The New Orleans Branch has been busy over the past few months, beginning with our first Branch luncheon meeting since our annual Fall Confrence at Five Happiness, where we were educated on the logistics and planning involved in the T-Wall completing the Lake Pontchartrain Hurricane Protection System at the Causeway Bridge.  The presentation was given by Mrs. Rebecca Huffman Constance, project manager for the  of the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers and was very informative.  Our first Branch luncheon meeting of the calendar year was a presentation on Engineering Ethics given by Dr. Norma Jean Mattei at Zea's Restaurant.  The ASCE - SEI Orleans Chapter also held a meeting on December 3rd at the University of New Orleans.  The speaker for this meeting was Mr. Allyn E. Kilsheimer, P.E., President KCE Structural Engineers, P.C.,Washington, D.C.  Mr. Kilsheimer spoke about the rebuilding and recovery of the Pentagon after the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

In addition to these local events, I had the privilege and honor of representing the branch at the ASCE National Conference held in Kansas City, Missouri.  This year’s theme was “From builders to Inegrators – Civil Engineers Leading the Way”. There were many speakers whose topics ranged from engineering education to engineering leadership. 

I would also like to welcome Ms. Jenna Addis, E.I, to the fold as the new chairperson of the New Orleans Branch Younger Member’s Committee.  She hit the ground running, organizing a very well attended event at Rock-N-Bowl on November 11th.  She is bringing new energy to this group and has great ideas for new events in the future.

Please visit www.asceneworleans.org for upcoming events and news.

As always the board is interested in hearing from our members and encourages your input. You can always contact me at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it with any questions, comments or ideas how we can better serve our members. 

Benjamin M. Cody, P.E.
President
ASCE New Orleans Branch