As we begin a new year for the Central Ohio Section of the American Society of Civil Engineers, I am honored and grateful for the opportunity to serve as your President for the 2026-2027 term. I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to Justin Wilkinson for his outstanding leadership as President over the past year. His dedication and vision have positioned our Section for continued success and provided a strong foundation on which we can build.

This past year marked an important milestone for our Section with the successful adoption of updated Constitution and Bylaws. These revisions modernize our governance structure and better position us to serve the evolving needs of our membership. I would like to thank the many leaders who contributed to this effort, as well as our voting members whose support made this achievement possible.

The accomplishments of the past year reflected our commitment to inspiring, connecting, and serving civil engineers throughout Central Ohio. We delivered meaningful professional programs, including our highly regarded Ethics Luncheon, while also creating valuable opportunities for engagement and networking through events such as the tour of the Advanced Drainage Systems facility. These activities strengthen our professional community and reinforce the value of ASCE membership.

I would also like to recognize Carlos Vazquez, recipient of our Outstanding Section Member Award. Carlos has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to our profession through his years of service to both the industry and our Section, particularly through his leadership of our Engineers Week initiatives. On behalf of the Section, thank you, Carlos, for your dedication and contributions.

Our Section continues to thrive through collaboration, professional development, and community engagement. Looking ahead, we have an exciting calendar of events planned, including our annual OTEC Happy Hour at R Bar on October 20, our traditional City of Columbus Update in December, the STEM Expo, and many other technical and social programs throughout the year. We will also continue partnering with peer organizations to provide high-quality educational opportunities and networking events that strengthen our profession and broaden our impact.

The success of our Section depends on the engagement and input of our members. Whether you have ideas for future programs, feedback on our current offerings, or an interest in volunteering, I encourage you to get involved. The Board welcomes your participation and remains committed to serving the Central Ohio civil engineering community while ensuring our activities and priorities reflect the interests and needs of our membership.
I am excited about the opportunities ahead and look forward to working with all of you in the coming year. Thank you for your continued support and commitment to ASCE.

Michael Kennedy, PE
President, 2026-2027
ASCE Central Ohio Section