politically proactive, beginning with the ASCE leadership and spreading its way through all the membership. This is a goal that I will work toward, not only as a member of the Board of Direction, but as a lifelong member of ASCE.

Region 1:

William J. Cunningham, P.E., M.ASCE

Education

• B.S., physics, State University of New York at Oswego, 1988
• B.S.C.E., Clarkson University, 1988
• Professional registration in New York and Connecticut

Work experience

• 2005–present: project manager/project engineer, Siefert Associates, llc
• 1988–2005: project engineer/senior estimator, Lane Construction Corporation

ASCE involvement

• 2006–present: Region 1 Board of Governors
• 2008–present: chair, Region 1 Membership Committee
• 2007–08: secretary, Region 1 Board of Governors
• 2008–present: member, Committee on Government Affairs
• 2007–present: director, Connecticut Society of Civil Engineers Section
• 2006: president, Connecticut Society of Civil Engineers Section
• 1998–present: executive board member, Connecticut Society of Civil Engineers Section
• 1997–98: president, Younger Member Forum, National Capital Section
• 1998: recipient, Meritorious Service Award, National Capital Section
• 1996: member, 1996 National Convention Committee, National Capital Section
• 1987–88: president, John Pascal Brooks Student Chapter, Clarkson University

Other volunteer activities

• 2006–present: finals judge, Connecticut Odyssey of the Mind
• 2008–present: leader, Tiger Cub Den (Pack 17), Bristol, Connecticut

George Moglia, Jr., P.E., M.ASCE

Education

• B.S., civil engineering technology, Fairleigh Dickinson University, 1974
• A.A.S., construction technology, State University of New York at Farmingdale, 1972
• Professional registration in New York and Connecticut

Work experience

• 35 years of professional experience
• Vice president and principal project manager with pb Americas, Inc.
• Extensive engineering experience in the design of highway and bridge facilities
• Design and management of numerous complex infrastructure projects, including the preparation of environmental impact statements and the development of documents covering planning through final design

ASCE involvement

• 2007–09: director, Metropolitan Section
• 2006–07: president, Long Island Branch (Metropolitan Section)
• 2006–09: Technology Committee, Metropolitan Section
• 2006–09: Audit Committee, Metropolitan Section
• 2005–06: president-elect, Long Island Branch (Metropolitan Section)
• 2005–09: continuing education evaluator, Metropolitan Section
• 2004–05: vice president, Long Island Branch (Metropolitan Section)
• 2003–04: secretary, Long Island Branch (Metropolitan Section)

Other volunteer activities

• 2004–09: continuing education evaluator, Practicing Institute of Engineering
• 2005–09: continuing education evaluator, American Council of Engineering Companies
• Construction of affordable housing in Nicaragua
• Foundation Fighting Blindness

Region 2:

Donald W. Vannoy, Ph.D., P.E., F.ASCE

Education

• B.S.C.E., West Virginia Institute of Technology, 1970
• M.E., University of Virginia, 1971
• Ph.D., University of Virginia, 1975

Work experience

• Professor emeritus, University of Maryland
• President, Trident Engineering Associates
• President, Vannoy & Associates

ASCE involvement

• 2006–09: Region 2 Board of Governors
• 2000–01: Structures Congress 2001 Planning Committee
• 1990–92: director, Maryland Section
• 1988–90: Structures Congress 1990 Planning Committee
• 1989–90: president, Maryland Section
• 1988–89: vice president, Maryland Section
• 1986–90: editorial board, Journal of Performance of Constructed Facilities
• 1986–88: director, Maryland Section
• 1985–90: chairman, Steel Bridge Committee
• 1982–2006: Committee on Masonry Structures
• 1981–82: session chairman, Committee on Minicomputers
• 1979–85: secretary, Steel Bridge Committee
• 1979–83: Committee on Fatigue and Fracture Reliability
• 1975–80: Committee on Tubular Structures

Other volunteer activities

• 1995–2001: first president, Garret Jacobs Mansion Endowment (for the restoration of Baltimore’s Engineers Club)

Region 3:

Darrell J. Berry, P.E., S.E., F.ASCE

Education

• B.S., civil and environmental engineering, University of Wisconsin at Madison
• M.S., civil engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
• Licensed professional engineer in six states
• Licensed structural engineer in Illinois

Work experience

• Senior project manager, transportation, Mead & Hunt
• Associate vice president and senior project manager, Bloom Companies, llc, Milwaukee; value engineering technical services leader and manager of various transportation and bridge design projects
• More than 36 years of consulting engineering experience
• Value engineering studies around the country

ASCE involvement

• 2008–present: member, Committee on Professional Practice
• 2005–08: governor, Region 3
• 2003–05: director at large, Wisconsin Section
• 2000–01: president, Wisconsin Section
• 1994–96: secretary, Wisconsin Section
• 1996–97: president, Southeast Branch (Wisconsin Section)
• 2003: recipient, Wisconsin Section’s Distinguished Service Award
• 1998: recipient, Wisconsin Section’s Merit Award for Engineer in Consulting Practice

Other volunteer activities

• Judge, Milwaukee regional Future Cities Competition
• Eucharist minister, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church
• Committee member, Implementation of Wisconsin Act 47 for Continuing Education

Region 4:

J.P. Mohsen, Ph.D., M.ASCE

Education

• Ph.D., University of Cincinnati
• M.E., engineering management, University of Louisville
• M.E., civil engineering, University of Louisville
• B.S.C.E., University of Louisville

Work experience

• 2004–present: professor and chair, civil and environmental engineering department, University of Louisville
• 1992–2004: associate professor, University of Louisville
• 1988–92: assistant professor, University of Louisville

ASCE involvement

• 2004–present: Executive Committee, Technical Council on Computing and Information Technology
• 2004–08: Continuing Education Committee
• 2002–06: Technical Council on Computing and Information Technology
• 2000–02: Educational Activities Committee
• 1997: general chair, Fourth Congress on Computing in Civil Engineering
• 1994–95: Technical Agenda Committee, Second Congress on Computing in Civil Engineering
• 1989–91: faculty adviser, University of Louisville student chapter

Other volunteer activities

• President, American Society for Engineering Education (2009–10); president-elect (2008–09); vice president for member affairs (2006–08); chair, Professional Interest Council, Board of Directors (2004–06); member, Board of Directors (2002–04); chair, Civil Engineering Division (2001–02)

Aaron K. Robinson, P.S., P.E., M.ASCE

Education

• B.S.C.E., Arkansas State University, 1996
• M.S.C.E., University of Arkansas, 1997

Work experience

• 1998–2002: urs Corporation (working for the Department of Defense at Fort Polk, Louisiana, as water and wastewater consultant)
• 2002–present: Bond Consulting Engineers, senior project manager and engineer working on a variety of civil engineering projects relating to land development, water, wastewater, storm water, roadways, and surveying

ASCE involvement

• Vice president, Arkansas State University student chapter
• President, vice president, secretary, and treasurer, Arkansas Section
• Fund-raising and scholarship committees, Arkansas Section
• Member, Key Contact Program
• Judge, Deep South Regional Student Conference

Other volunteer activities

• President, Jacksonville Rotary Club
• Little Rock Air Force Base Community Council
• Soccer coach

Region 5:

Fraser S. Howe, Jr., P.E., M.ASCE

Education

• B.S.C.E., Michigan State University, 1974
• Licensed professional engineer in Illinois (1979) and Florida (1989)

Work experience

• More than 30 years of engineering experience including project management; planning studies; preliminary and final design of highways and expressways; maintenance of urban streets and drainage; traffic operations; parks; and utility systems
• Senior associate, T.Y. Lin International, performing preliminary engineering studies for state and local governments
• Development of effective public involvement plans for preliminary and conceptual engineering studies in central Florida

ASCE involvement

• 1994: first newsletter editor, East Central Branch (Florida Section)
• 2000–01: president, East Central Branch (Florida Section)
• 2006–08: vice president, Florida Section
• 2001–present: chair, Government Relations Committee, Florida Section
• Chair, 2008 Report Card for Florida’s Infrastructure

Other volunteer activities

• 2000–01: chair, Engineers Week Committee, Orlando, Florida
• 1980–present: member, Illinois Society of Professional Engineers
• 1990–present: member, Florida Engineering Society

Region 6:

Craig M. Newtson, Ph.D., P.E., M.ASCE

Education

• B.S.C.E., University of Wyoming, 1989
• M.S.C.E.,University of Wyoming, 1992
• Ph.D., civil engineering, University of Washington, 1997

Work experience

• 1997–2001: assistant professor, University of Hawaii at Manoa
• 2001–05: assistant professor, New Mexico State University
• 2005–present: associate professor, New Mexico State University

ASCE involvement

• 1998–2001: faculty adviser, University of Hawaii at Manoa student chapter
• 2002–present: faculty adviser, New Mexico State University student chapter
• 2003–04: director, New Mexico Section
• 2004–05: vice president, New Mexico Section
• 2005–06: president-elect, New Mexico Section
• 2006–07: president, New Mexico Section
• 2007–08: past president, New Mexico Section

Other volunteer activities

• Member, Committee 306 (Cold Weather Concreting), American Concrete Institute

Walter T. Winn, Jr., P.E., BCEE, F.ASCE

Education

• B.S.C.E., Texas Tech University
• M.S.C.E., Texas Tech University
• Licensed professional engineer in four states

Work experience

• Worked for Brown & Root, Inc., in Houston for five years
• One of the founders of ksa Engineers, Inc., in Longview, Texas, in 1978
• Founded Winn Professional Engineers and Constructors, llc, in Longview, Texas, in 2004

ASCE involvement

• Secretary, treasurer, vice president, president, and state director, Northeast Texas Branch (Texas Section)
• Vice president (technical), president-elect, and president, Texas Section
• Recipient, Texas Section Professional Service Award
• Trustee, Texas Civil Engineering Foundation
• Secretary and treasurer, J. Walter Porter Fellowship Trustees

Other volunteer activities

• President (20 years), Glenwood Water Supply Corporation
• President, Northeast Texas Section, Water Environment Association of Texas
• President, Longview South Rotary Club
• Secretary and treasurer (six years), Northeast Texas Regional Water Planning Group
• Secretary and treasurer, Texas Tech
• Member, Civil Engineering Academy
• Chair, Civil Engineering Advisory Council
• President, Engineering Dean’s Council

Region 7:

F. Jay Burress, P.E., M.ASCE

Education

• B.A., zoology, University of Arkansas
• B.S.C.E., University of Texas
• MBA, finance, University of Kansas.

Work experience

• Designing transportation projects for the past 20 years
• 1998–present: Shafer, Kline & Warren, Inc., currently associate principal

ASCE involvement

• President, student chapter, University of Texas
• Member, various Kansas City Section committees
• President, Kansas City Section
• Member, various national committees, including Committee on Employment of Civil Engineers
• Coauthor, Guide to Hiring and Retaining Great Civil Engineers
• Governor, Region 7

Other volunteer activities

• Coach, youth sports
• Finance committee, Stilwell United Methodist Church

Loras A. Klostermann, P.E., M.ASCE

Education

• B.S.C.E., Iowa State University, 1981
• M.S., geotechnical engineering, Iowa State University, 1984
• Professional engineer: Iowa, Nebraska, Kansas, and Illinois

Work experience

• 2009–present: manager, Field Services Division, Schemmer Associates, Inc., Omaha, Nebraska
• 2006–09: manager, geotechnical engineering, Schemmer Associates, Inc., Omaha, Nebraska
• 2004–06: manager, Omaha Geotechnical/Materials Division, hws Consulting Group, Inc., Omaha, Nebraska
• 1994–2004: senior geotechnical engineer and field staff supervisor, Thompson, Dreessen & Dorner, Inc., Omaha, Nebraska
• 1990–94: project geotechnical engineer, Huntingdon Engineering, Omaha, Nebraska
• 1988–90: project geotechnical engineer, Fugro/McClelland Engineers, Houston
• 1984–88: geotechnical engineer, Nebraska Testing Corporation, Omaha, Nebraska

ASCE involvement

• 2006–present: governor and treasurer, Region 7
• Nebraska Section: past president (2005–06); president (2004–05); president-elect and Program and Annual Meeting Committee chair (2003–04); vice-president (2002–03); director (2001–03); Geotechnical Committee chair (1993–2001); Geotechnical Conference Committee member (1990–present); Management Committee chair (2005–08); and District 16 delegate (2004–06)
• Geo-Institute
• International Society for Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering

Other volunteer activities

• 2009 Trek up the Tower, Omaha, Nebraska

Region 8:

Tony Chung-Gem Lau, P.E., F.ASCE

Education

• B.S.C.E., University of Hawaii, 1992

Work experience

• 1992–present: project management engineer, hdr|Hawaii Pacific Engineers

ASCE involvement

• 2007–09: member, Committee on Geographic Units
• Chair, Local Activities Subcommittee, 2008 Environmental and Water Resources Institute Congress
• Chair, Younger Member Subcommittee, 2005 Annual Civil Engineering Conference
• 2003–06: chair and member, Committee on Younger Members
• 2003: chair, Western Regional Younger Member Council
• 2002: vice-chair, Pacific Southwest Council
• Hawaii Section: past president, president, president-elect, secretary, and treasurer (1999–2003); Younger Member Forum director (1997–98); chair, awards, scholarship, newsletter, constitution and bylaws, membership, and hospitality committees (1993–2004); and member, outreach, scholarship, history and heritage, local legislative, and Web site committees (1998–2009)
• 2002: recipient, Edmund Friedman Professional Recognition Award
• 2002: recipient, Hawaii Young Engineer of the Year Award
• 1996, 1999: named outstanding younger member in ASCE activities by Western Regional Younger Member Council
• 1994, 1996: recipient, National Top Membership Recruiter Award

Other volunteer activities

• 2008–present: board member, Kalani Falcons Athletic Boosters
• 2004: chair, Hawaii Council of Engineering Societies
• 2001–06: Ronald McDonald House
• 1999, 2009: Hawaii mathcounts
• 1996–2004: Adopt a Stream Cleanup and Storm Drain Stenciling, City and County of Honolulu
• 1994–96: Faith Bible Church

Vision statement

Regional governors are the communication link between the Society leadership and the members at the local level. Governors convey the Society’s strategic plan from the Board of Direction to the section and branch leaders and express concerns of the local membership to the Society leaders.

If elected as Region 8 governor, three issues that I will champion are promotion of the civil engineering profession to future generations, retention of student members in the Society, and development of Society leaders.

A few years ago, enrollment in civil engineering programs reached a low point. Our profession cannot continue with this trend. The future of our profession is dependent on an increase of our youth becoming interested in math and science.

The percentage of student chapter members that continue their ASCE membership once they begin their engineering career is less than 33 percent. For our Society to flourish and grow, we must emphasize the value and benefits of continued ASCE membership to our student members, the future leaders of our profession and our organization.

Persuading ASCE members to volunteer for leadership positions within our sections and branches can be a difficult task. We need to provide direction for those who sacrifice their personal time to volunteer as Society leaders. Providing guidance will make their service easier and increase their development into successful leaders in our Society and profession.

There are successful programs within ASCE already established for these three issues that just need to be shared. Other programs need to be developed or adapted to fit the needs of specific sections and branches. My broad and diverse experience within ASCE at the local and national levels and the relationships that I have developed with fellow ASCE members and staff will assist the Region 8 Board of Governors in reaching their goals on these three issues. I have a strong work ethic and a reputation for getting things done correctly and in a timely manner. It would be an honor to serve the Region 8 and ASCE membership as a Region 8 governor.

Michael E. Mathieu, P.E., F.ASCE

Education

• B.S.C.E., University of Arizona, 1980

Work experience

• Nearly 30 years of experience working on transportation projects, specifically traffic engineering
• 2000–present: adjunct lecturer at the University of Arizona teaching a class on professional practice and the senior design, or capstone, class

ASCE involvement

• 2001–04: chairman, Council of Vice Presidents Task Committee
• 1999–2001: Zone IV representative, Member Benefits Committee
• 1995–96: chairman, Committee on Sections and District Councils
• 1993–96: Zone IV representative, Committee on Sections and District Councils
• 1991–92: president, Arizona Society of Civil Engineers Section
• 1985–86: president, Southern Arizona Branch (Arizona Society of Civil Engineers Section)

Other volunteer activities

• Umpire, Little League
• Rules official, Arizona Golf Association

Vision statement

Ever since I attended my first zonal management conference in 1984 and heard President-Elect Richard Karn speaking about the members being the “grass roots” of ASCE, I knew ASCE had something for me. At that meeting, I also had the pleasure of meeting Nancy Berson, and I knew then as I do now that Nancy believes in and supports the members of ASCE. It was because of Richard Karn and Nancy Berson that I knew I wanted to be more involved in ASCE, to serve the membership, and to make a difference. I have always felt that the members are the “grass roots” of the Society and that I was part of the grass roots.

All of my involvement thus far in ASCE has been serving the membership, from my days on the Committee on Sections and District Councils and the Member Benefits Committee to the Council of Vice Presidents Task Committee. While serving on those committees I tried to remember that our Society is only as strong as our smallest branch, and my goal was to make sure that even the smallest branch had all the help it needed from ASCE to be successful. At times, that help included encouraging the sections and branches to submit their newsletter for the Newsletter Award or encouraging them to talk about a program their section or branch was doing and providing the details in their annual report.

In these difficult economic times, one of the most challenging tasks that ASCE will face is declining membership as people begin to cut back on expenses and make those tough choices on whether to retain their membership or not. ASCE needs to remember that the members are the reason there is a Society. ASCE needs to continue to remain a leader in our world and at the local section and branch level. As a Region 8 governor, I will commit to serving the ASCE membership as well as reinforcing the value of being a member of ASCE. I truly believe that the members of ASCE are the “grass roots” of our Society and that we are only as strong as those “grass roots.” My goal would be to continue to communicate with the members and help them to be successful as well as help the sections and branches be successful.

Raymond Walton, Ph.D., P.E., D.WRE, M.ASCE

Education

• BSc (honors), mathematics, University College London, 1971
• MSc, engineering hydrology, Newcastle University, United Kingdom, 1972
• Ph.D., hydraulics, University of Florida, 1978

Work experience

• 1973–74: Hydraulics Research Station, United Kingdom
• 1978–79: assistant professor, North Carolina State University
• 1979–89: Camp Dresser & McKee
• 1989–94: Ebasco Environmental
• 1994–present: west Consultants, Inc.
• 2004–present: instructor, P.E. review classes, University of Washington
• 1999–present: instructor, ASCE courses on hydraulic modeling

ASCE involvement

• 1981–85: chair, Task Committee on Documenting Hydraulic Software
• 1997–2000: director, Seattle Section
• 2002–03: president, Seattle Section
• 1999: chair, Water Resources Engineering Division Conference
• 2000–04: chair, Wetlands Hydrology Technical Committee
• 2000–06: member, Environmental and Water Resources Institute Conferences Committee
• 2005: technical chair, Environmental and Water Resources Institute Congress
• 2008: technical cochair, Environmental and Water Resources Institute Conference

Other volunteer activities

• ASTM International panel to develop wetland guidelines
• 1997–98: Program Delivery Council, Somerset Elementary School
• 2001–07: coach, youth athletics
• 2002–present: Rebuilding Together projects

Vision statement

The vision for the development of the regional boards of governors was that it would ‘strengthen the middle.’ As described by Blaine Leonard, “A regional board structure doubles or triples the number of people who take on the broad perspective of establishing policies to guide and improve our civil engineering profession.” I like to think that this position is also about being a ‘conduit’ through which the Society’s policies are communicated to you, the membership, but more importantly, through which your views and wishes are communicated back to the Board of Direction. This is, after all, a society of its members, and the lines of communication have not always been clear.

So what does it take to be a regional governor? I believe it requires experience, leadership, organizational skills, and some ‘vision’ for what our society should be. It also requires the ability to listen, explain, and keep an open mind.

ASCE is rightly proud of its dual role in supporting technical excellence and high member standards. This technical excellence has been achieved through our journals and conferences. It has been further fostered by the establishment of technical institutes. I have been pleased to work on a number of the Environmental and Water Resources Institute’s congresses because of their relevance to both academic and practicing engineers. And, as president of the Seattle Section, I asked each of our technical committees to prepare white papers evaluating how their technical activities aligned with those of the various institutes. I believe this alignment is important and should be assessed by each section.

I was honored to be one of the early diplomates of the American Academy of Water Resources Engineers. This form of recognition is a significant part of ASCE’s effort to provide recognition of advanced expertise in a technical specialty, superior experience, strong ethics, and a commitment to lifelong learning and continuing professional development. I also believe in high standards for professional licensure and continued education for license renewal. And having been educated in both Europe and the United States, I believe I can provide a unique perspective on the Society’s ongoing debate on how to raise the recognition of engineering credentials.
But the most important role is to visit with the local membership. I promise to listen to what you have to say and to do my best to convey your message to the regional Board of Governors.

Region 9:

Kathleen S. Haynes, P.E., M.ASCE

Education

• B.S.C.E., San Diego State University, 1989

Work experience

• Kennedy/Jenks Consultants
• RBF 
• Corrao Group
• Boyle Engineering

ASCE involvement

• Director, San Diego Section
• Vice president, San Diego Section
• President-elect, San Diego Section
• President, San Diego Section
• Past president, San Diego Section
• Chair, science fair, San Diego Section
• Chair, government relations, San Diego Section
• Corresponding member, sgr and gac

Other volunteer activities

• Government advocacy, JDRF
• Mentor, JDRF
• Past president, San Diego Section, SWE
• Steering Committee, Friends of Infrastructure

Region 10:

Himansu Banerjee, Ph.D., P.E., M.ASCE

Education

• Ph.D., engineering, University of Glasgow, United Kingdom
• MBA, University of Western Australia
• M.Tech., structural engineering, Indian Institute of Technology
• B.E., civil, University of Calcutta, India

Work experience

• Senior structural consultant engineer, WorleyParsons, Resources & Energy, Australia
• Senior structural engineer (lead), Australian Marine Technologies, Melbourne, Australia
• Senior design engineer, Advitech Pty. Ltd., Newcastle, Australia
• University of Newcastle, Australia
• Curtin University of Technology, Australia
• University of Calcutta, India

ASCE involvement

• Life member
• Executive Committee, Australia International Group
• Treasurer, Australia International Group

Other volunteer activities

• Member, Executive Committee, Structural College Board (National), Engineers Australia
• Chair, Executive Committee, Civil/Structural Branch, Newcastle Division, Engineers Australia
• Member, Engineering Practice Committee, Newcastle Division, Engineers Australia
• Member, OHS Committee, WorleyParsons, Resources & Energy, Australia

Vision statement

There is no doubt that the American Society of Civil Engineers is the preeminent civil engineering society in the world. The diversity and richness of the collective wisdom and experience of its membership are unparalleled.

However, although the organization has a substantial number of members outside the environs of the United States (Region 10), these members do not have a sense of identity of their own as ASCE members. Most of these members are also members of the national organization of the country of their practice. This results in a de facto loss of relevance of their ASCE membership.

In this day and age of globalization, it makes sense to move toward a more unified approach so that there is mutual recognition of professional accreditation across the international boundaries. This is where ASCE’s Region 10 can play a very important role.

If elected, I wish to initiate steps to integrate the ASCE international groups with the mainstream professional societies of the region so that we can act together to improve the image and capability of the civil engineering profession worldwide.

• I will endeavor to get a memorandum of understanding between ASCE and the national bodies of the countries in this region to make this transition possible. While the Washington Accord has improved interconnectivity between like-minded professional institutions to some extent, there is room for improvement in this area and Region 10’s Executive Committee can take a proactive role in hastening the integration.
• Region 10 is so vast and so far removed from the nucleus of ASCE that something needs to be done to keep alive the sense of collegiality amongst the membership. I would campaign for at least one annual convention in Region 10 where members from all regions can meet to nurture the sense of togetherness.
• I would also like to see that some of the ASCE learned societies choose to hold their conferences in Region 10 every two years or so, as seen with the Fifth Civil Engineering Conference in the Asian Region.

I believe that I am in a unique position of being an agent for change in trying to bring together various national bodies and ASCE and get the benefit of each other’s wisdom and experience.

Pratim K. Ghose, CENG, F.ASCE

Education

• BSc (honors), physics, University of Calcutta, India
• BSc, civil engineering, University of London

Work experience

• 2004–08: disputes review expert, two World Bank–funded contracts, Vietnam
• 2003–08: senior consultant, Parsons Brinckerhoff Asia (airport expansion, New Delhi, India; mass transit system, Krung Thep [Bangkok], Thailand; Suvarnabhumi Thai Airways facilities, Thailand; Calaca Power Station refurbishment, Philippines)
• 2000–03: consultant arbitrator, Krung Thep, Thailand
• 1993–99: senior contracts manager, Airport Authority Hong Kong
• 1989–93: independent consultant, Pypun–Howard Humphreys Ltd., Hong Kong, and Howard Humphreys & Partners, United Kingdom
• 1961–89: project management, civil and structural engineering, United Kingdom and Ireland

ASCE involvement

• Life member
• 2002–present: president and treasurer, Thailand Section
• Awards for top membership for an international section (2004), Member-Get-A-Member Drive (2005), outstanding section and branch (2005), and outstanding membership chair nominator (2006)
• Region 10 Assembly, March 2008

Other volunteer activities

• Fellow, Institution of Civil Engineers, United Kingdom
• Fellow, Institution of Engineers, Ireland
• Fellow, Hong Kong Institution of Engineers
• Member, Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, United Kingdom
• Member (registered mediator), Academy of Experts, United Kingdom
• Member, Disputes Resolution Board Foundation, Seattle
• Vice-chairman, treasurer, Thailand Local Association, Institution of Civil Engineers, United Kingdom
• Treasurer, Society of Professional Engineers Thailand
• Events manager, Thailand Committee, Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, United Kingdom

Vision statement

My vision for Region 10 as a governor, if I am honored to be elected, may be stated in a nutshell: To make Region 10 become a vibrant part of ASCE whereby civil engineers worldwide would be proud to be ASCE Region10 members.

My intention is to stimulate the activities of Region 10 to the full extent of my capabilities to achieve that vision.

I have identified some specific areas in my vision where I can actively participate as a Region 10 governor to achieve that vision. These in particular are as follows:

• Region 10 is a new concept in the overall governance structure of the Society. As such, the Board of Governors of Region 10 is expected to set the direction of the region, specifically taking into consideration the various levels of activities of the current 31 international sections and groups. This is a challenge I can face up to in helping the Board of Governors improve the operations of Region 10.
• The Region 10 Assembly, formed in 2008, should be used as an engine to elicit active participation by the presidents of ASCE international sections and groups, thus pushing Region10 to become a vibrant part of ASCE through motivation provided by all the governors, including myself.
• Subregions: I intend to table for Board of Governors consideration a proposal to subdivide Region10 between the governors in such a manner that each can practically, and actually, “govern” a subregion by implementing regular visits and meetings within that subregion.
• Sister Section Program: This has been launched in 2009 by the Region10 Board of Governors to establish a real-time relationship and a one-on-one direct exchange between Region 10 sections and groups and the domestic sections in the other nine regions. For the Region 10 governors to develop the mechanics and details of the program with a view to linking each Region 10 section or group with a suitable section from the nine ASCE main regions, the formation of the subregions proposed would help streamline such development.
• Since the region has been created in the recent past, the current chair identified as one of his major tasks development of a Region 10 funding mechanism and budget to better support the operations of the Board of Governors. In this regard, I can offer my experience along with my Board of Governors colleagues, including the chair, in carrying out that task.

I consider the achievement of the foregoing will certainly help realization of ASCE’s vision for civil engineering in the future.

Ronald Hine, M.ASCE

Education

• M.S., soil mechanics and foundation engineering, Centro de Estudios y Experimentación de Obras Públicas, Spain, 2003 
• B.S., construction engineering, Instituto Tecnológico de Costa Rica, 2000 
  

Work experience

• 2007–present: president, sae Construction Management
• 2007–08: project manager, Novatecnia
• 2005–07: field engineer, Van Der Laat
• 2004–05: project manager, Novatecnia

ASCE involvement

•  2007–09: President, Costa Rica International Group

Other volunteer activities

• Vice president, Colegio de Ingenieros Tecnólogos de Costa Rica
• Director, Colegio Federado de Ingenieros y Arquitectos de Costa Rica
• President, Technical Council, Union Panamericana de Asociaciones de Ingenieros

Vision statement

It is my firm intention to narrow the gap between the engineering groups from different countries and ASCE, mainly those countries in which it is necessary to improve the exercise of civil engineering, and thus improve the quality of life of its inhabitants. I believe that our organization’s positive influence can have an important effect on engineering from other parts of the world. The population from each region needs its engineers to think, engage, propose, and participate toward the solutions of those problems that affect them; and luckily most of the solutions are comprised within the scope of our organization.

I wish to foster the ongoing exchange between junior and senior engineers, an honor that I’ve had so far with ASCE. Within the wide range of specialties found in ASCE, there is an enormous potential to achieve and benefit from these types of contacts. In a world that increasingly favors individuality instead of community, we have the opportunity in ASCE to capitalize on the knowledge and talent of its members.

Lastly, I offer myself for this election with the intention of serving my colleagues in anything possible, sparing no efforts in the tasks assigned during my term and adhering at all times to the values and vision of ASCE.

Mostafa M. Soliman, Ph.D., P.E., Hon.M.ASCE

Education

• B.S., civil engineering, Cairo University, 1953
• M.S., civil engineering, Colorado State University, 1957
• Ph.D., civil engineering, Utah State University, 1959

Work experience

• 1953–56: irrigation engineer in Egyptian Ministry of Irrigation
• 1960–64: lecturer, Ain Shams University
• 1964–66: visiting professor, Washington State University
• 1967–72: associate professor, Ain Shams University
• 1972–present: professor and head of Hydraulics and Irrigation Department, Ain Shams University
• 1988–present: emeritus president, Ain Shams University
• Research consultant to United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization and Food and Agriculture Organization
• Designed major reclamation projects in Egypt and other countries

ASCE involvement

• Past president, Egypt Section
• Honorary member, 2000
• Presented papers and chaired several sessions at ASCE conferences
• Member, International Activities Committee
• Contributed to scientific agreement between ASCE and Egyptian Society of Irrigation Engineers

Other volunteer activities

• President, Egyptian Society of Irrigation Engineers
• Member, Board of Egyptian Society of Engineers
• Member, Board of Directors, National Water Research Center
• Member: Academy of Science, American Association for the Advancement of Science, American Institute of Hydrology, International Association of Hydrological Sciences, International Association of Hydraulic Engineering and Research, and International Association of Hydrogeologists

Vision statement

I believe that my vision for the Society’s plans and activities should cope mainly with the statement that engineers as global leaders have to build a better quality of life. More specifically, the aspiration vision is to create a sustainable world and enhance the global quality of life. This can also be planned with other international societies in order to achieve the main goals of civil engineers around the world, which are also the main goals of ASCE. Civil engineers should serve competently, collaboratively, and ethically.

The diversities and wideness of Region 10 will be explored to sustainably globalize ASCE and its core professional values through the application of information and communication technologies and the implementation of strategically designed international outreaches and exchange programs. Through working with other region governors, I will ensure that the national engineering societies of Region 10 countries establish alliances and working agreements with ASCE for mutual development and for the deployment of best practices in civil engineering to the region.

By a special arrangement with the relevant committees of ASCE, Region 10 members will have access to the rich civil engineering resources—that is, ASCE journals, reports, codes, et cetera—at rates that will justify their economic classifications. Members will also be represented at ASCE annual conferences in larger numbers.

I believe this is only a brief idea about my humble vision in order to share in the progress of our civil engineering profession. I will be really honored to be one of the Region 10 candidates and to be one of those who serve our profession in good status.

∠ ENTRY GUIDELINES AND submittal materials are now available online for the 2010 Outstanding Civil Engineering Achievement (OCEA) Award competition. Visit http://content.asce.org/handa/OCEA.html. The submission deadline is October 1, 2009. Established in 1960, this prestigious award recognizes the project that best illustrates superior civil engineering skills and represents a significant contribution to civil engineering progress and to society. The project designated the OCEA is accorded an Outstanding Projects and Leaders (OPAL) award at the annual OPAL awards dinner. The 2010 OCEA winner and merit finalists will be honored at next year’s OPAL dinner, which will be held in the spring in the Washington, D.C., area. Entries may be submitted by the individual firms or agencies involved in the projects or may be nominated by an ASCE director and must meet the eligibility and entry requirements.

∠ WOULD YOU LIKE to become more involved in ASCE and in improving the practice of civil engineering? The Committee on Professional Practice (CPP) is seeking new full and corresponding members to serve on 5 of its 13 constituent committees. Begin as a corresponding member to learn more about a particular committee. Corresponding members enjoy the same opportunities, duties, and privileges as full members but are not expected to attend meetings since they are not reimbursed for travel expenses. Full committee members typically serve on a committee for up to four years. Serving on a national committee offers a unique opportunity to influence the profession, affect ASCE’s policies at the national level, and network with other civil engineers who practice in the public and private sectors.

The CPP provides vision, leadership, and direction to the Society and its members regarding professional and ethical issues affecting practicing civil engineers. It also periodically reviews the Society’s Code of Ethics and may recommend changes to the Board of Direction. The CPP’s five constituent committees are as follows:

The Committee on Business Practices develops products that enhance the practice of civil engineering, writes articles on business practices and practice guidelines for relevant ASCE journals, and provides information on professional ethics designed to be of benefit to the civil engineering community. The publication Ethics: Guidelines for Professional Conduct for Civil Engineers (www.asce.org/professional/ethics/) is one of its achievements. The committee is looking for full and corresponding members.

The Committee on Continuing Education fosters lifelong learning for engineers by developing and recommending policies, programs, and procedures in this area. It works with ASCE’s continuing education department to continually improve the Society’s continuing education offerings. This group is seeking corresponding members.

The Committee on Employment of Civil Engineers develops policies, procedures, and standards that take into account the economic, social, and ethical issues of the profession. The committee discusses and may report on current issues and trends that affect civil engineering employment. A good example of the type of work it does is provided by the publication ASCE Guidelines for Engineering Grades (www.asce.org/professional/careers/). This committee is seeking full members.

The Committee on Licensure and Ethics promotes the licensure of civil engineers and ethics in civil engineering practice through programs, policies, and procedures. It is seeking ASCE members with state licensing board or National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying experience or an interest in ethics to serve as corresponding members. Guidance on Licensing and Ethical Responsibilities for Civil Engineers (www.asce.org/professional/licensure/) is one of its publications.

The Committee on Peer Review for Public Agencies maintains and updates a special program designed to help all public-sector engineering, construction, and operations agencies improve their management and the quality of their services. (Visit www.asce.org/professional/peereview/peer_review.cfm for more information.) This group is currently seeking full members, preferably individuals who are professionally licensed and have more than 15 years of public agency experience, with at least 5 of them in a senior management position. Meeting these requirements enables full members to participate in the peer reviews.

For detailed committee charges and more information on the CPP and its constituent committees, refer to the “Professional Activities” section of ASCE’s Official Register (www.asce.org/or). Contact Melissa Prelewicz, ASCE’s senior manager of professional practice, at mprelewicz@asce.org by July 17, 2009. Be sure to indicate your committee of interest and submit a brief résumé as an attachment. She will forward your application to the appropriate committee chair.

∠ A STANDARD DEVELOPED by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) has been approved by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). The document, “Standards for Licensure as a Model Law Engineer,” outlines the requirements for attaining licensure as a professional engineer. It is used by the NCEES to provide guidance to its member licensing boards, which grant licensure to engineers and surveyors in all 50 states and several U.S. territories. Prior to being approved by the ANSI’s Board of Standards Review, the document was published on the NCEES home page and was open to public comment. ANSI is the U.S. representative to the International Organization for Standardization.

“With the [NCEES document] now being an ANSI-recognized standard, the NCEES is in an excellent position to promote licensure as the best way to ensure professional competence,” said Jerry Carter, the executive director of the NCEES, in a press release. “We look forward to promoting the use of this standard across industry, government, and academia. This will lead to greater uniformity in credentials and enhanced protection for the public.” The standard describes the minimum criteria to obtain licensure as a professional engineer. The criteria cover education, professional experience, and examinations.

According to Thomas A. Lenox, Ph.D., M.ASCE, a senior managing director with ASCE, “This could facilitate the future implementation of ASCE’s ‘raise the bar’ initiative. The [new] standard approved by ANSI has been tied to the NCEES model law. This means that the standard does not have to be modified when there is an adjustment to the model law. As such, the increased formal educational requirements for becoming a professional engineer that have been approved by NCEES effective January 1, 2020, will automatically become an ANSI standard.”

The full text of the new standard may be downloaded at www.ncees.org/ncees_mle_standard.pdf.

Merlin A. Pistorius, P.E., M.ASCE, of Hammond, Louisiana, died on February 25 at the age of 74. Born on November 10, 1934, in Little Rock, Arkansas, Pistorius worked for the Louisiana Department of Transportation, where he held several positions, including that of district administrator in Hammond and chief engineer of maintenance. He retired after 40 years of service with the department. Pistorius was also active in various engineering socie-ties and served on the boards of both the Louisiana Engineering Society and the Louisiana Professional Engineering and Land Surveying Boards, chairing the latter from 1999 to 2000. He also served on the South Tangipahoa Parish Port Commission for several years. Donations may be made to the St. Vincent DePaul Conference, Holy Ghost Church, 601 North Oak Street, Hammond, LA 70401.

Edward C. Sullivan, Ph.D., P.E., M.ASCE, an associate dean of engineering for research and graduate programs at California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly), died on February 16 at the age of 64 from complications related to cancer. Sullivan received bachelor’s and master’s degrees in civil engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and a doctorate in transportation engineering from the University of California at Berkeley. He also earned a master’s in business administration from John F. Kennedy University. For 18 years Sullivan was a research engineer and lecturer at the University of California at Berkeley’s Institute of Transportation Studies. In 1989 he joined Cal Poly, where he taught transportation engineering courses and became an associate dean. Sullivan specialized in traffic analysis and modeling, evaluation methods, and traffic collision modeling. He received numerous accolades for his work in transportation engineering, including an award from ASCE in 1997 for his paper “A New Model for Predicting Freeway Incidents and Incident Delays,” which appeared in the Society’s Journal of Transportation Engineering.

When was the last time you heard good economic news? Don’t worry. I can’t remember either. During these challenging economic times, ASCE is working hard to provide direct and immediate benefits to our members. This month I will focus on the B of my abc presidency: benefits.

Membership in ASCE comes with a bonus. As civil engineers, we don’t practice alone. Through ASCE’s technical specialty institutes, our members benefit from a continually growing network of their peers at every career stage. To ensure that you have access to others in your specialty area, as well as to the latest advances in that area, each ASCE member receives membership in one of our eight technical specialty institutes at no extra cost.

You select the institute that best suits your needs: the Architectural Engineering Institute (AEI), the Coasts, Oceans, Ports, and Rivers Institute (COPRI), the Construction Institute (CI), the Engineering Mechanics Institute (EMI), the Environmental and Water Resources Institute (EWRI), the Geo-Institute (G-I), the Structural Engineering Institute (SEI), or the Transportation and Development Institute (T&DI). Members can join additional institutes at a cost of only $20 for each.

Here’s good news: our institutes are finding new ways to reach out to more ASCE members by partnering with other organizations, expanding activities at the section level, and involving more younger members and students. Just this month the AEI (www.aeinstitute.orghttp://) joined forces with the Steel Institute of New York to host the symposium “Aging Buildings: Designing for Longevity.” Bringing together experts on steel buildings and curtain walls, the symposium addressed structural frame and glass curtain enclosures, design approaches, forensic investigations, longevity and sustainability, and “green” design.

The AEI’s student chapters are enthusiastic about a new national architectural engineering student competition. The Charles Pankow Foundation recently notified the ASCE Foundation that the AEI will receive funding for an annual contest for at least three years and possibly five. The competition will focus on construction in extremely challenging, inhospitable, or hazardous conditions. Ingenuity, innovativeness, and originality of work—all part of the Charles Pankow legacy—will be recognized. Another new development, namely, the architectural engineering technical group within ASCE’s Pittsburgh Section, provides an excellent example of national and local collaboration. The group just partnered with the section’s EWRI local chapter and with the group Sustainable Pittsburgh to organize a successful conference on sustainability, and in time it may become the first AEI local chapter.

COPRI  (www.coprinstitute.org) is recognized internationally for its efforts in advancing the theory and practice of civil engineering as it relates to the coastal, ocean, port, and river environments. The annual awards gala held in connection with the Offshore Technology Conference (otc) Hall of Fame recognizes outstanding contributions by civil engineers to the offshore oil and gas industry. At last month’s gala, seven papers from the early years of the otc were inducted. As one of 12 founding sponsors of the otc, ASCE continues to attract cutting-edge papers for the otc that provide long-term value to the profession.

Through its interactions with ASCE sections and branches, the CI (www.constructioninst.org) sponsors activities that connect young engineers with experienced professionals. Younger members are developing products designed to advance the field. One example is an endeavor by young professionals within the CI to create a script and raise funds for a video on caisson detail design and construction. The CI recently received a grant from the Occupational Health and Safety Administration’s Susan Harwood Training Grant Program to develop a training program in the area of crane safety. The Sacramento Section established a CI chapter this year, and it is expected that there will soon be chapters in Maryland and Texas. The CI has also been holding regional seminars at which experts give their views on public-private partnerships, technology trends in construction, and various megaprojects.

The EMI (www.engineeringmechanics-institute.org), our newest institute, seeks to meet the needs of professionals in emerging areas of mechanics and to provide a forum for engineers, planners, industry representatives, citizen groups, and public officials. The EMI partnered with the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) and the Society of Engineering Science (SES) to organize the Joint 2009 ASCE-ASME-SES Conference on Mechanics and Materials, which is being held this month at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. Held every four years, this conference brings together three major societies in mechanics and offers those who attend a wide range of presentations, keynote lectures, and symposia.

The EWRI (www.ewrinstitute.org) too offers its members an opportunity an expand their horizons through seminars and conferences, including the annual World Environmental and Water Resources Congress, the 2009 installment of which was held last month in Kansas City, Missouri. At the 5th World Water Forum, held in I˙stanbul, Turkey, in March, the EWRI produced the first pavilion ever hosted by our country at this event, which is held every three years by the World Water Council. EWRI members in attendance examined transboundary water issues and considered how professional societies can help countries meet the United Nations’ Millennium Development Goals in the areas of drinking water and sanitation. With such information sources as its quarterly newsletter—Currents—and its monthly publication EWRI E-update, as well as its five specialty journals, a practice periodical, and various standards and manuals of practice, those belonging to the EWRI are very well informed about developments in their field.

The G-I (www.geoinstitute.org) helps its members grow personally and professionally by providing opportunities for networking, increasing their technical expertise, and doing volunteer work. Graduate students at U.S. colleges and universities are encouraged to form graduate student organizations in order to enhance the education of students who are preparing to become geoprofessionals. Student G-I members are also collaborating with student members of the ci in establishing new chapters and in developing criteria for the use of student funds. A student competition held at the g-i’s annual conference challenges students to construct a scaled-down model of a mechanically stabilized wall. The annual conference also offers students a career fair, a paper competition, and networking opportunities. The G-I is seeing new chapters in Alabama, Oklahoma, California, and Texas. Sharing with other groups in the region and encouraging open communication between peers are what chapter meetings are all about.

The SEI (www.seinstitute.org) offers members opportunities to serve on committees and to avail themselves of various other benefits, among them 12 issues of the magazine Structure each year, significant discounts on technical publications and standards, professional news from SEI Update—the institute’s newsletter—and the annual Structures Congress, a gathering of more than 1,000 structural engineers from around the world. Members also participate on local and national committees that develop codes and standards. The SEI encourages members to submit articles to the magazine and to three related journals published by ASCE.

Today, transportation design and land development that take the environment into consideration are hot topics for our nation. The T&DI (http://content.tanddi.org/) provides an avenue for drawing on important innovations in transportation engineering and land use planning and development. Put the Brakes on Fatalities Day is an annual event organized by the T&DI to reduce fatalities in highway construction zones. Successful related events were held in Alabama, Colorado, Kansas, Mississippi, and New Jersey.

Be sure to collect your bonus! Whether you are a student, a younger member, or a senior-level professional, I hope you will seek out opportunities to take part in a technical institute. Learn more at www.asce.org/instfound/.

Now you will be able to remember the last time you heard good economic news: today!

—D. Wayne Klotz,
P.E., D.WRE, F.ASCE

During its April meeting, ASCE’s Board of Direction approved four river crossings in New York for inclusion in the Historic Civil Engineering Landmark Program: the Manhattan Bridge, the Poughkeepsie Bridge, the Queensboro Bridge, and the Williamsburg Bridge. In the program’s international category, formal recognition was accorded to the Monumento Nacional Guayabo, a ceremonial center in Costa Rica built between 300 bc and ad 1400, and to the surveying and mapping work done by the British navigator George Vancouver on the West Coast of North America in the last decade of the 18th century. For additional information about the new landmarks, visit http://content.ASCE.org/history/index.html.

ASCE lent its expertise this month to what is called Security for a New Century, a briefing series for congressional audiences that seeks to provide information to policy makers on national security and foreign policy issues. Paul F. Mlakar, Ph.D., P.E., F.ASCE, and David Gehr, M.ASCE, members of the advisory council behind ASCE’s 2009 Report Card for America’s Infrastructure, provided a briefing to congressional staff members on the report and on infrastructure resilience in general. In addition to providing the attendees with an overall assessment of the nation’s infrastructure resilience, Mlakar and Gehr recommended ways of implementing plans and procedures that could make critical facets of infrastructure more resilient to hazards of all types. Read more about the briefing on ASCE’s “Our Failing Infrastructure” blog, at www.asce.org/govrel/blog.

ASCE’s 2009 Report Card for America’s Infrastructure continues to prompt numerous discussions about what can and should be done to address the country’s built environment. Now it is even easier for you to ensure that your voice is heard. A template letter to the editor and an op-ed are available at http://capwiz.com/ascereportcard/home. Not only can you customize either template to address the issues in your community; you can also do a quick search to find contact information regarding your local newspaper. If there is an infrastructure issue in your area that has been receiving a significant amount of attention lately, consider submitting a letter to the editor or an op-ed piece to add your opinion to the discussion.

ASCE’s Board of Direction has launched a priority strategy that will assist civil engineers in implementing sustainability principles in their day-to-day work and in using those principles to their competitive advantage. A task committee appointed by ASCE’s president, D. Wayne Klotz, P.E., D.WRE, F.ASCE, and chaired by Craig Farkos, P.E., M.ASCE, has begun developing an action plan, along with a clearer definition of what sustainability means in relation to civil engineering infrastructure. Part of the process includes exploring whether ASCE should develop a program for rating projects and conferring credentials on individuals who undergo special training. The task committee will bring its final report to the board at its October 2009 meeting, which will be held in Kansas City, Missouri. ASCE aims to provide leadership to ensure that civil engineers define their own role and highlight practices that have proved to be extremely effective when it comes to sustainability rather than rely on other organizations to do this.

ASCE members in Texas recently received messages (“key alerts”) asking them to contact their legislators in order to oppose two different pieces of legislation that would erode the qualifications-based selection (QBS) process in Texas. Representative Jodie Laubenberg (R-Rockwall) attempted to add anti-QBS language to two bills, House Bill (HB) 2820 and hb 300. When the House voted, the anti-QBS language was defeated in both bills by votes of respectively 123 to 22 and 117 to 21. The members of the Texas Section played a very important role in the defeat of these attacks on QBS. Their letters, phone calls, and e-mails to their state legislators had a telling effect, and I want to thank them for their efforts on this important issue. Your communications to elected officials can make a difference. Please keep an eye out for further alerts from ASCE on this and other important legislative issues. To become a participant in our Key Contact Program and receive these key alerts for your area, visit www.asce.org/pressroom/publicpolicy/keycont.cfm.

Please join us on Sunday, November 1, in Kansas City, Missouri. This will be the seventh consecutive year that a community service event has rounded out our annual conference. You can help us leave a lasting legacy in the city. This year we are working with Hands On Kansas City, a nonprofit organization that makes meaningful volunteer opportunities more accessible to active people with busy schedules. Our site will be Heartland Therapeutic Riding, Inc., a nonprofit organization that uses horses in providing therapy to both children and adults. For more information, contact Alicia Karwoski, ASCE’s director of professional activities, at (800) 548-2723, extension 6324, or at akarwoski@asce.org. For descriptions of the six previous efforts—in Nashville in 2003, Baltimore in 2004, Los Angeles in 2005, Chicago in 2006, Orlando in 2007, and Pittsburgh in 2008, visit ASCE’s community service Web site at www.asce.org/professional/commservice/ and click on “Volunteer Community Service Events.” The Web site also features photographs that show our volunteers in action and the finished work on facilities from coast to coast.

Did you know that the ASCE Foundation is on Facebook? Have you checked out the new and improved ASCE Foundation Web site? Now more than ever it is easy to stay connected with ASCE and the ASCE Foundation. Visit the foundation’s recently revamped Web site, where you’ll find resources, articles, information, and a link to the ASCE Foundation’s group on Facebook. You can even make your donation online; it is as easy as one click. Visit www.asce.org/foundation and discover how you can stay connected.

The ASCE Foundation appreciates all of its members and supporters, and this month recognizes Randy Perkinson, P.E., F.ASCE, in the “Donor Spotlight” feature on its Web site. Perkinson has consistently supported the ASCE Foundation and its educational initiatives. He is also active in ASCE’s legislative advocacy efforts and is a member of our Committee on Government Affairs. He was the first 2009 donor to make a gift to the Congressional Fellows Program. “The benefit of having a civil engineer on Capitol Hill is crystal clear,” he says, adding that “our policy makers must increasingly turn to professional engineers for input. We need to help Congress look at issues from an engineer’s perspective.” The ASCE Foundation thrives on the support it receives from organizations and from individual members. In this challenging economic climate, the ASCE Foundation appreciates the support of its members more than ever. Please visit http://content.asce.org/foundation/ to learn about the ASCE Foundation and how to support many its innovative and unique programs.

—Patrick J. Natale, P.E., F.ASCE
Executive Director