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Emily Feenstra Named as ASCE Managing Director of Government Relations and Infrastructure Initiatives

Emily Feenstra Named as ASCE Managing Director of Government Relations and Infrastructure Initiatives

Reston, Va. – The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) today announced that Emily Feenstra was promoted to Managing Director of Government Relations and Infrastructure Initiatives of ASCE, which represents more than 150,000 civil engineers worldwide and is America’s oldest national engineering society. Feenstra is currently the Director of Infrastructure Initiatives and Public Affairs for ASCE. She succeeds Brian Pallasch, who served in the position for 20 years. Pallasch will head to Raleigh, North Carolina to serve as Chief Executive Officer for the International Institute of Building Enclosure Consultants. Feenstra will assume her new role on June 5, 2019 as head of the Washington office for ASCE.

“A proven leader from day one with ASCE, Emily has played an integral role in the infrastructure and policy activities of the Government Relations office,” said Tom Smith, ASCE Executive Director. “Emily is most known for managing high-profile projects that include our Infrastructure Report Card and Failure to Act studies, and brings significant previous experience in the transportation and water sectors. We look forward to working with her in this new role as she continues to promote investment in our nation’s infrastructure, and sustainable, resilient infrastructure solutions.”

Prior to ASCE, she was the Deputy Director of the U.S. Water Alliance, where she led policy initiatives and strategic partnerships. Her work in infrastructure began as a public affairs consultant for the Washington State Department of Transportation in Seattle, Washington, where she worked on the Alaskan Way Viaduct project. Additional transportation experience includes work with the Washington State Transportation Center and as Director of Communications for the Intelligent Transportation Society of America.

Feenstra will be responsible for overseeing ASCE government relations, including federal and state legislative affairs, regulatory affairs, grassroots, and policy development in addition to media relations. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Public Policy Studies from Duke University and a master’s in Public Administration from the University of Washington.