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  • 1.  ASCE's New CEO

    Posted 25 days ago
    Edited by Tirza Austin 25 days ago

    It is interesting that ASCE's new chief executive, Peter J. O'Neil, is not a civil engineer and dnd does not appear to have any experience with our industry. I, for one, am cautiously optimistic about the new connections and initiatives he might start, free of biases from an entrenched design or construction background. Subject-matter expertise is important, but it comes at a price when leading an organization as diverse as ours. I hope he goes on a listening tour that spans the diversity of the ASCE membership, that includes the voice of rank and file members What do others think?



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    Mitch Winkler P.E.(inactive), M.ASCE
    Houston, TX
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  • 2.  RE: ASCE's New CEO

    Posted 21 days ago

    Association professionals can take a while to understand what association members (we civils) want and are interested in.  After cybersecurity and a health association, a lot of listening and talking to members will be critical.  If the majority of HQ staff is civils, a good manager shouldn't have too much trouble getting in the groove.  



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    Sarah Simon P.E., M.ASCE
    RETIRED
    Ipswich MA
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    Original Message


  • 3.  RE: ASCE's New CEO

    Posted 20 days ago
    Edited by Tirza Austin 20 days ago

    I have been active in many professional organizations over the years.  I have seen both good and bad examples of association executive directors with subject matter expertise and without subject matter expertise.  But I agree that the new ED should make an effort to get to learn about the "rank and file" members since those typically with more direct contact are by definition a biased sample.



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    Charles Haas F.ASCE, NAE
    LD Betz Professor of Environ. Eng.
    Distinguished Professor in the Department of Civil, Architectural and Environmental Eng.
    Philadelphia PA
    haas@...
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    Original Message


  • 4.  RE: ASCE's New CEO

    Posted 21 days ago
    An interesting point , Dr. Mitch. From my humble perspective-if I may share my view; I believe the true importance of this position lies in translating high‑level strategies into tasks that are executable, tractable, and continuously improvable.
    I deeply understand your concerns, which would indeed be critical in the context of professional firms. However, within the institutional reality of ASCE, most initiatives and projects carry a more organizational nature. In this sense, the CEO role may take on a different character, shaped by the strategic direction of the Board.
    From my review of the previous report on streamlining the Board of Direction to make it more agile and strategic, I see this as a positive step. It suggests that the Board is preparing for an internal organizational shift in the coming era. If my reading of the situation is correct, this reflects a strong awareness of the technological and organizational challenges ahead-challenges that sometimes require tailored adaptation.
     
    With respect and appreciation,


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    Abubakr Gameil, R. ENG, M. ASCE®️,
    MSc-Holder, [ SEI, EWRI, CI, ISSMGE ]Mermber
    Past / Chairman & Director General
    Almanassa Engineering International Co. Ltd,
    Khartoum, Sudan
    Currently / UAE- Humanitariam Residency
    NXN- Central branch -Al Fujairah,
    PO.Box : 1142 (Fujairah)
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    Original Message


  • 5.  RE: ASCE's New CEO

    Posted 18 days ago

    Beautifully articulated – Abubakr. Indeed, perhaps a strategic tailored adaptation requirement to the rapidly changing challenges and scenarios – is one of the criteria in selecting the CEO. Perhaps – business-as-usual way of doing things was deemed inadequate – to make room for something different. Whatever may be the reasons – we wish the new CEO best of success.

    Nature of communications, technology, engineering and everything else – are increasingly gravitating towards AI powered activities. And new leadership of institutions, interdisciplinary of some sort – who wouldn't hesitate to take risk while charting new direction – is expected to steer things in that direction to address the new challenges of time.

    As a leadership rises above the managerial trivia – his or her role demands more of a vision than minuteness (more in Leadership and Management). The experience of Charles tells us that subject matter expertise may not always adequately serve the purpose – and we see the same in many other institutional and corporate structure.

    Again agreeing with Mitch, Sarah, Charles and you – that a leadership must not get detached from those he or she leads and works for – such as not to be superficial – but to listen, and address the aspirations and concerns of professional reality. And one more reasons for doing so is that sometimes brilliant ideas come from unexpected sources.

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    Dr. Dilip K Barua, PhD

    Website Links and Profile



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    Original Message


  • 6.  RE: ASCE's New CEO

    Posted 18 days ago

    While a significant percentage of staff may be degree holders in engineering and a smaller group are licensed professional engineers - I believe engineers are in the minority staff wise.   To get a feel - look at the senior leadership team at https://www.asce.org/about-asce/leadership/staff

    About 1/3 of the senior leadership team are engineers.  Critically the COO is a PE.  Similarly many leaders on the technical side of the house are engineers.  Given the importance of publications, member services, conferences, government relations IT, etc.  I wouldn't lament the presence of non engineers on the ASCE staffteam.  If anything they bring value added due to their expertise in these other fields.



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    Mark Killgore P.E., BC.WRE(Ret.), F.EWRI, F.ASCE

    Henrico VA
    [Phone]
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    Original Message


  • 7.  RE: ASCE's New CEO

    Posted 17 days ago

    Hi Mitchell,

    Thank you for sharing your thoughts. I agree that having a CEO without a traditional civil engineering background could bring fresh perspectives and new connections to ASCE. Subject-matter expertise is valuable, but leadership also requires listening, inclusivity, and understanding the diversity of the membership. I hope the new CEO takes the time to engage with members at all levels and balances industry knowledge with innovative approaches.

    Best regards,
    Darya



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    Darya Stanskova M.ASCE
    Cost Estimator, Construction Engineer, Power Engineer, Project Manager
    Fort Myers FL
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    Original Message


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