Montgomery Branch Hosts 10th Annual Industry Leaders Q&A Panel at Auburn University
On November 5, 2025, the Montgomery Branch of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), in collaboration with Auburn University’s ASCE Student Chapter, hosted its 10th Annual Industry Leaders Q&A Panel Discussion. The event drew over 90 attendees, including students, faculty, staff, and industry professionals, creating a vibrant environment for learning and networking.
Brad Williams, Region 5 Governor for the ASCE Alabama Section, opened the session by welcoming participants and serving as moderator for the evening’s discussion.
The panel featured six distinguished industry professionals:
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Ed Austin, P.E. – Alabama Department of Transportation
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Holly Eriksen, P.E. – TTL, Inc.
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Marshall Tucker, P.E. – Tucker Management Group
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Richie McDowell, P.E. – Full Force Engineered Solutions
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Megan Sharpe, P.E. – Fagan Consulting
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Howlett Harris – HDR
Throughout the event, panelists shared valuable insights on topics such as career development, professional licensure, civil engineering coursework, internships, and interpersonal skills. Students were encouraged to ask questions and engage directly with panelists, fostering an open and supportive atmosphere that made the discussion both lively and enriching.
The Montgomery Branch’s continued partnership with Auburn University’s ASCE chapter exemplifies the organization’s commitment to mentorship, professional growth, and strengthening connections between academia and industry.
2026 Winter Meeting
The Alabama Section of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) invites members, students, and industry partners to the 2026 Winter Meeting, taking place February 26, 2026, at the National Maritime Museum of the Gulf in Mobile, Alabama. This annual gathering will bring together civil engineering professionals from across the state to share knowledge, discuss emerging trends, and highlight the innovative work shaping Alabama’s infrastructure future. Attendees will participate in technical sessions, professional development opportunities, and conversations focused on transportation, water resources, structural systems, coastal resilience, and the evolving needs of communities throughout the Gulf Coast.
Set along Mobile’s scenic waterfront, the National Maritime Museum of the Gulf offers a distinctive venue that reflects the region’s engineering heritage and maritime significance. The museum’s immersive atmosphere and modern event spaces will provide an engaging backdrop for networking, collaboration, and recognition of outstanding achievements within the ASCE Alabama Section. Whether you are a seasoned practitioner, public agency professional, academic, or student member, the 2026 Winter Meeting promises a valuable and inspiring experience while strengthening connections within Alabama’s civil engineering community.
Registration coming soon!
November 2025 Branch Meeting
The upcoming branch meeting will be held on Tuesday, November 18th, 2025, (*November 11th is a Holiday*) at the Alabama Department of Transportation Central Office in Conference Rooms 5 & 6 at 1409 Coliseum Boulevard. We will serve lunch at 11:30 a.m., and then, the meeting will begin at 12:00 p.m. and adjourn at approximately 1:00 p.m. We are excited to have Aaron Immel and Matt Burnett from Volkert Inc with us to give a presentation on Nationwide Bridge Inspection Services for the Eastern Federal Lands Highway Division.
Since 2005, Volkert has been selected to provide NBIS and element level inspections for National Park Service (NPS) structures and other federal agencies. Under these contracts, Volkert has performed over 5,500 bridge and tunnel inspections in 46 states and Washington, DC including the entire length of the Blue Ridge Parkway and Natchez Trace Parkway. Some of the notable structures inspected include: the Double Arch Bridge on Natchez Trace Parkway, Linn Cove Viaduct on the Blue Ridge Parkway, the Cumberland Gap Tunnel in Cumberland Gap National Historic Park, and the Silver and Black Bridges in Grand Canyon National Park, and Dry Tortugas National Park, which are accessible only by boat or seaplane.
Mr. Immel joined Volkert in 1994 beginning his career as a hydraulic and scour engineer, he then moved into bridge design. In 2003 Mr. Immel began serving on the Bridge Inspection Team performing topside and underwater inspections and providing emergency inspections and analyses. Aaron currently serves as Volkert’s Bridge Inspection Manager where he oversees and leads inspection services for many of Volkert’s contracts with state, federal and local municipal clients.
Mr. Burnett joined Volkert’s Bridge Inspection Team in 2010 working as an assistant topside and underwater inspector. Combining his engineering background with his field experience, he is accomplished in identifying the severity of observed deficiencies as well as preforming structural analysis using a number of different programs – analyzing nearly every structure and material type. Matt leads Volkert’s Alabama inspection services.
This month’s lunch will be from Scott Street Deli and will consist of a sandwich, chips, cookie, and a drink. The cost of lunch will be $12 per person. If you plan to eat, please contact Sydney Metzler at [email protected] no later than Monday, November 17th, 2025.
2025 Golf Tournament
On Thursday, October 16, 2025, the Montgomery Branch of ASCE hosted its Annual Scholarship Golf Tournament at the Arrowhead Country Club in Montgomery, AL. This event featured 19 teams and garnered support from multiple sponsors. We would like to recognize our sponsors for their contributions and the support from all the players, students, and volunteers who were responsible for making the 3rd Annual Ramsey Ashmore Memorial Golf Tournament an overwhelming success.
We would especially like to express our heartfelt gratitude towards the Ashmore family for honoring us with their presence and for allowing the Montgomery Branch of ASCE to dedicate this special event to the memory of one of our Past Presidents, Ramsey Ashmore.
The funds raised for the tournament will be used for the annual scholarship fund. The scholarships will be provided by the Montgomery Branch to high school seniors in the River Region (Autauga, Elmore, Lowndes, and Montgomery Counties) who are planning on enrolling in Civil Engineering.
March 2025 Branch Meeting / Tour
On Wednesday, March 12, 2025, the Montgomery Branch of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) organized an insightful tour of the Vulcan Materials Company Quarry, situated in the town of Loachapoka, Alabama. This engaging tour provided participants with an in-depth understanding of the intricate processes involved in the extraction and production of aggregates. Attendees had the opportunity to observe firsthand the state-of-the-art machinery and techniques employed in the quarry, gaining valuable knowledge about how these essential materials are transformed into the construction aggregates used in various civil engineering applications, from roadways to infrastructure projects.
We would like to express our gratitude to Vulcan Materials Company for their warm hospitality and for allowing our branch the privilege of visiting their facility. Their commitment to excellence in materials production was evident, and we left the tour with a deeper appreciation for the vital role aggregates play in our industry.
2025 Alabama Section Summer Meeting
The Alabama Section of the American Society of Engineers along with the Alabama Chapter of the American Public Works Association, held its 2025 Annual Engineering Conference from July 17–19, 2025, in Orange Beach, Alabama, bringing together professionals, educators, and students from across the state for three days of learning and collaboration. The event featured a robust program that included technical presentations, professional development sessions, and panel discussions on topics such as sustainable infrastructure, emerging technologies, and engineering leadership. Keynote speakers from across the industry shared insights into the evolving challenges and opportunities within the engineering profession, while exhibitors showcased the latest tools, materials, and innovations shaping the field.
In addition to the technical program, the conference provided numerous opportunities for networking and fellowship among attendees. Evening receptions and social events allowed participants to connect in a relaxed coastal setting, fostering collaboration and professional growth beyond the formal sessions. The picturesque backdrop of Orange Beach added to the conference’s success, offering attendees a chance to enjoy the Gulf Coast’s scenic beauty while engaging in meaningful professional exchange. By the conference’s conclusion, participants left with fresh ideas, strengthened professional relationships, and a renewed enthusiasm for advancing engineering in Alabama and beyond.
Click here for pictures from the event!
8th Annual Civil Engineer Legislative Day
We are thrilled to share the highlights from the successful 8th Annual Alabama Civil Engineering Legislative Day Drive-In, which took place on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, in Montgomery, Alabama. Hosted jointly by the Alabama Section of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) and the American Council of Engineer Companies (ACEC) of Alabama, the event brought together civil engineers, legislators, and stakeholders for a day focused on legislative issues impacting our profession.
The day commenced at 10:00 a.m. at the historic Alabama Department of Archives & History, where attendees gathered for a Legislative Briefing. Over lunch, generously provided by the ASCE Montgomery Branch, participants engaged in insightful discussions about key bills affecting civil engineering in Alabama. Senator Clyde Chambliss, P.E., and Senate President Pro Tempore Garlan Gudger gave us legislative updates, outlining legislative challenges and support opportunities crucial to our community.
Following the briefing, attendees proceeded to the Alabama State House, where they had the invaluable opportunity to connect directly with legislators. This direct engagement allowed our members to advocate effectively for policies that promote infrastructure development, sustainability, and the advancement of civil engineering practices statewide.
The event marked a pivotal moment for our community, emphasizing the importance of advocacy and collaboration in shaping legislative outcomes that benefit civil engineers and the public alike. We extend our sincere gratitude to all who attended, contributed, and supported this event, making it a resounding success.
Stay tuned for more updates and opportunities to engage with ASCE as we continue our commitment to advancing civil engineering in the great state of Alabama.
Montgomery Branch Sets the Bar High at the 2024 Winter Meeting
The Montgomery Branch of ASCE set the bar high when it hosted the 2024 ASCE Alabama Winter Meeting at the prestigious Tiger Walk Suites at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Alabama. With over 165 attendees from across the State of Alabama, this year’s Winter Meeting was the largest to date and featured an impressive lineup of educational and interactive presentations. Attendees were also treated to a tour of the massive Jumbotron, making it an unforgettable experience. The success of the event was made possible by the generous support of numerous sponsors and exhibitors, without whom it would not have been possible. We look forward to seeing you in Dothan in 2025.
Click here to see photos, presentations, and more…
Alabama Section of ASCE Releases Infrastructure Report Card
On Thursday, March 31, the Alabama Section of ASCE unveiled its 2022 Report Card for Alabama’s Infrastructure, the state’s first report card since 2015. The report assigned the state’s systems a cumulative grade of “C-”, which is on par with the national grade of “C-“ and the same grade the state received in its 2015 report. A “C-” grade means the state’s infrastructure is in mediocre condition and requires attention.
The report analyzes 12 categories of infrastructure pertinent to Alabama: aviation (C), bridges (C+), dams (Incomplete), drinking water (C-), energy (B), inland waterways (D), ports (B), rail (B), roads (C-), stormwater (D+), transit (C-) and wastewater (D). Alabama Report Card co-chair Joe Meads, P.E., presented the findings in the report to an in-person audience at the Alabama Department of Archives & History in Montgomery, AL. Alabama Lt. Governor Will Ainsworth and state Senator Clyde Chambliss, who is also an engineer and ASCE member, provided remarks about the state of infrastructure in Alabama.
For more information on the report card, visit https://www.alabama-asce.org/2022-infrastructure-report-card/.
FY2025 Calendar of Events for Montgomery Branch
