Meet Susan K. Roth PE, PMP President, ASCE Texas Section

The ASCE Texas Section Board of Direction members were asked to fill out a questionnaire so that the Section’s members might get to know them a little better on a personal level. These are Texas Section President Susan K. Roth’s answers:

When did you first get involved with ASCE at any level (student chapter, local branch, section)?

I was a member of the Student Chapter at Texas A&M in the early 1990s. After graduation, my supervisor at CH2M HILL encouraged me to take an active role in the Houston Branch as part of my performance review. I initially served as the Houston Branch Younger Members Conference Co-Chair, which was such a great way to meet people when you’re new to a city!

What is your favorite thing about ASCE?

The special friendships that I’ve made over the years are the best part about ASCE!  I love that our organization has a lot of fun while also serving as a strong technical resource (Infrastructure Report Card) for the legislature.

How has ASCE helped you in your career?

The networking and leadership opportunities have been invaluable to my career.  When I started my consulting business 12 years ago, a friend of mine through ASCE (who also had his own consulting business) gave me great advice during the start-up year and also provided his contacts for legal advice and general business/professional liability insurance.

What do you love the most about being a civil engineer?

I love to serve the public.  I especially love working with a number of communities to help develop a regional solution to address their current and future water supply/infrastructure needs.

When did you know you wanted to be a civil engineer?

During my sophomore year in high school, my Chemistry teacher and I purified a sample of murky creek water from start to finish. Afterwards, I thought that I wanted to become a high school chemistry teacher, but I then switched my major to civil engineering (environmental specialty) during freshman orientation at Texas A&M.

What is the biggest challenge civil engineers face today?

Civil engineers must get more creative about ways to finance an infrastructure project, especially as federal assistance is becoming more limited.  Whether the project addresses new growth or aging infrastructure, communities are challenged with keeping utility rates affordable while also balancing their debt service coverage and general fund short falls.

What is your favorite holiday?

Christmas, but I also love the 4th of July because we have fun times with friends and neighbors.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

Playing the piano (classical & jazz), cooking, playing golf with my husband and hanging out with my teenage daughter

How do you order your eggs?

Sunny Side Up with bacon and toast to soak up the yolk

What was your college nickname?

The guys in Civil either called me Keller (my maiden name) or Sue (one syllable and less wind effort than Susan)

What is your favorite band?

I love all types of music but especially listening to Pearl Jam/Eddie Vedder, Band of Horses, The Cars and Kacey Musgraves lately

Mountains or beach?

Definitely the mountains!