ASCE’s executive director to serve as chief staff for ILC

RESTON, VA. — The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) has announced that its executive director, Patrick J. Natale, P.E., F.ASCE, CAE, has assumed the chief staff role with the organization’s Industry Leaders Council (ILC).

The ILC was previously lead by Lawrence H. Roth, P.E., G.E., F.ASCE, ASCE’s former deputy executive director, who resigned his position in April to return to private practice.

Established in 2009, the ILC engages senior leaders from industry, academia, government, and non-governmental organizations to identify tactical actions for ASCE and the civil engineering profession. The council serves as a strategic advisor in identifying emerging trends and developing strategies that promote innovation and strengthen project productivity, quality, and performance in the built and natural environment.

Over the past year, the ILC has provided important guidance and input to ASCE on key strategic initiatives, including guiding principles for critical infrastructure, the ASCE Report Card for America’s Infrastructure and the recent infrastructure roundtables.

"In the past year, the ILC has been incredibly important to the success of many of ASCE’s initiatives, so it was essential that we give it as much support as possible," said ILC Chair James A. Rispoli, P.E., F.ASCE. "Not only do we believe that Pat’s expertise in strategic development, issues management and industry collaboration will further strengthen the ILC’s contributions to ASCE and the profession, but we also hope that it will allow ASCE to deliver even greater value to our members and their firms and agencies."

Carol Vargas, CAE, formerly ASCE’s director of partner programs, will manage the day-to-day operations of the ILC as the new director of industry relations. Thomas Smith, CAE, the society’s general counsel and former assistant executive director, has assumed the role of ASCE deputy executive director and general counsel.

For more information about the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), please visit www.asce.org.