President’s Message – Susan K. Roth PE, PMP

I hope this message finds you and your loved ones in good health. The severity of the recent situation with the Coronavirus (COVID-19) has created unprecedented times for many of us. It’s heartbreaking to see the tremendous impact it’s having on our local communities, as well as nationwide and internationally. For many of us, our ‘new normal’ has evolved into working from home, limiting face-to-face interaction with others/social distancing, holding video conference meetings to stay connected with staff and clients, and taking on home schooling duties for those with young children.

As a reminder, I want you to know that as a member of ASCE Texas Section, you’re part of a statewide family. The ASCE Texas Section staff and leaders are here to help you navigate any issues that may arise during this challenging time. Although the ASCE Texas Section office is temporarily closed, our dedicated staff team is currently working from their respective homes and available by email/phone if you need anything. We’re still continuing to advance the Texas Section’s strategic plan, especially focusing on Membership Growth and Needs during this time.

ASCE Texas Section has been working hard behind the scenes and recently sent letters to both Governor Abbott and Lieutenant Governor Patrick requesting them to designate the civil engineering profession as essential to the functioning of the state of Texas and a critical service. Although ASCE Global has advised that all ASCE Region, Section and Branch events and activities be cancelled until further notice, the ASCE Texas Section Board of Direction is also currently reviewing plans for all upcoming, in-person events, including Leadership Development Weekend 2020 this summer at Canyon of the Eagles. We will provide additional information about future events as soon as possible.

Whether it’s been a few years or since you were a college student, now is the perfect time to get reconnected with ASCE Texas Section! We have a number of exciting programs that recently kicked off, including Infrastructure Report Card (IRC). If interested in helping to review and provide comments on categories within your field of expertise, please email Mark Boyd at give him a call at (214) 770-6253. Also, check out ASCE Texas Section’s website for a complete list of committees and volunteer opportunities.

Personally, what I enjoy the most about ASCE Texas Section are the members and networking opportunities. Dr. Jim Williams, Professor of Civil Engineering at the University of Texas at Arlington, summed it up best last month after the ASCE Texas Student Symposium, “One of the things I like best about the Texas Section is that it is like a family.” I couldn’t agree more and think that the culture of our organization is what sets us apart from other engineering organizations. Gary Kelly, Chairman and CEO of Southwest Airlines, also mentioned recently in his February message of their inflight magazine that in order to have a strong culture, you have to be a championship team. ‘Championship teams are built on love, trust, respect and shared goals…really strong cultures often resemble families.’

On that note, please let me know if you’re interested in getting involved with our amazing organization; feel free to reach out to me by phone at (512) 796-6692 or send me an email. As civil engineers and trusted leaders, we can help boost our communities by doing what we do best: building a better quality of life for all. Continue to stay safe and strong to serve those around you. I know that we will make it through this together and look forward to when we can meet again in person.