President's Message - July 2026

This past month has offered several reminders of why the work of structural engineers matters so deeply to the communities we serve. The devastating earthquakes in Venezuela brought heartbreaking images of collapsed buildings, disrupted neighborhoods, and lives forever changed. As our thoughts remain with all those affected, events like these remind us that seismic safety is not an abstract technical exercise. It is about people depending on the built environment to protect them when the ground begins to move.

During this time, SEAOC was called on by members of the media throughout the state to help put these images into context. That role is an important one. In moments when the public is trying to understand what happened, why buildings perform the way they do, and what can be done to improve resilience, our profession has both knowledge and responsibility to share. We help translate complex structural behavior into information that policymakers and the public can use. 

Closer to home, the evacuation of a building in Midtown Manhattan following reports of buckling columns and structural instability brought structural engineering into the national spotlight in a very different way. Fortunately, no deaths or injuries were reported during the evacuation, but the disruption was significant. It was another visible example of how much trust the public places in buildings, infrastructure, and the professionals responsible for evaluating their safety. 

These events, different in scale and circumstance, both show how communities rely on their built environment and structural engineers. At our core, SEAOC’s mission is to empower our members and Member Organizations (MO) to advance the people, practice, and position of structural engineering. That mission comes alive not only in moments of crisis, but also in the day-to-day work of education, advocacy, professional development, public communication, and member connection. 

July also marks the start of a new operating year for each of our regional MOs. At this time of transition, I am especially mindful of how much our mission is carried forward by dedicated volunteers across California. Each region is led by a team of outstanding members who give their time, energy, and leadership in addition to the responsibilities they carry in their firms, families, and communities. Their work makes our association personal, local, and responsive to the needs of members. 

This year’s outgoing MO presidents have each brought their own strengths and priorities to that work. Maria helped create a new Leadership Training Program for SEAOSC members. David held open monthly office hours, giving SEAONC members a direct forum to connect and share their thoughts. Sonia and SEAOCC hosted a successful technical program last fall to help members prepare for the upcoming 2025 CBC, while Jeremy and SEAOSD led a full-day technical session focused on the ASCE 41-23 updates. These are just a few examples of the many ways our volunteers continue to support you while also strengthening our profession. A sincere Thank You to all of our MO leaders this past year. 

I had the opportunity to visit all four regions in the last month and celebrate with many of you, whether at SEE Awards programs or member recognition events. Each region celebrates in a way that reflects its own history, culture, and character. It was an honor to be a small part of those gatherings and to witness the pride, gratitude, and connection that define our statewide SEAOC community. 

That sense of connection is exactly what we will continue building at the SEAOC Convention next month in Scottsdale. The 2026 Convention will bring structural engineers from across California and beyond together for technical sessions, professional development, committee work, networking, the SEE Awards, the College of Fellows Induction, and time to reconnect with colleagues from around the state. 

For those joining us in Scottsdale August 26th through 28th, you can expect a thoughtfully planned program with multiple technical and professional development tracks, a full exhibit hall, keynote and plenary sessions, and opportunities to engage with the conversations shaping structural engineering practice today. The convention is always one of the best opportunities we have to learn together, celebrate excellence, and strengthen the relationships that make SEAOC such a meaningful professional home. 

If you have not yet registered or made your travel plans, now is the time. I hope you will join us in Scottsdale as we reflect on the work of the past year and look ahead together to the continued advancement of structural engineering in California.