Robert D. Nichol, P.E., Dist.D.PE, Dist.M.ASCE, chairman of the Long Beach, California-based firm of Moffatt & Nichol and its former president and CEO, has died at 84.
In 1975, Nichol became Moffatt & Nichol’s second president, and his vision and leadership expanded the company from a small southern California firm with one office and 50 employees into one of the world’s top maritime and transportation design and advisory firms with 32 offices across the nation and abroad.
Nichol joined ASCE in 1960 and was a Life Member. Active with the ASCE Coasts, Oceans, Ports, and Rivers Institute, he was elected to the Society’s Distinguished Member class of 2011. He received the 2010 Outstanding Projects and Leaders Award for lifetime achievements in management, and the ASCE California Lifetime Achievement Award in 2013.
In addition to his ASCE contributions, Nichol was a commissioner of the National Commission of the U.S. Section at the Permanent International Association of Navigation Congress, served as a member of the National Research Council Commission on Engineering and Technical Systems, and was elected a Fellow of the Society of American Military Engineers.
Nichol’s son Eric assumed the role of Moffatt & Nichol president and CEO in 2006, and continues to lead the company’s day-to-day business activities.
Nichol is also survived by his wife, Georgia, son, Douglas, and two grandchildren.
