Structural Engineers Wanted: How to Recruit, Hire, and Retain the Best
The challenge of recruiting and retaining top talent has emerged as a critical concern for organizations across the country. This panel discussion will delve into the multifaceted issues surrounding talent retention in the structural engineering (SE) market, with a particular focus on the role of diversity, equity, and inclusion (EDI) initiatives. Our esteemed panelists, comprising experts from various sectors of the industry, will explore the current state of the SE market, highlight key findings from recent surveys, and provide insights into how firms can create a culture that attracts, supports, and retains their best engineers.
Please note that this virtual event will be offered live only and will not be recorded. No PDH offered.
Registration
This event is FREE! It will be held on Zoom, so attendees must have a free Zoom account to be granted access.
Meet the Speakers
Russell Robinson, PE, LEED Green Associate
Structural Associate, Sargent & Lundy
Russell Robinson is a Structural Associate with Sargent & Lundy, who recently obtained his PE license. His experience is primarily in the industrials and power generation. His current work involves designing power generation and ancillary structures. He also completes site visits, inspections, and condition assessments. His previous experience was in the building industry, specifically light industrial. Russell was formerly a member of SEAOI throughout college for the IIT chapter and served as activities coordinator.
Mary Gerut
Jacobs Engineering Group
Mary Gerut (pronounced “Garrett”) is a right of way/land acquisition specialist, transportation planner and project manager with Jacobs Engineering Group. She is experienced in utility and energy projects, infrastructure projects, transportation planning programs and her current passion is supporting land acquisition processes under Eminent Domain in a manner that supports both the private landowner and public agency acquiring the land. Mary celebrated 21 years with Jacobs this past May and currently manages supervisors that support more than 60 staff from varying engineering disciplines, including highway and transportation, civil, drainage, structures, rail, and intelligent transportation systems. She also supervises a Planning group who are comprised of data analysts, geographic information systems professionals, environmental planners, urban planners, and transportation planners. In her people leader role, Mary oversees staff training and career development, recruitment and onboarding, promotions and salary adjustments, all with a goal to provide challenging and flexible career opportunities for staff at Jacobs.
Christine Freisinger
Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates
Christine Freisinger is an Associate Principal at Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc. in the Chicago office where she has worked as a structural engineer since 2004, primarily focusing on the investigation, evaluation, and repair of existing structures. She is currently the Vice-Chair of the IDFPR SE Board and a member of the American Institute of Steel Construction Task Committee 7 - Evaluation and Repair.
Brian Quinn, PE
President - SE Solutions
Brian Quinn is President of SE Solutions which provides recruiting (FindYourEngineer.com) and continuing education (LearnWithSEU.com) for structural engineering companies. Previously he worked at the software company of "RAM" for 11+ years and prior to that as a design structural engineer in the Grand Rapids, MI area.
Eric Wheeler, S.E.
Thornton Tomasetti
Eric Wheeler, SE, is a Vice President with Thornton Tomasetti and a member of the firm’s Renewal practice in Chicago, IL. His projects include adaptive reuse, building renovations, due diligence, and building assessments. Mr. Wheeler's portfolio includes the Willis Tower Repositioning project that is currently underway; Navy Pier Family Pavilion and South Arcade Renovation; Navy Pier Pierscape; Saieh Hall for Economics; and the Physics Research Center at the University of Chicago. He is a licensed structural engineer in Illinois. In his free time, Mr. Wheeler enjoys traveling with his family, photography, and drawing.