President’s Message
By Kat Lauer, P.E., M.ASCE
President, ASCE Austin Branch

As September begins, I find myself reflecting on what an extraordinary year this has been for ASCE Austin. Leading our Branch during its 75th anniversary has been an incredible honor, and I am deeply grateful for the energy, dedication, and spirit our members have brought to every event.

This milestone year has been full of achievements that showcase both the strength of our profession and the heart of our community. Our luncheons featured speakers who shared valuable expertise and real-world perspectives, sparking ideas and discussion among our members. The 2nd Annual Pickleball Tournament was even bigger this year, raising funds for future scholarships, and I am proud to share that we awarded $5,000 in college scholarships to support the next generation of engineers. Volunteer events, including our day at the Central Texas Food Bank and the volunteer day at the Johnson City Science Mill, gave us meaningful opportunities to give back, whether addressing local needs or inspiring young students to explore STEM. Coffee Chats kept us connected throughout the year, and I hope to see many of you at the next one on Tuesday, September 23. We also continued our annual Continuing Education Event, providing valuable opportunities for professional growth right here in Austin.

Advocacy and outreach have also been a focus. The Texas Section hosted its Legislative Drive-In during E-Week in Austin, alongside the release of the 2025 Infrastructure Report Card. Our Branch awarded a government employee membership grant and matched donations to the ASCE Disaster Response Fund. Partnering with EWRI Austin, we committed to begin matching donations to TEXSAR, Texas Search and Rescue, an Austin-based organization with a broad mission of service to the public. This initiative was prompted by the devastating flooding along the Guadalupe River over the July 4th weekend, a sobering reminder of the critical role civil engineers play in building safer, more resilient communities.

September continues this momentum with two exciting Branch events. On Wednesday, September 10, we will host a sold-out Women in Engineering Leadership Panel at Alamo Drafthouse South Lamar. Our incredible lineup includes L’Oreal Stepney, Chairwoman of the Texas Water Development Board; Shay Ralls Roalson, Director of Austin Water; Genest Landry, Assistant Director of Capital Delivery Services; Rebecca Russo, President of Balcones Geotechnical; and Susan Roth, Owner of Susan Roth Consulting. We are also honored to welcome ASCE Society President-Elect Carol Haddock-Ellinger as our keynote speaker.

Then on Tuesday, September 16, we will gather for our September Luncheon to swear in the 2025–26 ASCE Austin Branch Board. Reem Zoun, PE, CFM, ENV SP with the Texas Water Development Board, will provide a timely update from TWDB.

Looking beyond Austin, the Texas Section’s CECON Conference will take place September 17–19 in San Marcos, with the inaugural CECON Golf Tournament in Kyle on September 16. With this year’s theme of Breaking Barriers, CECON promises to deliver outstanding sessions, networking, and statewide collaboration.

As I prepare to pass the gavel, I am filled with gratitude. Thank you for entrusting me with the privilege of leading our Branch during this landmark year. It has been a joy to celebrate our history, strengthen our professional community, and create opportunities for the next generation of civil engineers. I am excited to support our new Board as they carry this momentum forward and continue shaping the future of ASCE Austin.

Here is to another 75 years of growth, service, and impact for our Branch.

With gratitude,
Kat Lauer, P.E., M.ASCE
President, ASCE Austin Branch