Board of Governors

Our Leadership

Meet Our Team

Our leadership team is dedicated to advancing our mission and supporting the communities we serve.

Director

Aaron Frits, P.E., ENV SP, F.ASCE

Region 7 | Kansas | GBA

"As a leader long dedicated to student engagement in ASCE, my vision is to enhance connections for students at the local level through engagement with sections, branches, and younger member groups, facilitated by ASCE Region leadership. As a conduit between Society-level and local programs, I will champion a culture of collaboration and communication, furthering opportunities that connect students with their local members and leaders.

A key component of this vision is ensuring students are well-prepared for their future careers. I am committed to connecting students with the extensive range of people that work in the civil engineering industry, bridging the gap between academia and the professional world. By providing students with the skills, experiences, and networks they need to seamlessly transition into the workforce, ASCE will stay relevant  and continue to be their professional engineering home. My goal is to foster strong relationships between student members and industry professionals, driving an increase in ASCE membership by delivering value to existing members, welcoming new professionals, and smoothly transitioning student members into full members upon graduation.

Focusing on students, retaining current members, and adding new members will allow ASCE to thrive financially and maintain its position in the world as trusted advisors. By nurturing our student members and fostering a strong sense of community, we will ensure the continued growth and success of our organization, while upholding the values and standards that make ASCE a respected and influential force in the civil engineering industry."

EDUCATION

  • Master of Science, Civil Engineering, University of Kansas, 2008
  • Bachelor of Science, Civil Engineering, Iowa State University, 2003

CERTIFICATION AND LICENSES

  • Professional Engineer, KS #19776, 2007

WORK EXPERIENCE

  • Principal, Transportation, GBA, 2023 to Present
  • Roadways Group Leader, GBA, 2019 - 2023
  • Adjunct Instructor, University of Kansas, 2019 to Present
  • Road Design Leader, Kansas Department of Transportation, 2012 - 2019
  • Road Squad Leader, Kansas Department of Transportation, 2007 - 2012
  • Road Designer, Kansas Department of Transportation, 2003 - 2007

ASCE INVOLVEMENT

Society-Level
  • Leader Training Committee, 2016 to Present
    • Chair, 2021 - 2023
    • Member, 2016 – 2024
    • Corresponding Member, 2024 to Present
  • Governor, Region 7, 2012 - 2018
  • Key Contact Committee Member, 2012 - 2015
  • Web Oversight Committee Member, 2015 - 2016
Local Level
  • ASCE KU Student Chapter Practitioner Advisor, 2018 to Present
  • Kansas Infrastructure Report Card Committee –2017 to Present
  • President, ASCE KS Section, September 2009 - 2010
  • President Elect, ASCE KS Section, September 2008 - 2009
  • Younger Member Group President, ASCE KS Section, July 2007 - July 2008
  • Younger Member Group President Elect, ASCE KS Section, July 2006 - July 2007

OTHER VOLUNTEER ACTIVITIES 

  • Kansas Society of Professional Engineers, Member, 2022- Present
  • Women in Transportation Symposium (WTS), Member, 2022-Present
  • American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) Member, 2016-2019
    • Technical Committee on Geometric Design, Member, 2016 – 2019
      • Lead Author, Chapter 9 of “A Policy on Geometric Design of Highways and Streets, 7th Edition” (The Greenbook)
      • Editor and Reviewer, Low Volume Road Guide, 2nd Edition
  • National Comprehensive Highway Research Program (NCHRP) Member, 2011-2020
    • Panel Chair, NCHRP 15-77 - Aligning Geometric Design with Roadway Context
    • Panel Member, NCHRP 03-102 - Design Guidance for Intersection Auxiliary Lanes
    • Panel Member, NCHRP 03-105 - Design Guidance for Interchange Loop Ramps
    • Panel Member, NCHRP 20-7/Task 423 - Planning for a Comprehensive Update and Restructuring of AASHTO’s A Policy on Geometric Design of Highways and Streets (8th Edition)

AWARDS

  • Engineer of the Year, ASCE KS Section, 2022

PUBLICATIONS

  • Frits, A.M. (2008), Development of Interim Guidelines for Access Control to One-way Frontage Roads, Master’s Project, University of Kansas
Governor

Ben Ware, P.E., M.ASCE

Region 7 | Kansas / Western Missouri | GBA

Ben Ware

"Throughout my career and involvement in the ASCE, I have been an advocate for advancing our profession and nurturing young engineers. My strong background in pre-college outreach programs demonstrates my commitment to fostering interest in civil engineering from an early age.

If elected as region governor, I plan to leverage my 12 years of experience to enhance student engagement within our region. This focus on students is crucial for the future of ASCE and the continued growth of our profession.

As a passionate advocate, I understand that student engagement is not only about attracting young minds to the field but also about nurturing and developing them throughout their careers. By emphasizing this aspect, I contribute significantly to the long-term success of civil engineering."

EDUCATION

  • University of Kansas, Master of Civil Engineering, 2016
  • Iowa State University, Bachelor of Science, Civil Engineering, 2009

CERTIFICATION AND LICENSES

  • P.E., Missouri Board for Professional Engineers, 2024 – Present
  • P.E., Kansas Board of Technical Professionals, 2014 – Present

WORK EXPERIENCE

  • George Butler Associates (GBA), Senior Engineer, 2023 – Present
  • Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT), Lead Designer, 2010 – 2023

ASCE INVOLVEMENT

Local Level
  • Kansas Section Past President, 2019 - 2021
  • Kansas Section President, 2018
  • Kansas Section YMG Past President, 2017
  • Kansas Section YMG President, 2016
  • Kansas Section YMG Secretary, 2015
  • Kansas Section YMG Social Chair, 2014
  • Kansas Section YMG Outreach Chair, 2012 - 2013

OTHER VOLUNTEER ACTIVITIES

  • Great Plains Future City Competition Assistant Coordinator, 2020 - Present
  • Great Plains Future City Competition Judge Coordinator, 2017 - 2020
  • Great Plains Future City Competition Logistics Chair, 2012 - 2016
Governor

Caleb S. Stock, P.E., M.ASCE

Region 7 | Colorado | HDR

Caleb Stock

"I am submitting my candidacy for Region 7 Governor to provide an opportunity for potential constituents and myself to have a larger voice. As a Governor I envision my role being a communication pipeline between Branches and Sections to the broader Region 7 and Society as a whole. This will involve open communication with Branches and Sections as well as the Board of Governors to ensure all voices are being heard to benefit Region 7.

As a Governor I will implement lessons learned and successes from my experience at a Branch level, as well as those I hear from other Branch and Section leaders while Governor, to increase the effectiveness of Region 7. By being united as a Region and as a Society I feel we can increase the impact of our profession on a national level. This begins with engaging children and young adults all the way to elected officials and educating them on the necessity and benefits civil engineers provide our country."

EDUCATION

  • MS, Civil Engineering, Colorado State University, 2018
  • BS, Geological Engineering, University of Minnesota, 2005

WORK EXPERIENCE

  • Project Geotechnical Engineer, Tetra Tech, Inc., 2008 - Present
  • Staff Engineer, American Engineering & Testing, Inc., 2005 - 2008

ASCE INVOLVEMENT

Society-Level
  • Attended Legislative Fly-In, 2011
Local Level
  • Attended Legislative Drive-In, 2020
  • Northern Colorado Branch
    • Chair, Government Affairs Committee, 2018 - Present
    • Historian, 2018 - Present
    • Past President, 2016 - 2017
    • President, 2015 - 2016
    • Vice President, 2014 - 2015
    • Secretary, 2013 - 2014
    • Chair, Program Committee, 2010 - 2013
    • Organizer, Dream Big Film Screening in Fort Collins, Colorado, 2016

OTHER VOLUNTEER ACTIVITIES

  • 2nd/3rd Grade Basketball Coach, City of Fort Collins Recreation Department, 2022
  • Volunteer, Ready, Set, Create!, 2019
  • Mentor, Partners Mentoring Youth, 2009 - 2012

PUBLICATIONS

  • Author, “Abandoned Mine Land Mitigation by the State of Wyoming,” ASCE Northern Colorado Branch, May 2020
  • Co-Author, “Hydrologic Comparison of Prescriptive and Water Balance Covers,” ASCE Journal of Environmental Engineering, 146(7), 2020
  • Co-Author, “Design and Construction of an Earthen Impoundment for Water Management,” Geotechnical Practice Publication No. 9, Proceedings of the 2014 Rocky Mountain Geo-Conference, ASCE, November 2014
Governor

Jenifer Bates, P.E., M.ASCE

Region 7 | Iowa / South Dakota | Iowa Department of Transportation

Jennifer Bates

"While promoting the field of civil engineering has been a priority throughout my career, my passion for promoting the profession to the younger generations, including K-12 outreach, college outreach and younger member outreach has always been at the top of my list. Continued encouragement and knowledge at every step of development is how we grow our profession and our membership, not only in quantity but in quality. It is paramount that we provide the foundation and the support throughout their journey because they are not only the future of our organization, but of our world. My goal during my time as governor would be to engage with the student chapters and younger member groups within the Region to make sure they feel supported and know the important part they play in our Society. I think this would help to not only retain membership as students graduate, but to grow membership as younger engineers share within their networks the benefits of ASCE."

EDUCATION

  • B.S. with Distinction in Civil Engineering, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, 1996

CERTIFICATION AND LICENSES

  • Licensed Professional Engineer, 2001

WORK EXPERIENCE

  • Iowa Department of Transportation, Local Systems Urban Engineer, 2022 - Present
  • Shive-Hattery, Project Manager/Senior Transportation Engineer, 2016 - 2022
  • JEO Consulting, Project Manager/Transportation Engineer, 2014 - 2016
  • Snyder & Associates, Inc., Project Manager/Transportation Engineer, 2005 - 2014
  • Stanley Consultants, Inc., Civil Engineer, 1997 - 2005

ASCE INVOLVEMENT

Society-Level
  • Region 7 Governor, 2022 - Present
  • Region 7 Assembly Delegate, 2008 - 2022
  • National Committee on Career Development, 2011 - 2012
  • Government Relations Fly-In, 2009 - 2010
  • Governors and Presidents Forum, 2008 - 2009
  • Multi-Region Leadership Conference, 2005
  • National Convention, 2008 - 2010
  • Regional Concrete Canoe Competition Judge, 2015 - 2016
Local Level
  • Iowa Section
    • Centennial Committee Chair, 2019 - 2021
    • State Report Card Committee, 2015, 2019
    • Interim Secretary, 2012
    • Past-President, 2010
    • President, 2009
    • Vice President, 2008
    • Director, 2006 - 2007
    • Associate Director, 2005
    • Treasurer, 2004

OTHER VOLUNTEER ACTIVITIES

  • High School Youth Group Leader, 2022 - Present
  • MathCounts Competition Planning Committee, Iowa Engineering Society, 2008 - Present
  • Iowa Trails Summit Committee, 2018 - Present
  • Middle School Youth Group Leader, 2016 - 2020
  • Indianola Middle School MathCounts Coach, 2011 - 2020
  • Sunday School Teacher, 2007 - 2015

AWARDS

  • Iowa Section ASCE, Iowa Section Award, 2021
  • Central Iowa Chapter Iowa Engineering Society, Outstanding Public Service Award, 2017
  • Iowa Section ASCE, Outstanding Civil Engineer Award, 2013
Governor

Tim Brugger, P.E., M.ASCE

Region 7 | Nebraska / Wyoming | Morrison-Maierle

Tim Brugger

"Having actively participated in ASCE at the state level for the past 5 years, I look forward to contributing to the Wyoming and Nebraska Sections in the capacity of a Region 7 Governor. My primary objective is to foster and maintain effective communication between the Region 7/Society level and both state sections, including their associated student sections. Through close collaboration with the Wyoming and Nebraska State Sections, my goal is to assist in their expansion and enhance the benefits provided to ASCE members. Additionally, I will promote the development of meaningful connections, recognizing it as a key avenue for delivering value to our members at both state and student levels. Another high-priority focus is on supporting the student sections. Recognizing that the future of our profession lies in the hands of these emerging engineers, it is imperative to provide them with the necessary encouragement, resources, and guidance to shape the next generation of leaders in civil engineering."

EDUCATION

  • BS – Civil Engineering, University of Wyoming, 2007

CERTIFICATION AND LICENSES

  • Professional Engineer (P.E.), Wyoming

WORK EXPERIENCE

  • Morrison-Maierle, Senior Transportation Engineer, 2016 - Present
  • Vista West Engineering, Intern, Design, and Project Engineer, 2007 - 2016

ASCE INVOLVEMENT

Local Level
  • Wyoming Section
    • Secretary, Treasurer, VP, President, and Past-President, February 2019 - February 2024

OTHER VOLUNTEER ACTIVITIES

  • Leadership Sheridan, Class of 2014
Governor

Jordan Pettibone, P.E., M.ASCE

Region 7 | Eastern Missouri | Lochmueller Group

Jordan Pettibone

"The greatest joy I have had as a member of ASCE was coming back to my middle school to speak about Civil Engineering and conduct an activity from Dream Big. My teachers and professors believed in my ability to solve complex problems. I believe recruiting future engineers with pre-college outreach, fostering and supporting our college students majoring in Civil Engineering, and providing mentorship and guidance in the beginning of our young engineers’ careers should be one of our Society’s primary mission. As the interim St. Louis Region 7 Governor I will make executing this vision my priority. I will be a resource willing to speak with our Student Sections and provide support and guidance for our Sections outreach efforts. All of this while continuing to act as a conduit between Society and our delegate Sections. "

EDUCATION

  • Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, 2007
  • Associates of Arts & Sciences, Illinois Central College, 2004

CERTIFICATION AND LICENSES

  • Illinois PE
  • Missouri PE
  • South Carolina PE

WORK EXPERIENCE

  • Lochmueller Group, Inc., August 2023 – Present
  • Horner & Shifrin, Inc., February 2009 – August 2023
  • Post, Buckley, Schuh, & Jernigan, January 2008 – January 2009

ASCE INVOLVEMENT

Society-Level
  • Corresponding Member, Region 7, 2021 - 2023
Local Level
  • Section Board Member, 2014 - 2022
    • Past-President & Interim Technical Director, 2021 - 2022
    • President, 2020 - 2021
    • President-Elect, 2019 - 2020
    • Vice-President, 2018 - 2019
    • Secretary, 2017 - 2018
    • Treasurer, 2016 - 2017
    • Director, Technical Development, 2014 - 2016
  • Chair, Younger Member Group, 2012 - 2014

OTHER VOLUNTEER ACTIVITIES

  • Planning & Zoning Commission, Village of Swansea, IL, 2020 - 2024
  • Village Trustee, Village of New Baden, IL, 2015 - 2019+
  • Park Board Commissioner, Village of New Baden, IL, 2011 - 2015

AWARDS

  • ASCE Region 7 Professional Progress Co-Award, 2025
  • SIUE School of Civil Engineering Alumnus of the Year, 2025
  • ASCE St. Louis Section Professional Achievement Award, 2024
  • ASCE St. Louis Section Younger Member Award, 2015
Governor

Ernie Longoria, P.E., PTOE, CFM, M.ASCE

Region 7 | At-Large | City of Shawnee, Kansas

Ernie Longoria

"Having traveled around the world, I’ve seen how Civil Engineering affects everyday life.  From power generation and distribution, to safe drinking water and proper treatment and disposal of waste, to transportation nodes and flood control as Civil Engineers anything we do affects so many people for good or harm.

As a Governor of Region 7, I would share my experiences how we are all connected regardless of our individual gender, religion, nationality, ancestry, and creed.  I’d strive to inspire the next generations of engineers to learn as much as they can.  Getting additional education is a lot tougher when you are working full time and starting a family!  I’d work with young professionals to seek out new challenges and go outside their comfort zone to grow with new perspectives and insights.  I’d chat with seasoned professionals and retirees to learn how things were done and how they could be different by mentoring new and upcoming engineers.  I’d also encourage them to share that knowledge by engaging with the public, potential future engineers, and elected officials.

Lastly, I would stress the value of an ASCE membership.  Its career development, technical education, and network potential is unmatched by adjacent organizations."

EDUCATION

  • BS Civil Engineering, Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI, 2000
  • US Army Engineer Officers Basic Course, Fort Leonard Wood, MO, 2001
  • MS Civil Engineering, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, 2012

CERTIFICATION AND LICENSES

  • Licensed Professional Engineer in Kansas – 19109
  • Professional Traffic Operations Engineer – 4178
  • Graduate of the University of Kansas Certified Public Manager program

WORK EXPERIENCE

  • Senior Project Engineer – Storm Drainage, City of Shawnee, KS, 2018 – Present
  • Senior Project Manager, City of Overland Park, KS, 2007 - 2018
  • Retrofit Project Engineer, Smith & Loveless, Lenexa, KS, 2005 - 2007
  • Captain (O-3), US Army Corps of Engineers, Fort Riley, KS, 2000 - 2004

ASCE INVOLVEMENT

Society-Level
  • Kansas Advocacy Captain
  • Key Contact
  • Past Key Contact Committee Chair
Local Level
  • Past President, Kansas City Section, 2019 - 2020
  • Past Treasurer, Kansas City Section, 2018 - 2019
  • Past Secretary, Kansas City Section, 2017 - 2018
  • Past Associate Member Director, Kansas City Section, 2016 - 2017
  • Past Government Public Relations Chair, 2013 - 2016
  • Past Education Outreach Committee Member

OTHER VOLUNTEER ACTIVITIES

  • Caring for Kids Broken Arrow Elementary School – City of Shawnee Representative, 2021 - Present
  • Kansas City Metro Chapter of APWA, Historical Committee Chair, 2009 - Present
  • APWA Emerging Leaders Academy, Class of 2009
Governor

Aaron Leopold, P.E., M.ASCE

Region 7 | Colorado | Dan Brown and Associates, PC

Aaron Leopold

"As a Region 7 Governor I want to empower local ASCE membership and inspire students.  My leadership within ASCE began with the Younger Member Group, transitioned to forming the Denver Branch, and now I am currently finishing my position as past president of Colorado Section.  Helping other members become future leaders of their student chapters, institutes, and branches creates a sustainable and successful organization.  With this approach, I hope to increase communication and effectiveness twofold.  Empowered membership will be able to effectively volunteer, while as Governor, I would distribute regional information and resources to all.  Region 7 is successful based on the culmination of its Sections, branches, and student chapters.  My involvement with the infrastructure report card, government affairs committee, Cities of the Future, institute symposiums, and much more will allow me to bring these experiences to the Region and bring the Region’s experiences back to Colorado."

EDUCATION

  • Master’s of Science in Civil Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 2014
  • Bachelor’s of Science in Civil Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 2013

CERTIFICATION AND LICENSES

  • Professional Engineer – Colorado, Utah, and Virginia

WORK EXPERIENCE

  • Dan Brown and Associates, Senior Engineer, 2022 - Present
  • Shannon & Wilson, Senior Geotechnical Engineer, 2014 – 2022

ASCE INVOLVEMENT

  • Region 7 Governor, 2025 - Present
  • Colorado Geo-Institute Chair, 2022 - Present
  • Member, Government Affairs Committee, 2017 - Present
  • Executive Leadership, 2025 Colorado Infrastructure Report Card, 2024 - 2025
  • Member, Executive Board of the Colorado Section, 2021 - 2025
    • Secretary, Vice President, President, and Past-President
  • Member, Executive Board of the Denver Branch, 2017 - 2021
    • Treasurer, two years
    • Secretary, Vice President, President, and Past-President
  • Treasurer, Colorado Section Younger Member Group, 2015 - 2017
  • Board Member, Colorado Transportation Symposium, 2019 – 2023
  • Bridge Chapter, 2020 Colorado Infrastructure Report Card, 2019 - 2020

OTHER VOLUNTEER ACTIVITIES

  • Member, Colorado Association of Geotechnical Engineers, 2014 - Present
  • Member, Deep Foundations Institute, 2022 - Present

Our Leadership

Corresponding Members

  • Past Direction Corresponding Member, Marsia Geldert-Murphey (St. Louis Section)
  • Past Direction Corresponding Member, Erin Steever (South Dakota Section)
  • Corresponding Member, Kevin Koester (Kansas Section) 
  • Corresponding Member, Bill Mabuce (Iowa Section) 
  • Corresponding Member, Andres Torres (Nebraska Section)
  • Corresponding Member, Andrew Eisenbraun (Nebraska Section)
  • Corresponding Member, Brenan Pool (St. Louis Section) 
  • Corresponding Member, Liz Staten (Colorado Section & LTC)
  • Corresponding Member, Sam Allen (Nebraska Section) 
  • Corresponding Member, Apurva Sawant (Colorado Section)
  • Corresponding Member, Marie Stamm (Nebraska Section)
  • Corresponding Student Member, Elijah Kline (University of Missouri Kansas City)

Governor Onboarding Documents

Are you interested in running for a term as a Governor for Region 7? Or wondering what you need to do now that you've been elected? 

Read more about the expectations in these two documents: