Checking the Pulse of the Illinois Construction & Engineering Industry

This program is a free (to members) SEAOI webinar, with curated panelists discussing timely topics relevant and important to the Illinois construction and engineering industry. We will live stream the third Friday of every other month at noon and recorded content will always be available if possible. 

Because this is such an important topic, registration is FREE FOR EVERYONE.

You must register BEFORE 2 PM ON JANUARY 14th to receive a code to access the live event.

January Discussion: Panel Discussion on Work Flexibility

A part of the Checking the Pulse Series, and hosted by the Women in Structural Engineering (WISE) Committee.

This session will explore the ways in which workplace flexibility has evolved in recent years, and more so this past year as a result of COVID. Supplemented by findings from the recent NCSEA Structural Engineering Engagement and Equity (SE3) survey, the panelists will share their experiences implementing and using flexible work accommodations in their firms, and how lessons learned from their experiences may inform improved employee satisfaction and retention. Attendees will hear about best practices from our speaker’s firms related to remote work and reduced schedules, and hear strategies to improve workplace flexibility for everyone. This discussion aims to promote an open dialogue on the current and future state of our profession, and there will be time reserved for Q&A at the end. 

1 CE Hour

This is a virtual event on Zoom. Please register before 2:00pm on Thursday, 1/4/21 to ensure you receive access to the presentation.

Moderators:

• Rose McClure, Senior Consulting Engineer, Simpson Gumpertz & Heger Inc.
• Yasmin Chaudhry, Associate III, Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc. 

Panelists:

• Carol Post, Chief Quality Assurance Officer, Thornton Tomasetti
• David Nickell, Principal, TGRWA, LLC
• Julie Burke, Human Resource Manager, Klein and Hoffman, Inc.

Meet the Panelists

Carol Post, Chief Quality Assurance Officer
Thornton Tomasetti
 

Carol A. Post joined Thornton Tomasetti in 1997 and has more than 35 years of experience in structural engineering. Her portfolio includes healthcare, higher education, residential, commercial and cultural facilities. As a Principal, she manages engineering staff and develops project-specific solutions to unique designs through ongoing interaction with architects, design team consultants and contractors. Carol is a LEED AP and implements sustainable design principles into her projects.

David Nickell, Principal
TGRWA, LLC

David is a Principal at TGRWA and has been involved in a wide variety of structural analysis and design projects including new construction and renovation of existing and historic structures. His experience includes the structural analysis and design of structural steel, conventionally reinforced concrete, post-tensioned concrete, timber, and masonry structures.  David has served as a guest lecturer at the University of Illinois at Urbana - Champaign and is a Past President of the Structural Engineers Association of Illinois (SEAOI).  

Julie Burke, Human Resource Manager
Klein and Hoffman, Inc.

Julie Burke is the human resource manager for Klein & Hoffman Inc., a Chicago-based firm that delivers architectural restoration and structural engineering solutions. She joined the firm in 2017 and oversees strategy for HR, culture, and the firm’s employment brand. She has nearly 20 years of progressive HR leadership experience developing HR strategies within the Architectural/Engineering, manufacturing, and health care analytics industries. She holds a bachelor’s degree in communications from Michigan State University and away from work loves to volunteer.

Did you miss previous discussions? Recordings are available here:

June discussion: Diversity and Cultural Competence in the Workplace

• Johann Aakre, Michael Baker International - Moderator
• Amrith Kaur Aakre, Legal Director for The Sikh Coalition - Panelist
• JuanPablo Prieto, Director of Diversity, for the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) - Panelist
• Vernal Stewart, Founder and President of SE3 LLC - Panelist
• Krisann Rehbein, Executive Director, ACE Mentor Program of Chicago - Panelist

May Discussion: COVID-19 Effects on the Built World

• Johann Aakre, Michael Baker International - Moderator
• Tommy Choi, Co-Founder, Weinberg Choi Residential - Panelist
• Kevin Henning, Project Executive, Tandem Construction - Panelist
• Kim Robinson, President, Frontline Co. - Panelist
• Senator Ram Villivalam, State Senator for the 8th District - Panelist

November Discussion: Town Hall

• Michelle Ryland, Klein & Hoffman, Inc. - Moderator
• Soliman Khudeira, Chicago Department of Transportation - Panelist
• Derek Boeldt, Chicago Transit Authority - Panelist
• Jan Blok, The Structural Group, Ltd. - Panelist
• Jon Sfura, Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc. - Panelist
• Christine Freisinger, Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc. - Panelist
• Johann Aakre, Department Manager – Structures, Michael Baker International - Panelist

Click on the link under "Previous Recordings" to the right to view the webinars -- pass the quiz for one hour of CE credit if applicable