June 2026 SEAOCC President's Message

Well, that flew by!

As I reflect on my term as SEAOCC President, I am struck by the energy, dedication, and sense of community that make our organization so special. This year, we focused on strengthening connections, expanding professional development opportunities, recognizing excellence in our profession, and welcoming the next generation of structural engineers into our community.

What stands out most to me is not any single event, seminar, or meeting, but the people behind them. SEAOCC continues to thrive because of the volunteers, leaders, sponsors, and members who generously contribute their time, expertise, and enthusiasm. It has been a privilege to work alongside so many talented and dedicated professionals, and I am grateful for all that you have done to support our organization this year.

This month, we held our Annual Business Meeting and SEE Awards. Many thanks to everyone who submitted projects, our panel of judges, and Alban Gjongecaj for organizing an outstanding awards program.

And now… drum roll, please… here are the winners!

The June Awards Dinner also marks the ceremonial transition of our Board of Directors. We would like to thank our outgoing board members for their service and dedication to SEAOCC:

• Nathan Canney, P.E. – Central District Director

• Lisa Hartley, P.E. – East District Director

• Laura Rice, S.E. – Past President

We are also pleased to welcome new board members:

• Bella Villafuerte, P.E. – East District Director

• Anthony Tiapon, P.E. – Central District Director

• Thelbert Sexton, S.E. – Expected to be appointed by the Board in July to fill a vacant Central District Director position

Several board members are also stepping into new leadership roles:

• Alban Gjongecaj, S.E. – President

• Dave Miller, S.E. – Vice President

• Sonia Eliseo, S.E. – Past President

Congratulations to all, and thank you for your willingness to serve our profession and organization.

Over the past year, SEAOCC hosted a wide range of technical, educational, networking, and social events that brought our members together and strengthened our professional community. From technical dinner meetings and the Code Update Seminar to the SEAOC Convention, Women in Construction Conference, Holiday Party, Trivia Night, and numerous YMF activities, our organization remained active, engaged, and connected.

Our technical speakers shared valuable insights on topics ranging from structural failures and innovative design projects to construction engineering practices and emergency response. These programs continue to provide opportunities for learning, discussion, and professional growth, while helping us maintain the high standards that define our profession.

I am especially proud of the work of our Younger Member Forum. Catherine Moore and Francisco Rodriguez did an outstanding job creating opportunities for younger engineers to connect, learn, and become involved in our organization. Their efforts are helping build the future leadership of SEAOCC.

None of what we accomplished this year would have been possible without our volunteers, board members, committee chairs, sponsors, speakers, and event organizers. Every seminar, meeting, scholarship, networking event, and outreach effort reflects the hard work of people who care deeply about our profession and our community.

Serving as your President has been both an honor and a rewarding experience. I have had the opportunity to meet remarkable engineers, learn from dedicated leaders, and witness firsthand the strength of our organization. SEAOCC is far more than a professional organization—it is a community of people who support one another, share knowledge, and work together to advance structural engineering throughout Central California.

Thank you for your support, your participation, and your commitment to SEAOCC. I am proud of what we have accomplished together and excited to see the organization continue to grow under new leadership.

Have a wonderful summer, and we will see you in the fall. Next year marks 80 years of SEAOCC!

Here’s to another year of learning, leadership, strong connections, and making a positive impact on our structural engineering community.

Warmly,

Sonia Eliseo, SE

SEAOCC President