Engineering News-Record released its 2017 Top 25 Newsmakers, and ASCE members represent almost a third of the list, recognized for their contributions to the construction industry and public. From releasing a giant-screen engineering film to providing vital assistance in the face of Hurricane Harvey, Society members continue to have a remarkable impact in their communities and around the world.
“Recognizing ASCE’s vision of civil engineers as global leaders building a better quality of life, I was delighted but not surprised to see such a strong showing of ASCE member Newsmakers,” said ASCE Executive Director Tom Smith. “The fact that at least three Newsmakers were recognized for their ASCE activities also shows the impact of ASCE on the profession and public. We are grateful for their service, contributions, and representation of ASCE and the profession.”
Meet the influential ASCE members who made the list:
Bilal Ayyub, Ph.D., P.E., Dist.M.ASCE, civil and environmental engineering professor, University of Maryland, authored a set of planning and design guidelines for civil engineers to build resilient projects against extreme weather. Engineering’s first formal guide to designing climate resilient infrastructure will be distributed by ASCE’s Committee on Adaptation to a Changing Climate.
Ron Klemencic, P.E., S.E., F.SEI, F.ASCE, chairman and CEO, Magnusson Klemencic Associates, articulated ingenuity by creating the modular composite steel core-wall system to supersede the concrete core method. This revolutionary practice will be incorporated into a new high-rise called Rainier Square Tower. Upon completion, the skyscraper will be the second tallest building in Seattle.
Kevin LaMalva, P.E., M.ASCE, structural and fire-protection engineer, Simpson Gumpertz and Heger Inc., helped release a manual on performance-based structural fire engineering. Approved by ASCE, the publication will be recognized as civil engineering’s first codified set of performance-based structural fire design standards in the nation.
George Leventis, P.E., F.ASCE, managing director, Langan International, collaborated with stakeholders to roll-out more than 1,000 kilometers of roadway throughout Greece during a tense political backdrop. The multibillion-dollar roadway initiative was completed in 2017 and provides the country with easier access to major destinations.
Jane Howell Lombardi, chief communications officer, American Society of Civil Engineers, pushed for the release of Dream Big: Engineering Our World, a film that highlights the significance of working in the engineering field. Translated into five languages, the film takes viewers on a journey through engineering’s greatest wonders. Since its release, Dream Big has had a tremendous impact on students. ASCE’s goal for 2018 is to get a copy of the film into every public school in the United States.
Drew Molly, P.E., assistant director, Drinking Water Operations Branch, City of Houston, kept Houston’s Northeast Water Purification Plant functioning, undeterred by Hurricane Harvey’s floodwaters. Molly and his team forged ahead through deep waters to ensure that the 2.2 million citizens in Houston had access to high-quality drinking-water.
James Starace, P.E., M.ASCE, chief engineer, Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, managed the “Raise the Roadway” initiative, which increased the height of the Bayonne Bridge from 151 feet to 215 feet. Connecting Bayonne, NJ, to Staten Island, NY, the navigational clearance will allow sufficient access for larger cargo vessels traveling to New Jersey ports.
See the entire list of 2017 ENR Newsmakers.
