2023 ASCE Presidents and Governors Forum
Michael R. Cunningham, PE, Senior Principal Engineer, Kleinfelder
One of the benefits of volunteering as a leader of BSCES and member of the BSCES Executive Committee is the opportunity to participate in various ASCE leadership development events. According to the ASCE website, these events are intended to “enhance and develop leadership skills, provide professional development and networking opportunities, and increase exposure to ASCE’s organization, programs and resources.” The events are planned and coordinated by ASCE staff and the ASCE Leader Training Committee. The BSCES board supports and encourages its leaders to attend these events and allocates funds each year to help cover the costs of traveling to these programs.
Attendees gathered for a photo in front of ASCE headquarters
in Reston, VA during the second day.
On September 10 and 11, I had the opportunity to attend the ASCE Presidents and Governor’s Forum, along with Geoff Schwartz of GZA GeoEnvironmental, Inc. Geoff is a former president of BSCES and our incoming ASCE region 1 governor. The forum was attended by over 100 section and branch presidents, region governors, society directors, presidential officers, and institute leaders from around the world. During this event, I learned about ASCE resources, networked with other ASCE leaders, discussed best practices, and worked on my leadership skills to help benefit BSCES during my time as president.
The program began with a Welcome and Society Overview by President-Elect Marsia Geldert Murphey PE, F.ASCE, and Executive Director Tom Smith, ENV SP, F.ASCE. Following this, we engaged in a dynamic leadership session on the “Anatomy of an Effective Civil Engineering Team” by COL Jim O’Brien, PE, M.ASCE. The agenda also included an “Introduction to your Presidency and How to Effectively Utilize your Governors,” and “Section/Branch Challenges and Brainstorming a Presidential Plan.” ASCE’s General Counsel Tara Hoke presented on Legal Issues impacting ASCE’s local groups.
Those in attendance from Region 1 took a photo in front of the ASCE sign
at the headquarters building. I am the one kneeling on the left
and Geoff Schwartz is standing second from the right.
On the second day, we participated in an interactive session with our president-elect, president-elect elect, and executive director, followed by an abbreviated version of “PR University,” which provided an introduction to public relations and working with the media. Topping off the second day, we participated in “Sharing Measurable Goals and Lessons Learned.”
It was an impressive event with an agenda full of valuable and useful topics. As with the other ASCE leadership events that I have attended in the past, the program was energizing and motivational and I hope to share what I learned to help improve BSCES and achieve my goals as president!