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Welcome to the ASCE Houston Branch Newsletter of upcoming events, articles, jobs and more from our membership.  

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President's Message

President’s Message – April 2026

Dear ASCE Houston Branch Members,

March was an exciting and engaging month for our Branch, highlighted by a well-attended meeting that showcased both innovation and opportunity in our region. We were honored to welcome keynote speaker Leilany Theilen from the Harris County Toll Road Authority, who provided a valuable preview of upcoming projects and opportunities. Her insights emphasized the continued growth and impact of infrastructure development across Harris County.

We also heard from the City of Sugar Land, who delivered a forward-thinking technical presentation on the use of artificial intelligence in municipal planning. It was inspiring to see how emerging technologies are being applied to improve decision-making and better serve our communities.

While we were disappointed to postpone our annual volleyball fundraiser due to severe weather and a tornado watch, safety always comes first. I’m pleased to share that the tournament has been rescheduled for April 8th, and we are excited to bring everyone together for this fun and meaningful event. Registration has officially re-opened—but only through midnight tonight, April 6—so we strongly encourage companies and teams to sign up now. This event plays a vital role in supporting our scholarship fund, and your participation makes a real difference.

On that note, scholarship season is one of the most rewarding times of the year for our Branch. We are proud to support the next generation of engineers and will be awarding several scholarships to both high school and university students at our upcoming April Branch Meeting.

Looking ahead, we are especially excited to welcome Lesley Briones as our April keynote speaker. With strong interest already building, we anticipate a full room and encourage you to register early to secure your spot.

Thank you for your continued engagement and support of ASCE Houston Branch. I look forward to seeing many of you at our upcoming events.

Sincerely,

Anna Chamberlain, PE, CFM, ENV SP

President

[email protected]

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Calendar of Events

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Articles

ASCE April Houston Branch In-person & Virtual Meeting

📅 Tuesday, April 21, 2026 | 11:00 – 1:00 PM
📍 The Ballroom at Tanglewood - 5430 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77056
💻 In-Person & Virtual Event

Online registration closes at 12pm the day before the event. Walk-ins may register onsite on the day of the event. 

MEETING SPONSORED BY

AGENDA

• 11:00 AM - Technical Session
• 12:00 PM - Lunch / Keynote Address

KEYNOTE ADDRESS

Lesley Briones Commissioner, Harris County Precinct 4
Topic: Latest Developments and Initiatives of Harris County Pct 4

TECHNICAL SESSION

Paola Betancourt P.E. President P&B Engineers, LLC
Topic: Managing Utility Conflicts in Infrastructure Projects

NOTES:

1. Lunch will be a chicken dish. If you would like a vegetarian or gluten-free option, please indicate this in the registration comments. We cannot guarantee that these options will be available for walk-ins.

2. VIRTUAL MEETING REGISTRATION: A link will be sent to you the day before the event, with a reminder one hour prior to the start time.

ASCE Houston March Branch Meeting Recap

Thank you to everyone who joined us for our March Branch Meeting!

We extend our sincere appreciation to our Keynote Speaker, Leilany Thielen, P.E., for sharing valuable insights on upcoming HCTRA projects and capital project delivery.

We also thank our Technical Speakers, Jonathan Braun, P.E., and Alence Poudel, PE, along with T&DI Houston for hosting an informative technical session focused on municipal infrastructure and advancements in 3D modeling.

During the meeting, we were proud to recognize several significant milestones and achievements:
🏅 Life Member Installation
🏆 2025 Outstanding Section & Branch Award
🌐 2025 Outstanding Section & Branch Website Award
✨ Award of Honor – congratulations to Sarah Alvarez

ASCE Houston is honored to celebrate the accomplishments of our members and the continued success of our Branch. Thank you to our speakers, sponsors, and attendees for your ongoing support and engagement.

ASCE Houston March Branch Meeting sponsored by: Infratech

March 2026 Keynote Address

March 2026 Technical Presentation

Design of Modules for Energy and Industrial Facilities

YM Plant Tour at Rinker Materials Event Report

ASCE Houston Younger Members had a great turnout for our recent plant tour at Rinker Materials! A total of 25 attendees, including ASCE members, government professionals, and students, joined us for a morning of learning and networking.

Hosted by YM Technical Chair Kyle Spinks, EIT, and YM Fundraising Co-Chair Palisha Sthapit, E.I.T., the event provided a comprehensive look into the manufacturing processes of Reinforced Concrete Pipe (RCP) and Reinforced Concrete Box (RCB). Participants also had the opportunity to observe a live D-Load (three-edge bearing) test demonstration, offering valuable insight into product performance, structural integrity, and durability.

The morning began with check-in, breakfast, and refreshments provided by Rinker Materials, followed by a safety briefing and distribution of personal protective equipment. Attendees were then split into smaller groups and guided through the facility by plant technical coordinators, who shared their expertise and answered questions throughout the tour.

Thank you to everyone who attended and helped make this event a success, and a special thank you to Rinker Materials for hosting and providing an engaging and informative experience!

'

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Get to Know Your Board Member

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Member Spotlight

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Membership Report

April 2026 Membership Report

Currently, adjusted assignments to the Houston Branch include 3,713 members. 89% of all renewals elected to pay their Texas Section Dues. Thank you for your ASCE participation!

Who do I contact with Membership questions?

 Houston Branch - President Elect:  Aaron Orozco

Email: [email protected]

National Membership Contact - [email protected] or call 800-548-2723

Membership Information - http://www.asce.org/membership/

Online Application - https://join.asce.org/default.aspx

Renew Your Membership - http://www.asce.org/renewal

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Treasurer's Report

April 2026 Treasurer's Report

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