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February 2025 Meeting – Day at the Dome, Educating our Politicians about Structural Engineering Profession and SEAoT Lobbying Efforts (1.0 PDH)

February 1, 2025

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2025

12:00 pm – Program

Topic: Day at the Dome, Educating our Politicians about Structural Engineering Profession and SEAoT Lobbying Efforts (1.0 PDH)

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Abstract:

This presentation is designed to inform SEAoT Houston/Gulf Coast chapter members about the upcoming “Day at the Dome” at the Texas State Capitol, organized by SEAoT. Speakers will offer detailed insights into the current composition of state-level politicians and the importance of lobbying for legislation that supports the structural engineering profession. They will also discuss how to use this opportunity to educate politicians about the critical role structural engineers play in ensuring public health, safety, and welfare through their work on buildings and infrastructure projects.

Presenters:

Lance Tyson, PE (Senior Civil/Structural Engineer, KP Engineering LP), Bill Stevens (Principal Engineer), Ashish Patel, PE (Team Leader, LAN, Inc.)

Bios:

Lance Tyson, PE is a senior civil/structural engineer with The Shaw Group. He has more than 18 years of experience in the field of structural engineering. His primary focus is towards oil and gas industry. Lance has designed numerous petrochemical facilities and has extensive experience with stick-built and modular industrial structures including equipment foundations. Lance is actively involved with SEAoT GAC.

Bill Stevens began his career in 1999 as a lobbyist, trade association executive, and consultant in Austin and Washington, D.C. He served for 22 years as a founding officer, Executive Vice President, and Chief Lobbyist for the Texas Alliance of Energy Producers, which represents around 3,000 independent oil and gas producers and service companies.

Currently, Stevens remains engaged in the oil and gas sector as a Texas state-appointed representative on the Interstate Oil and Gas Compact Commission. He is also a member of the Executive Board of Directors for the Domestic Energy Producers Alliance (DEPA). Over the past 15 years, WindRiver, his consulting firm, has represented a diverse range of interests, including groundwater management, water desalination, financial institutions, film, education, and air purification.

Alongside his business partner and spouse, Salome Stevens, he operates WindRiver Associates LLC. The firm is currently contracted with the Structural Engineers Association of Texas (SEAoT) to design and implement a “Day at the Dome” event in conjunction with SEAoT’s Annual Conference in February 2025.

Ashish Patel, PE, is a seasoned structural engineer with a rich history of over two decades in the industry. His expertise spans a diverse range of projects, from the analysis of satellite structures to the innovative design of ferry link span mechanisms akin to the human hand. A fervent advocate for interdisciplinary collaboration, Ashish has dedicated his career to elevating the role of consulting structural engineers, encouraging them to take the helm on large-scale endeavors. His commitment to professional growth and leadership is exemplified by his active involvement in the Structural Engineers Association of Texas (SEAoT).