May 2025 SEAOCC President's Message

Posted By: Laura Rice SEAOCC - Central CA,

SEAOCC President's Message

Dear SEAOCC Members,

As we approach the close of the 2024–2025 SEAOCC year, I want to take a moment to reflect with deep gratitude on what we’ve accomplished together—and thank the many volunteers and leaders who made it all possible.

When I began this role last fall, I shared a vision centered on connection: strengthening our internal community, deepening ties across the industry, and broadening our impact beyond. Thanks to you, those goals became real progress.

Within SEAOCC, we kicked off the year with a full-house Trivia Night and followed with engaging events—from the Holiday Dinner to inspiring technical presentations. May’s golf tournament was a fun opportunity to connect outside the office and April’s Student Night stood out as a chance to connect with students and young members, showcasing the bright future of our profession. I’m grateful to everyone who showed up, connected, and contributed.

Across the industry, our committees have been key to shaping local practice and national conversations. Special thanks to the Seismology Committee, led by Rachel Leung, for their work reviewing updates to the 2026 NEHRP Recommended Seismic Provisions. Their thoughtful input ensures our technical voice is heard in the standards that guide us.

In the broader community, we stepped beyond the office by joining Habitat for Humanity’s Women Build event this spring—SEAOCC’s first time volunteering there. It was powerful to work alongside others supporting affordable housing in Sacramento. This experience reminds us of the vital role structural engineers play in building a more resilient, equitable future.

As I wrap up my term, I sincerely thank our outgoing Board and Committee Members for their leadership and service. I’m especially grateful to Heather Caya, our Executive Secretary, whose steady dedication behind the scenes has been vital. I’d also like to thank outgoing Treasurer Dan Miller for his steady guidance and leadership throughout the year. We warmly welcome Kevin Logsdon as our incoming Treasurer and look forward to his commitment in this key role. I’m excited to support the incoming Board and continue serving alongside them next year as Past President, bringing whatever insights I can to move SEAOCC forward.

We’ll take a short summer break before reconvening at the SEAOC Convention in San Diego this September—and, of course, at Trivia Night to kick off another memorable year. I hope to see many of you there.

With heartfelt appreciation,

Laura Rice
President, SEAOCC