On September 14 and 15, 110 Section and Branch Presidents, Region Governors, incoming Society Directors, Technical Region Leaders, and Presidential Officers from around the world participated in the 2025 Presidents and Governors Forum and Leader Orientation at ASCE Headquarters. This event, hosted by the Leader Training Committee, provided opportunities for attendees to learn about ASCE resources and initiatives, network with other ASCE leaders, discuss best practices, and enhance their leadership skills. BSCES President Katie Swanson attended on behalf of the Section.
The program began with a presentation on “What’s Happening at ASCE” by President-Elect Marsha Anderson Bomar and COO Edward Stafford. Next up was a discussion facilitated by President-Elect Anderson Bomar on the “Relationship of the Technical Region with the Geographic Regions.” Afterwards, incoming Society Director Aaron Frits presented a thought-provoking interactive exercise on “Delegation and Its Payoff.” After lunch we received an informative presentation from Kevin Longley, ASCE’s Director of Media Relations and Public Affairs on “Communicating with Confidence.” Our CFO Lisa Green provided the attendees with valuable information on “ASCE Financial Guidelines” for our local entities, and ASCE’s General Counsel Tara Hoke capped off the day with an enthusiastic presentation on “Legal Issues for Volunteer Leaders.”
The second day began with our Section, Branch, and Region leaders participating in a working session on “Section/Branch Challenges and Presidential Plans” followed by an “Introduction to your Presidency and How to Effectively Utilize Your Governors.” All attendees participated in a Society Q&A session with current President-Elect Marsha Anderson Bomar, incoming President-Elect Carol Haddock, and Executive Director Tom Smith. The day continued with attendees recapping their feedback on “Sharing Measurable Goals and Lessons Learned.” We ended this highly successful event with closing remarks by our 2026 ASCE President-Elect, Carol Haddock.
The overall program was invigorating, energizing, and motivational.