Annual Repor t
President’s Statement
Mia Kannik, P.E. President
On behalf of the Board of Directors, I’m honored to share the ASDSO Fiscal Year 2025 Annual Report. As you review it, I hope you’ll be inspired by the dedication, collaboration, and innovation that define our dam safety community. Join me in acknowledging the remarkable contributions of our executive director and staff, along with the many committees, task groups, interest groups, and members who make these accomplishments possible.
We strengthened our financial position through record attendance at the national conference, ASDSO’s training programs, membership growth, and the generosity of donors and sponsors, including the National Dam Safety Program. This year also brought exciting new initiatives; read about them in this report.
I am especially happy to report that the DEI Task Group completed its work and provided recommendations that have now been integrated into next year’s Action Plan to help ensure ASDSO remains inclusive and forward‑looking. These achievements and many more included in this annual report highlight the powerful impact of volunteers, members, and partners united around a shared vision: a future where all dams are safe.
Our advocacy efforts remain strong, from supporting the reauthorization of the National Dam Safety Program to defending critical state and federal funding. However, this year also brought significant challenges. Particularly,
the ongoing loss of federal scientists and engineers whose expertise is critical to dam safety programs nationwide. Today, with 24 federal agencies involved in dam safety, ASDSO is committed to standing alongside the professionals in those agencies—offering resources, support, and a strong voice for their work. We urge every member to stay connected through ASDSO Collaborate, watch for advocacy alerts, and contact your representatives. Tell them that cutting dam safety expertise and funding makes Americans less safe, less secure, and less prosperous.
To every member, volunteer, and partner: thank you. Your commitment is the foundation of all we’ve accomplished. I’m proud of what we achieved this past year and excited for the opportunities ahead, including the launch of a national public awareness campaign. With your continued dedication, ASDSO will ensure dam safety remains a national priority—because public safety depends on it.
To Our Members
I'm happy to present this Annual Report for Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25), covering objectives carried out between July 2024 to June 2025. This was a year of firsts. We had record-breaking attendance at Dam Safety '24 in Denver, with over 1,500 participants. More individuals participated in our training courses than in any prior year. And membership continued to grow, reaching over 3,500.
I am so proud and amazed by the enthusiasm and energy of our volunteers who helped steer accomplishments this past year. This includes completion of the 300 plus page book, Dam Failures and Incidents—Essential Lessons for Dam Safety Practitioners, the launch of our new Ambassadors Program, and the success of the ASDSO Podcast, A Dam Conversation. The 40th Anniversary Annual Conference Kick-Off Presentation was an especially memorable experience for me; working with all of the organizers and getting to reminisce with twenty plus past leaders and lifelong friends.
From a financial standpoint, we were able to improve our financial position due to the success of the annual conference, training income, a growing membership, and the generosity of our sponsors and donors. Thank you, in particular, to the National Dam Safety Program for sponsoring many projects. It is unclear at the time of writing whether this support will be available moving forward.
We will continue to monitor changes at the federal level due to the 2025 Administration actions and will always stand for strong federal and state dam safety programs and related programs.
Please take a moment to review our work together and thank you for providing us with your membership dues, volunteer time, and overall support for the mission.
Lori C. Spragens Executive Director
Directors & Officers
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
OFFICERS
President Mia Kannik, P.E. Ohio
President-Elect (3/25 6/25)
David Griffin, P.E. Georgia
REGIONAL REPRESENTATIVES
Sushil Chaudhary, D.Eng., P.E. New Mexico
Keith Conrad, P.E. Nevada
Jon Eggen, CFM Indiana
Kent Finemore, P.E. New Hampshire
ADVISORY COMMITTEE REPRESENTATIVES
Chair
Jennifer Williams, P.E. AECOM
TRANSITIONS
OUTGOING 2024-2025
Tim Gokie, P.E. Nebraska
William Salomaa Massachusetts
President-Elect (9/24 3/25) Everett Taylor, P.E. Utah
Treasurer John Roche, P.E. Maryland
Secretary Terry Medley, P.E. Kansas
Immediate Past President Sharon Tapia, P.E. California
David Griffin, P.E. Georgia
Michelle Hase, P.E. Wisconsin
Janice Shute, P.E. Delaware
William McKercher, P.E. Mississippi
Terry Medley, P.E. Kansas
William Vinson, P.E., CPM North Carolina
Ben Wagner, P.E., PMP Alaska
Vice-Chair
Mark Baker, P.E. DamCrest Consulting
Ryan Stack, P.E. Missouri
Everett Taylor, P.E. Utah
Tony Nokovich, P.E. American Water (Advisory Committee)
2024-2025 Board of Directors
Measuring Our Progress
ASDSO's yearly activities are planned and tracked using a yearly action plan. The action plan is developed each year using the framework established in ASDSO's 5 year strategic plan.
2022-2027 Strategic Plan: A Roadmap to Success
VISION
A future where all dams are safe.
MISSION
Improve the condition and safety of dams and lower the risk of dam failures through education, support for state dam safety programs, and fostering a unified dam safety community.
GOAL 1 GOAL 2 GOAL 3 GOAL 4 GOAL 5
Improve state dam safety programs.
Develop a cohesive and collaborative dam and levee safety community committed to the ASDSO mission.
How Do We Get There?
Hold forums for information exchange among the states.
Encourage state dam safety programs to move toward Risk Informed Decision Making.
Grow and Retain Membership.
Advance and expand the technical expertise of dam owners and dam and levee safety practitioners.
Develop a communication and membership involvement plan that describes intent and rationale for a progressive approach to addressing ASDSO role in levee issues.
Manage an effective technical training program designed to meet the changing needs of dam owners and dam and levee safety professionals.
Increase public awareness of the role of dams in society, the risks they present and the importance of both dam safety and preparedness for dam failures.
Maintain and update the program of study as a collective resource for dam and levee safety education in the U.S.
Improve public awareness of the risks associated with dams.
Increase the interest & awareness by federal and state lawmakers and administrators so that laws, policies, funding, and programs are in place to reduce the risks associated with dams.
Engage the media to create a proactive and effective partnership to communicate relevant facts about dams and levees and dam and levee risk management policies.
Increase federal funding, support, and leadership to advance dam safety and create effective federal programs by educating and lobbying key lawmakers and policymakers.
Increase the successful implementation of the National Dam Safety Program including the High Hazard Dam Rehabilitation Grant Program, the successful distribution/use of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) funds and the successful implementation of other federal loan/grant programs that can be used for non federal dam rehabilitation.
GOAL 1 GOAL 2 GOAL 3 GOAL 4 GOAL 5
Develop and disseminate best practices to move states toward more comprehensive risk assessment and management.
Provide more detailed clarification on consistent definitions/way of conducting condition assessments to seek eventual consistency among states and with relevant federal programs.
Perform annual benchmarking of state dam safety programs by supporting the annual national state dam safety program performance data call, which collects available data about the performance of state regulatory programs including number of inspections, EAPs, dam repairs, enforcement actions, staffing and budgets, etc.
Use state dam safety performance data to help “tell the story” of the dam safety outlook.
Provide benefits to members enabling them to increase their professional careers and interest in volunteering and maintaining membership.
Coordinate with other organizations that provide training in dam safety, security, and emergency management and promote the Program of Study as a collective resource.
Maintain strong partnerships with owners and organizations to increase awareness and to advocate for strong dam safety policies.
Promote dam and levee safety engineering as a career choice to students.
Ensure the continuity (growth and development) of the organizational leadership (active participants, not always the same people, succession of staff within states).
Serve as the primary collective resource (one stop shop) for dam and levee safety information.
Create and implement a program to increase the awareness of the dangers of recreating around dams.
Promote innovative approaches to funding dam rehabilitation and removal at the state and federal level.
Assist with completion of the national ASCE Report Card on Dams.
Complete research projects to identify/rank state program gaps and weaknesses.
Provide peer reviews for state programs annually and upon request.
Recognize individuals and organizations contributing to the advancement of ASDSO or improving dam safety in the U.S.
Serve as the primary collective resource (one stop shop) for dam and levee safety information.
Educate and lobby state lawmakers and policymakers about the importance of supporting and strengthening state dam safety programs.
Manage an effective education program for dam and levee owners/ operators to educate them in reducing the risk associated with their dams/ levees.
Manage an effective peer review program for dam owners and non state regulators.
Assist with completion of state-specific ASCE Chapter Report Cards on Dams.
Increase cooperation and maintain a leadership role on the U.S. Levee Safety Coalition to advance levee safety at state and national levels.
Support continued funding and implementation of the National Levee Safety Program.
Improve the Model State Dam Safety Program and provide forums for discussion, training and delivery of best practices to mirror each chapter/appendix of the Model State Dam Safety Program.
Promote the importance of strong state dam programs and coordinate inter governmental coordination by maintaining lines of communication with the administrators of national/ federal programs that affect dam risk and flood risk management.
Provide tools, guidance and forums to assist states with FEMA grant applications, collaboration, and reporting.
Educate states about all federal funding sources for dam rehab.
Support state programs with the implementation of the National Levee Safety Program.
Maintain a leadership program to ensure effective governance of ASDSO over the next 5 years.
GOAL 1: 36 Projects
Improve state dam safety programs.
GOAL 2: 47 Projects
Develop a cohesive and collaborative dam and levee safety community committed to the ASDSO mission.
GOAL 3: 59 Projects
Advance and expand the technical expertise of dam owners and dam and levee safety practitioners.
GOAL 4: 23 Projects
Increase public awareness of the role of dams in society, the risks they present and the importance of both dam safety and preparedness for dam failures.
GOAL 5: 18 Projects
Increase the interest & awareness by federal and state lawmakers and administrators so that laws, policies, funding, and programs are in place to reduce the risks associated with dams.
* Note:
Some projects are mapped to more than one goal.
Membership
ASDSO IS COMMITTED TO ITS MEMBERS
Since ASDSO was founded in 1984, we have worked to establish and strengthen state dam safety programs and improve interstate and intergovernmental communication about dam safety. Together, we have continued to advance this mission and to hold ourselves to a high standard. ASDSO members believe we have a responsibility to make a difference in our communities and nation by decreasing the risks associated with dams.
Individual - Government Member
Individual - Honorary Member
Individual - Retired Member
Individual - Standard Employee Member
Individual - Standard Member
Individual - Student Member
Organizational - Agency Standard Member
Organizational - Agency Sustaining Member
Organizational - Standard Member
Organizational - Sustaining Member
Tier I - State Dam Safety Program
Tier II - State Dam Safety Program
Tier III - State Dam Safety Program
,567 Members
Member Benefits
GROW YOUR CAREER
• Complete professional development though paper publication and presentation forums.
• Increase career knowledge and opportunities from relationships with peers and mentors.
• Discover opportunities to volunteer for ASDSO task groups, interest groups, and committees.
FORM A PROFESSIONAL COMMUNITY
• Join Collaborate, ASDSO's professional networking site, and connect with nearly 3,000 professionals through shared interests and advice.
• Build relationships with members in different sectors of the community, including owners, regulators, educators, and more.
• Discover opportunities to join or start interest groups.
EXPAND YOUR KNOWLEDGE & PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION
• Receive discounted access to ASDSO’s robust training program, including conferences, technical classroom courses, and webinars. New memberships include a complimentary On-Demand webinar to help you get started.
• Gain free access to an enormous amount of resource information through ASDSO’s Dam Safety Resource Database. This includes all past and current ASDSO conference papers and journal articles.
• Receive a subscription to the ASDSO's digital membership newsletter.
• Receive a subscription to the quarterly Journal of Dam Safety.
• Gain access to all of the Dam Safety Toolbox website features, including ability to edit and create pages.
BUILD A SAFER FUTURE
• Support knowledge sharing between different state dam safety programs, federal regulators, designers, and owners.
• Assist in developing outreach and best practice materials, including videos, guides, handouts, and webpages.
• Measure success by requesting a Peer Review of your dam safety program.
• Advocate for legislation and policies that strengthen national and state dam safety programs.
State Membership
In July 2023, the ASDSO Board of Directors approved new membership tiers for all state programs. These tiers are based on the number of employees included in the membership.
Thank you to our Voting State Members and all the State Employees for their Crucial Support!
TIER III
• CA Department of Water Resources
• NC Department of Environmental & Natural Resources
• OH Department of Natural Resources
TIER II
• KS Department of Agriculture
• LA Department of Transportation & Development
• MA Department of Conservation & Recreation
• MD Department of the Environment
• NH Department of Environmental Services
• NJ Department of Environmental Protection
• PA Department of Environmental Protection
• SC Department of Environmental Services
TIER I
• AK Department of Natural Resources
• AR Natural Resources Commission
• AZ Department of Water Resources
• CO Division of Water Resources
• CT Department of Environmental Protection
• DE Department of Natural Resources & Environmental Control
• FL Department of Environmental Protection
• GA Department of Natural Resources
• HI Department of Land & Natural Resources
• IA Department of Natural Resources
• ID Department of Water Resources
• IL Department of Natural Resources
• IN Department of Natural Resources
• KY Division of Water
• ME Emergency Management Agency
• MI Department of Environmental Quality
• MN Department of Natural Resources
• MO Department of Natural Resources
• MS Department of Environmental Quality
• MT Department of Natural Resources & Conservation
• ND Department of Water Resources
• NE Department of Natural Resources
• NM Office of the State Engineer
• NV Division of Water Resources
• NY Department of Environmental Conservation
• OK Water Resources Board
• OR Water Resources Department
• RI Department of Environmental Management
• SD Department of Agriculture & Natural Resources
• TN Department of Environment & Conservation
• TX Commission on Environmental Quality
• UT Division of Water Rights
• VA Department of Conservation and Recreation
• VT Department of Environmental Conservation
• WA State Department of Ecology
• WI Department of Natural Resources
• WV Department of Environmental Protection
• WY State Engineer's Office
In Loving Memory
Long time ASDSO member Karl Myers passed in January 2025. Karl was a professional civil engineer in Georgia for 37 years and was the state's first Engineer of Record in the area of geotechnical engineering.
Don Basinger passed in February 2025. Don's career spanned many decades, and his work marked significant advancements in engineering standards that continue to guide dam engineering practices today.
We honor and will miss all ASDSO members and supporters who have passed away this year.
President Carter's Enduring Impact on National Dam Safety
In January 2025, ASDSO and many of its members spent time reflecting on President Carter's immense contributions to national dam safety during his administration and the enduring impact of his actions.
In 1977, early in his presidency, Carter called upon the heads of several federal agencies to create Federal Guidelines for Dam Safety. Shortly following, Kelly Barnes Dam, located in Carter's home state of Georgia, failed, leading to the deaths of 39 people. The failure added additional urgency to the need to both understand the state of the nation's dams and create oversight. Among notable resulting efforts were his executive order directing the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to inspect dams nationwide, revealing deficiencies in the majority of non -federal dams, and the creation of the FEMA National Dam Safety Program. These actions continue to have lasting impacts today and even directly led to the eventual creation of ASDSO as a resource and advocate for state dam safety regulatory programs.
To memorialize his contributions, ASDSO shared some archived documents from this period. Some of these documents were digitized versions of original communications donated to ASDSO's library from Dr. Bruce Tschantz, who served in a White House office charged with carrying out Carter's orders for improving dam safety nationally. ASDSO members were also encouraged to share additional remembrances and links on Collaborate.
Stay Connected
SOCIAL MEDIA
4,126 Subscribers
7,819 Followers
JOURNAL OF DAM SAFETY
The Journal of Dam Safety remains one of ASDSO's most popular member benefits. The Technical Journal Editorial Committee produced three issues of The Journal of Dam Safety in FY25, and a combined 30 authors contributed technical articles. Each journal issue includes technical articles, a volunteer spotlight, a regional spotlight, and ASDSO news.
Visit DamSafety.org/JDS
NEWSLETTERS
ASDSO members typically receive two membership newsletters a month. Newsletters contain the latest on ASDSO resources, membership news, and industry announcements. Newsletters also often contain updates directly from the Board of Directors and ASDSO staff, including comments on current events, news coverage, and legislative updates.
Training newsletters are emailed monthly and contain the latest information on ASDSO's training program, including upcoming webinars, workshops, seminars, and conferences.
ASDSO COLLABORATE
ASDSO Collaborate is an online networking community for dam safety professionals. The site offers an opportunity to connect by sharing ideas, discussing challenges, posting questions, and exploring ASDSO volunteer opportunities. News from the ASDSO Board of Directors, staff, and committee leaders is also often shared through Collaborate. Visit Collaborate.DamSafety.org
Not Receiving Emails or the Journal? Make sure your contact information is up to date and you are opted-in through the membership portal. Visit Portal.DamSafety.org.
Incoming Representatives For FY25
State Voting Representatives
ALABAMA Open
ALASKA
Benjamin Wagner, P.E.
AK Department of Natural Resources
ARIZONA
Ravi Murthy, P.E.
AZ Department of Water Resources
ARKANSAS
Whit Montague, P.E., CFM
AR Natural Resources Commission
* CALIFORNIA
Erik Malvick, P.E., Ph.D., G.E.
CA Department of Water Resources
COLORADO
Kallie Bauer, P.E.
CO Division of Water Resources
CONNECTICUT
Charles Lee
CT Department of Environmental Protection
DELAWARE
Janice Shute, P.E., CFM
DE Department of Natural Resources & Environmental Control
FLORIDA
Tracy Woods, P.G.
FL Department of Environmental Protection
GEORGIA
David Griffin, P.E.
GA Department of Natural Resources
HAWAII
Edwin Matsuda, P.E.
HI Department of Land & Natural Resources
IDAHO
John Falk, P.E.
ID Department of Water Resources
ILLINOIS
Paul Mauer, P.E.
IL Department of Natural Resources
INDIANA
Jon Eggen, CFM
IN Department of Natural Resources
IOWA
Jonathan Garton, P.E.
IA Department of Natural Resources
KANSAS
Terry Medley, P.E.
KS Department of Agriculture
KENTUCKY
Glen Alexander, P.E.
KY Division of Water
* LOUISIANA
Timothy Harper, P.E.
LA Department of Transportation & Development
MAINE
Tony Fletcher, P.E.
ME Emergency Management Agency
MARYLAND
John Roche, P.E.
MD Department of the Environment
MASSACHUSETTS
William Salomaa
MA Department of Conservation & Recreation
MICHIGAN
Lucas Trumble, P.E.
MI Department of Environmental Quality
MINNESOTA
Jason Boyle, P.E.
MN Department of Natural Resources
MISSISSIPPI
William McKercher, P.E.
Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality
MISSOURI
Ryan Stack, P.E.
MO Department of Natural Resources
* MONTANA
Brent Zundel, P.E., CFM
MT Department of Natural Resources & Conservation
NEBRASKA
Tim Gokie, P.E.
NE Department of Natural Resources
NEVADA
Keith Conrad, P.E.
NV Division of Water Resources
NEW HAMPSHIRE
Steve Doyon, P.E.
NH Department of Environmental Services
NEW JERSEY
Clint Oman, P.E.
NJ Department of Environmental Protection
NEW MEXICO
Sushil Chaudhary, P.E.
NM Office of the State Engineer
NEW YORK
Donald Canestrari, P.E.
NY Department of Environmental Conservation
NORTH CAROLINA
Brad Cole, P.E.
NC Department of Environmental & Natural Resources
NORTH DAKOTA
Karen Goff, P.E.
ND Department of Water Resources
OHIO
Mia Kannik, P.E.
OH Department of Natural Resources
* OKLAHOMA
Natalie Orbesen, P.E., CFM
OK Water Resources Board
OREGON
Tony Janicek, Ph.D., P.E.
OR Water Resources Department
PENNSYLVANIA
Kirk Kreider, P.E.
PA Department of Environmental Protection
PUERTO RICO
Open
RHODE ISLAND
Stacey Pinto
RI Department of Environmental Management
* SOUTH CAROLINA
John McCain, P.E.
SC Department of Health & Environmental Control
SOUTH DAKOTA
Whitney Kilts
SD Department of Environment & Natural Resources
TENNESSEE
Terrell Hendren, P.E.
TN Department of Environment & Conservation
TEXAS
Trina Lancaster, P.E.
TX Commission on Environmental Quality
* UTAH
Matt Call, P.E.
Utah Division of Water Rights
VERMONT
Benjamin Green, P.E.
VT Department of Environmental Conservation
VIRGINIA
Mark Killgore, P.E., D.WRE, F.ASCE
VA Department of Conservation & Recreation
WASHINGTON
Samantha Long, EIT
WA State Department of Ecology
WEST VIRGINIA
Aaron Tonkery, P.E.
WV Department of Environmental Protection
WISCONSIN
Uriah Monday, P.E.
WI Department of Natural Resources
* WYOMING
Baley Lenhart, P.E.
WY State Engineer's Office
Thank You to Our Outgoing Representatives
CALIFORNIA
Sharon Tapia, P.E.
LOUISIANA
Li Yang, P.E.
MONTANA
Michele Lemieux, P.E.
OKLAHOMA
Zachary Hollandsworth, P.E.
SOUTH CAROLINA
Jill Stewart, P.E.
UTAH
Everett Taylor, P.E.
WYOMING
Joseph Ruess, P.E.
Support for State Dam Safety Programs
A lot of work is done behind the scenes to assist state dam safety programs. ASDSO provides networking support to the states through:
SURVEY S
TECHNICAL GUIDANCE AND EXPERIENCES SHARED BETWEEN STATE REPRESENTATIVES
STATE MENTORING
MONTHLY NEWSLETTERS
COLLABORATIVE WEBINARS
STATE LEGISLATIVE ADVOCACY
ANALYSIS AND SHARING OF STATE PROGRAM PERFORMANCE DATA
COMPLIMENTARY WEBINAR PROGRAM *
with National Dam Safety Program Support *
Support for National Advisory Councils & Boards
ASDSO facilitated and supported participation by state dam safety leaders on national advisory groups. State dam safety programs were represented on the FEMA National Dam Safety Review Board and the DHS, Dams Sector Coordinating Council. Additionally, ASDSO Director Lori Spragens served as a non-voting member on the National Dam Safety Review Board and as a voting member on the DHS Dam Sector Coordinating Council.
NATIONAL DAM SAFETY REVIEW BOARD
In January 2025, the Trump Administration's decision to suspend federal advisory boards meant that FEMA halted all meetings of the National Dam Safety Review Board. It was unclear at the end of the fiscal year in June whether the board would be reinstated
ASDSO wishes to thank the state representatives who were serving at the time of suspension:
• Ariya Balakrishnan (California)
• Jill Stewart (South Carolina)
• Whit Montague (Arkansas)
• Dena Barnhouse (Ohio)
• Ben Wagner (Alaska)
DHS DAMS SECTOR COORDINATING COUNCIL
Thank you also to Jim Gallagher (New Hampshire), who has retired and stepped down from serving on the Council. Current state reps:
• Jon Garton (Iowa)
• Clint Oman & John Kale (New Jersey)
• Toby Vinson (North Carolina)
• Sharon Tapia & Eric Holland (California)
• Russell McGinnis (Vermont)
ASDSO partnered with the FEMA National Dam Safety Program and the USACE on a task group to review and update all of the state performance metrics collected since 1996. Based on the updated Model State Dam Safety Program, questions were updated and aligned with the modernized guideline document. These metrics help ASDSO and the National Dam Safety Program analyze improvements in state dam safety programs.
Federal & State Advocacy
Top Objective Met: Reauthorization of the National Dam Safety Program (NDSP) as part of the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2024.
ASDSO worked closely with Representatives Chuck Edwards (R-NC11) and Annie Kuster (D-NH02-Ret.) and Senators Kevin Cramer (R-ND) and Alex Padilla (D-CA), as well as staff for the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee to ensure the NDSP reauthorization and amending provisions were included in the final legislation.
OTHER KEY HIGHLIGHTS AT THE FEDERAL LEVEL:
• Increased communication with members of Congress. Over the course of the year ASDSO members and representatives met with more than 100 members of Congress and their staff to advocate for strong state dam safety programs, build bipartisan support for NDSP reauthorization, and advance other dam safety priorities such as increased appropriations to federal dam safety grant and loan programs.
• Strengthening of coalition partnerships. Collaboration with other organizations continued to broaden the reach and support for dam safety nationwide.
• Defending dam safety funding. ASDSO sent formal communications to FEMA and the Department of Homeland Security opposing the diversion of millions of dollars in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding away from NDSP grant programs and advocating for continued implementation of the NDSP. ASDSO and several state programs sent appropriations requests to members of the House and Senate Appropriations, Transportation and Infrastructure, and Environment and Public Works Committees. Advocacy work resulted in the release of FEMA grant funds to states after multiple members of the House Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management Subcommittee asked the acting FEMA administrator about the delayed FEMA grants during a hearing in mid-2025.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS AT THE STATE LEVEL:
• Increased monitoring nationwide of proposed state bills affecting dam safety.
• Support for dam safety in Kansas, Nebraska and Maine:
» ASDSO offered support for a Kansas proposal that would strengthen the state dam safety program while opposing an onerous proposal that would have complicated the regulatory process. This effort would have exempted some dams by bifurcating agricultural and non agricultural dams based on usage and height while also exempting dams of 30 feet or less that are used for agricultural purposes from state oversight. Both failed to advance.
» ASDSO provided written testimony in support of Nevada legislation that strengthened the authority of the state dam safety program. The legislation passed.
» ASDSO advocated for the passage and implementation of two Maine proposals that increase funding to the state dam safety program and create a revolving loan program. These legislative proposals will be carried over into the next legislative session allowing for another chance at getting them signed into law.
Thank You to the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Task Force
The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Task Force was formed to assist the ASDSO leadership in developing policies and projects related to specific goals and objectives from the 2022-27 ASDSO Strategic Plan, and in support of the membership. In March 2025, the ASDSO Board voted to accept the subsequent report and recommendations from the group. Several project ideas were put forward that focus primarily on 1) specific ways to encourage women and minorities to enter the engineering field and 2) enhancing the organization's recognition of conscious inclusion across its mission. During the June 2025 ASDSO Board meeting, recommendations were discussed, and several project ideas were integrated into the Fiscal Year 26 Action Plan.
A special thank you to the task force chair and members who tirelessly devoted their time and expertise to assist ASDSO in this endeavor:
• Dana Miller, Chair, CO Division of Water Resources
• Gabriel Jose Alcantar, Mott MacDonald
• Scott Arends, Hazen and Sawyer
• Meron Batayeh, Hazen and Sawyer
• Mia Kannik, OH Department of Natural Resources
• Amanda Lopez, Hazen and Sawyer
• Maryam Movahedinia, Eugene Water & Electric Board
• Helen Russell, Kleinschmidt Associates
• Sharon Tapia, GEI Consultants
• Keith Conrad, Board Liaison, NV Division of Water Resources
• William McKercher, Board Liaison, MS Department of Environmental Quality
Media Outreach - Year in Review
20+ UNIQUE ARTICLES, 30+ MEDIA REQUESTS FOR INFORMATION
ASDSO was directly represented in more than 20 unique news articles from July 2024 to June 2025. Many other articles were later syndicated to additional outlets, helping ASDSO reach an even wider audience. Many more ASDSO subject matter experts represented their own organizations in articles while coordinating with ASDSO on talking points.
Thank you to all the subject matter experts who made this possible!
Dam Failures and Incidents Book: A Survey of Case Histories from the 1880s to 2020
ASDSO celebrated its 40th annual conference by distributing a copy of Dam Failures and Incidents: Essential Lessons for Dam Safety Practitioners to each of the Dam Safety 2024 attendees. The coffee table-style book is a culmination of more than a decade of research and presentations completed by members of the Dam Failures and Incidents Committee. It includes more than 100 case studies from the 1800s to 2020, as well as a comprehensive review of the aspects and processes of how and why dam failures and incidents occur. The 320-page book would not have been possible without the work of the more than 40 volunteers who contributed to its content and support by the FEMA National Dam Safety Program.
Peer Review Program Highlights
In 1990, ASDSO's Peer Review Program was piloted, and since then, it has completed 48 state, 25 federal agency and nine private sector reviews. The philosophy behind ASDSO's Peer Review Program is that a review by a diverse and independent group of experienced dam safety professionals can help improve the management and execution of a dam safety program. The ASDSO program features a defined process that leads the agency or company through an introspective "self" evaluation, evaluating the mission, objectives, policies, and procedures relative to the organization's governing regulations, and generally accepted standards of practice for Dam Safety Engineering and Management.
In FY25 the following reviews were completed:
• North Carolina Department of Environmental & Natural Resources
• City of San Diego, Public Utilities Department
ASDSO Launches the Ambassadors Program
The Ambassador Program Task Force was formed during the 2022 27 strategic planning process and is formally recognized in the plan under Goal 2 to "Develop a cohesive and collaborative dam and levee safety community committed to the ASDSO mission." Before it was piloted, the task force created guidance documents and procedures for the future program. In its pilot phase, the ambassadors supported members at Dam Safety 2024 and the 2025 West Regional conferences. They served as a welcome team to answer questions and assisted at registration and in the exhibit hall. The Board of Directors approved a new ambassadors standing committee in June. The committee will continue to expand its support for members and attendees at conferences during FY26.
A special thank you to the Ambassador Program Task Force committee chair and members:
• Chrissy Ferrazzano, Chair, Schnabel Engineering
• Gabriel Alcantar, Mott MacDonald
• Bill Bingham, GEI Consultants, Inc.
• Gregg Hudock, Freese and Nichols
• Cory Miyamoto, Pacific Gas & Electric
• Jim Pawloski, Schnabel Engineering
• Tony Vinson, Board Sponsor, NC Department of Environmental & Natural Resources
• Ross Brown, Staff Liaison, Association of State Dam Safety Officials
• Michaela Royse, Staff Liaison, Association of State Dam Safety Officials
ON THE HORIZON:
Watch for the Ambitious Public Awareness Campaign Launch
We in the dam safety profession collectively know how heartbreaking it is to learn of tragedies caused by recreating around dams. Educating the public about the dangers of low head dams is a continued goal for ASDSO. An educated public is both better protected from the dangers posed by dams and can serve as educated advocates for dam safety in their communities.
Now, for the first time in ASDSO’s history, thanks in large part to FEMA funding through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, we are launching a multi-year national awareness campaign.
Since 2023, ASDSO has been working closely with the nationally recognized advertising firm Doe Anderson to
develop a comprehensive campaign. Together, we have developed a unique and engaging theme that features an iconic figure reimagined as our mascot. ASDSO will be officially announcing the theme at the Dam Safety 2025 national conference.
We will also launch our fundraising efforts at the conference. The seed money graciously offered by FEMA will only kickstart this ambitious campaign. We will need your support and will be working over the next year to get monetary backing from our member companies, private and federal grant providers, and the outdoor recreation industry.
Watch for more information at Dam Safety 2025 and throughout FY26!
ADVISORY COMMITTEE (ADCOM)
Scott Arends, Hazen and Sawyer IL
Terry Arnold, AECOM - CO
Mark Baker (Vice Chair), DamCrest Consulting, LLC CO
Bill Bingham, GEI - PA
Robert Bowers, Ramboll PA
Donald Bruce, Geosystems, L.P. PA
Jack Byers, Byers Group LLC CO
Jason Clere, Brookfield Renewable Power - ME
Robert Dalton, Veenstra & Kimm, Inc. IL
Eric Ditchey, Eric J. Ditchey, P.E., LLC - NJ
David Eichelberger, Christopher B. Burke Engineering, LLC. - IN
Keith Ferguson, HDR Engineering, Inc. - CO
R. Craig Findlay, Findlay Engineering, Inc. - ME
John France, JWF Consulting LLC CO
David Gutierrez, GEI Consultants, Inc. - CA
ASDSO Committees Committee Members
Eric Halpin, Halpin Engineering Consulting LLC - VA
Amanda Hess, GFT PA
Stephen Jamieson, W.W. Wheeler & Associates, Inc. CO
Bill Kappel, Applied Weather Associates CO
Jonathan Keeling, Stantec Consulting Services Inc. KY
Joseph Kula, Geosyntec Consultants MD
Martin McCann, National Performance of Dams Program CA
Philip Moreschi, Fuss & O'Neill, Inc. CT
Dusty Myers, Eagle Creek Renewable Energy - NC
Anthony Nokovich, American Water NJ
Gregory Paxson, Schnabel Engineering - CO
Jeffery Powers, Hazen and Sawyer - VA
Gregory Richards, GFT UT
John Ritchey, French & Parrello Associates, P.A. NJ
Paul Schweiger, GFT PA
Steve Snider, Ramboll NY
Elena Sossenkina, HDR - CO
VOLUNTEERS ARE THE FUEL THAT POWERS ASDSO
Any member can contribute and make a difference. More than 350 volunteers served on 17 standing committees and 11 task groups and interest groups last year. Many members also served on the DHS Dams Sector Coordinating Council, the National Dam Safety Review Board, and the US Levee Safety Coalition.
A big thank you to all of our board, committee, task group, and interest group volunteers, as well as to those serving on the national advisory boards.
Edward Tomlinson, Atmospheric Science Consultants, LLC - CO
James Weldon, Jim Weldon and Associates, LLC CO
†* Jennifer Williams, AECOM - CO
AMBASSADOR PROGRAM COMMITTEE
Gabriel Alcantar, Mott MacDonald CA
Bill Bingham, GEI Consultants, Inc. - PA
* Christine Ferrazzano, Schnabel Engineering - PA
Gregg Hudock, Freese & Nichols, Inc. GA
Cory Miyamoto, Pacific Gas & Electric - CA
James Pawloski, James T. Pawloski, PE, LLC/Schnabel Engineering - MI
† William Vinson, NC Department of Environmental & Natural Resources NC
ANNUAL AWARDS COMMITTEE
Jason Campbell, Vistra Corp IL
† Keith Conrad, NV Division of Water Resources NV
Robert Dalton, Veenstra & Kimm, Inc. IL
Denny Dickey PA
Robert Finucane VT
* Jonathan Garton, IA Department of Natural Resources IA
Whitney Kilts, SD Department of Agriculture & Natural Resources SD
Rachel Lindgren, MN Department of Natural Resources MN
Anthony Nokovich, American Water NJ
Allen Orsi, Pare Engineering Corp. - MA
James Pawloski, James T. Pawloski, PE, LLC/Schnabel Engineering- MI
Edward Race, Michael Baker International - PA
Robert Sauer, GA Department of Natural Resources GA
Ryan Stack, MO Department of Natural Resources MO
William Vinson, NC Department of Environmental & Natural Resources NC
ANNUAL CONFERENCE PROGRAM COMMITTEE
* Kallie Bauer, CO Division of Water Resources CO
John France, JWF Consulting LLC CO
Jonathan Garton, IA Department of Natural Resources IA
Nathaniel Gee, Tennessee Valley Authority TN
Sherry Hunt, USDA ARS OK
Douglas Johnson, Schnabel Engineering - OR
† Mia Kannik, OH Department of Natural Resources OH
Bill McCormick, Black & Veatch Corporation CO
Cory Miyamoto, Pacific Gas & Electric - CA
Gregory Paxson, Schnabel Engineering - CO
* John Ritchey, French & Parrello Associates, P.A. NJ
John Roche, Maryland Department of the Environment - MD
Lucas Trumble, MI Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy - MI
CAREER DEVELOPMENT
AND STUDENT OUTREACH COMMITTEE (CDSOC)
Nicholas Agnoli, Applied Weather Associates CO
Morgan Barranco, LA Department of Transportation & Development LA
Rachel Barrows, Stantec Consulting Services, Inc. KY
Jane Brock, Tennessee Valley Authority TN
Lester Brown, Engineering Analytics - CO
Ashley Campbell, IA Department of Natural Resources IA
Joel Carpio, Utah Division of Water Rights UT
Nicole Chiles, HDR NC
Jeris Danielson, Danielson & Associates CO
Paul Eggers, McMillen, Inc. - CO
Joshua Gilman, American Cement Association NH
Erin Gleason, Denver Water - CO
Karen Goff, ND Department of Water Resources - ND
Anthony Grubbs, Freese & Nichols, Inc. NC
Lesli Harmon, Southern Company Generation AL
† Michelle Hase, WI Department of Natural Resources WI
Joel Jackson, Black & Veatch CO
Nathan Jorgensen, GEI Consultants, Inc. - CO
Jonathan Keeling, Stantec Consulting Services Inc. KY
Chair
Board Executive Sponsor
Committee Members
Mark Killgore, VA Department of Conservation & Recreation VA
Junior Lagade, Black & Veatch CA
Satish Mantha, GEI Consultants, Inc. - TX
Matthew Marchisello, Aqua Pennsylvania, Inc. PA
Matthew Marquis, OH Department of Natural Resources OH
Madeline Marsh, Grant County PUD WA
Austin Martin NV
Christopher Marx, French and Parrello Associates NJ
Martin McCann, National Performance of Dams Program CA
Bill McCormick, Black & Veatch Corporation CO
Arthur Miller, AECOM - CO
Akhila Mirza, CT Department of Environmental Protection - CT
* Cory Miyamoto, Pacific Gas & Electric - CA
John Moyle, GEI/DE Dam Safety - DE
Dontavius Patton, MS Department of Environmental Quality - MS
Kalie Poston, Tennessee Valley Authority TN
Johnny Prettyman, GFT UT
Russell Ray, NJ Department of Environmental Protection - NJ
Abby Repko, GFT UT
John Roche, Maryland Department of the Environment - MD
Roxanne Sanderson, MD Department of the Environment - MD
Silas Sanderson, Schnabel Engineering - OR
Emily Schwartz, Black & Veatch Corporation - TX
Melissa Setz, Geosyntec Consultants GA
Travis Shoemaker, Schnabel Engineering - PA
† Janice Shute, DE Department of Natural Resources & Environmental Control - DE
Raul Silva, MA Department of Conservation & Recreation MA
Zach Taylor, Kleinschmidt Associates WA
Darlissha Tillman Sadler GA
Caroline Walden, GA Department of Natural Resources GA
Morgan Walloch, City of Fort Worth TX
* Benjamin Webster, Schnabel Engineering - KY
Michelle Yezierski, Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, US Department of Homeland Security VA
Zahra Zahmatkesh, KGS Group WA
CDSOC SUBCOMMITTEEMODEL DAM COMPETITION
* Lester Brown, Engineering Analytics - CO
Ashley Campbell, IA Department of Natural Resources IA
† Michelle Hase, WI Department of Natural Resources WI
Joel Jackson, Black & Veatch CO
Jonathan Keeling, Stantec Consulting Services Inc. KY
Matthew Marquis, OH Department of Natural Resources OH
† Janice Shute, DE Department of Natural Resources & Environmental Control - DE
Zach Taylor, Kleinschmidt Associates WA
Benjamin Webster, Schnabel Engineering - KY
CDSOC SUBCOMMITTEELESSON PLAN
* Brianna Crotty, Schnabel Engineering, CO
*Joshua Gilman, American Cement Association, NH
Ronaldo Luna MO
Christopher Marx, French & Parrello Associates, NJ
† William Mckercher, MS Department of Environmental Quality - MS
† John Roche, MD Department of the Environment - MD
Roxanne Camile Sanderson, MD Department of the Environment - MD
Melissa Setz, Geosyntec Consultants, GA
CDSOC SUBCOMMITTEE - PODCAST
Ashley Campbell, IA Dept of Natural Resources IA
* Nicole Chiles, HDR NC
Brianna Crotty, Schnabel Engineering - CO
Josh Gilman, American Cement Association NH
† Michelle Hase, WI Department of Natural Resources WI
* Matthew Marquis, OH Department of Natural Resources OH
Austin Martin NV
Cory Miyamoto, Pacific Gas & Electric - CA
Silas Sanderson, Schnabel Engineering - OR
Emily Schwartz, Black & Veatch - TX
† Janice Shute, DE Department of Natural Resources & Environmental Control - DE
CDSOC SUBCOMMITTEESCHOLARSHIP
Jeris Danielson, Danielson & Associates CO
Karen Goff, ND Department of Water Resources - ND
† Michelle Hase, WI Department of Natural Resources WI
Joel Jackson, Black & Veatch CO
John Moyle, GEI/DE Dam Safety - DE
Melissa Setz, Geosyntec Consultants GA
* Travis Shoemaker, Schnabel Engineering - PA
† Janice Shute, DE Department of Natural Resources & Environmental Control - DE
Michelle Yezierski, Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, US Department of Homeland Security VA
CDSOC SUBCOMMITTEE
- STUDENT PAPER COMPETITION
Lester Brown, Engineering Analytics - CO
* Ashley Campbell, IA Department of Natural Resources IA
Joshua Gilman, American Cement Association NH
Erin Gleason, Denver Water - CO
† Michelle Hase, WI Department of Natural Resources WI
Jonathan Keeling, Stantec Consulting Services Inc. KY
† Janice Shute, DE Department of Natural Resources & Environmental Control - DE
Benjamin Webster, Schnabel Engineering - KY
DAM FAILURE AND INCIDENTS COMMITTEE (DFIC)
Irfan Alvi, Alvi Associates, Inc. MD
Scott Anderson, Anderson Engineering Consultants - AR
Scott Arends, Hazen and Sawyer IL
Mark Baker, DamCrest Consulting, LLC CO
John Batka, CO Division of Water Resources CO
Michael Bennett PA
Lester Brown, Engineering Analytics - CO
Cameron Carpenter, Tetra Tech CO
† Sushil Chaudhary, NM Office of the State Engineer - NM
Keith Conrad, NV Division of Water Resources NV
Jacob Davis, US Army Corps of Engineers - DC
Dan DeVaun, GEI Consultants, Inc. - MI
Stephen Durgin WA
Richard Eastland, Bureau of Reclamation - NV
Keith Ferguson, HDR Engineering, Inc. - CO
Bob Filgas, HDR CA
† Kent Finemore, NH Department of Environmental Services NH
Maxwell Fowler, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission - GA
John France, JWF Consulting LLC CO
Jonathan Garton, IA Department of Natural Resources IA
Nathaniel Gee, Tennessee Valley Authority TN
Caden Gigliotti, HDR CO
Eric Halpin, Halpin Engineering Consulting LLC - VA
Stephen Hamlin, Brazos River Authority TX
Michael Hand WY
Lesli Harmon, Southern Company Generation AL
Thomas Hepler, Schnabel Engineering - NC
David Hernandez, HDR CO
David Hibbs, US Fish & Wildlife Service VA
Harold Holloway, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission - DC
Vik Iso Ahola, Stantec Consulting Services, Inc. CA
Douglas Johnson, Schnabel Engineering - OR
William Johnstone, Spatial Vision Group Inc. BC
Chris Karam, Brookfield Renewable Power - ME
Emily Keck, AECOM - MD
Jordan Keeney, Dam Safety Services KY
William Kussmann, Hatch Acres Corporation MN
* Lee Mauney, HDR CO
Nicole McGinnis, City of San Diego CA
William McKercher, Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality - MS
Chair
Board Executive Sponsor
Committee Members
Shane McWilliams, HDR, Inc. CO
Cory Miyamoto, Pacific Gas & Electric - CA
Dusty Myers, Eagle Creek Renewable Energy - NC
Constantine Pappas, US Fish & Wildlife Service VA
James Pawloski, James T. Pawloski, PE, LLC/Schnabel Engineering - MI
Gregory Paxson, Schnabel Engineering - CO
Jonathan Pittman, Schnabel Engineering - NC
Gregory Richards, GFT UT
Paul Risher, US Army Corps of Engineers - CA
Robb Roy, Colliers Engineering & Design - OK
Russell Sanford FL
David Sawitzki, AECOM - MD
Ryan Schoolmeesters, Eagle Creek Renewable Energy - WI
Paul Schweiger, GFT PA
Peter Spangenberg CT
Zach Spruell, US Fish & Wildlife Service OR
Bradley Sticker LA
David Sykora, Exponent - NC
Juliana Tabet, EnMax - AB
Everett Taylor - UT
Seth Thompson, GFT UT
Tim Tochtrop, McMillen CO
Lucas Trumble, MI Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy - MI
Travis Tutka, US Army Corps of Engineers - DC
Meghan Walter, USDA NRCS OR Benjamin Webster, Schnabel Engineering - KY
John Wolfhope, Freese & Nichols, Inc. TX
R. Lee Wooten, GEI Consultants, Inc. - MA
Dawning Wu, HDR CA
Kevin Yezdimer, Princeton Hydro, LLC NJ
Matthew Young, Bureau of Indian Affairs - CO
Nicole Young, City of Boulder CO
DFIC SUBCOMMITTEE - BOOK PROJECT (COMPLETED IN FY25)
Irfan Alvi, Alvi Associates, Inc. MD
* Mark Baker, DamCrest Consulting, LLC CO
Lester Brown, Engineering Analytics - CO
Stephen Durgin WA
Keith Ferguson, HDR Engineering, Inc. - CO
William Fiedler, HDR CO
Nathaniel Gee, Tennessee Valley Authority TN
Caden Gigliotti, HDR CO
* Lee Mauney, HDR CO
Shane McWilliams, HDR, Inc. CO
Dusty Myers, Eagle Creek Renewable Energy - NC
James Pawloski, James T. Pawloski, PE, LLC/Schnabel Engineering - MI
Jonathan Pittman, Schnabel Engineering - NC
Gregory Richards, GFT UT
Elena Sossenkina, HDR - CO
R. Lee Wooten, GEI Consultants, Inc. - MA
Dawning Wu, HDR CA
DFIC SUBCOMMITTEE
- DAM FAILURE INVESTIGATION GUIDELINE UPDATE
Irfan Alvi, Alvi Associates, Inc. MD
* Mark Baker, DamCrest Consulting, LLC CO
Jonathan Garton, IA Department of Natural Resources IA
Nathaniel Gee, Tennessee Valley Authority TN
Lee Mauney, HDR CO
Constantine Pappas, US Fish & Wildlife Service VA
Lucas Trumble, MI Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy - MI
Meghan Walter, USDA NRCS OR
Matthew Young, Bureau of Indian Affairs - CO
DFIC SUBCOMMITTEEDAMFAILURES.ORG
Irfan Alvi, Alvi Associates, Inc. MD
Johnathon Atkins MI
Mark Baker, DamCrest Consulting, LLC CO
John Batka, CO Division of Water Resources CO
Michael Bennett PA
Lester Brown, Engineering Analytics - CO
Jared Deible, HDR PA
Brandt Demars, Bureau of Reclamation ID
James Demby, USDA NRCS VA
Keith Ferguson, HDR Engineering, Inc. - CO
William Fiedler, HDR CO
John France, JWF Consulting LLC CO
Nathaniel Gee, Tennessee Valley Authority TN
Eric Halpin, Halpin Engineering Consulting LLC - VA
Michael Hand WY
Thomas Hepler, Schnabel Engineering - NC
David Hernandez, HDR CO
Dylan Hoehn, Engineering Analytics - CO
Douglas Johnson, Schnabel Engineering - OR
William Johnstone, Spatial Vision Group Inc. BC
Wayne King AL
Allison Knaak, Bureau of Indian Affairs - CO
Andrew Lynch, GFT CO
Lee Mauney, HDR CO
Cory Miyamoto, Pacific Gas & Electric - CA
* Gregory Richards, GFT UT
Paul Risher, US Army Corps of Engineers - CA
Russell Sanford FL
Ryan Schoolmeesters, Eagle Creek Renewable Energy - WI
Bradley Sticker LA
David Sykora, Exponent - NC
* Seth Thompson, GFT UT
Travis Tutka, US Army Corps of Engineers - DC
Meghan Walter, USDA NRCS OR
John Wolfhope, Freese & Nichols, Inc. TX
R. Lee Wooten, GEI Consultants, Inc. - MA
Dawning Wu, HDR CA
DFIC SUBCOMMITTEE - DECADE DAM FAILURES
Mark Baker, DamCrest Consulting, LLC CO
Nathaniel Gee, Tennessee Valley Authority TN
Harold Holloway, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission DC
Lee Mauney, HDR CO
* Cory Miyamoto, Pacific Gas & Electric - CA
Dusty Myers, Eagle Creek Renewable Energy - NC
Jonathan Pittman, Schnabel Engineering - NC
David Sykora, Exponent - NC
DAM OWNER OUTREACH COMMITTEE
Daniel Wade Anderson, Freese & Nichols OK
Jason Campbell, Vistra Corp IL
Rebecca Deal, City of Charlotte NC
Richard DeBold - ME
Jonathan Garton, IA Department of Natural Resources IA
Thomas Horak, MI DEQ - MI
Mark Ickert, Freese and Nichols, Inc. TX
Emily Keck, AECOM - MD
Matthew Lindon, Loughlin Water Associates UT
George Mills, GEM Consulting - OH
* John Moyle, GEI/DE Dam Safety - DE
Troy Naperala, GEI Consultants, Inc. - MI
Raul Silva, MA Department of Conservation & Recreation MA
Boris Slogar, Environmental Design Group - OH
† William Vinson, NC Department of Environmental & Natural Resources NC
Chair
Board Executive Sponsor
Committee Members
DAM SAFETY TOOLBOX COMMITTEE
Leadership
*Jeremy Franz, CO DWR CO
† Mia Kannik, OH Department of Natural Resources OH
Andrew Lynch, GFT CO
Gregory Richards, GFT UT
Michael Woodruff, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission GA
Moderators
William Beitel, OH Department of Natural Resources OH
Ashley Campbell, IA Department of Natural Resources IA
Danielle Drake, Irvine Ranch Water District CA
Joshua Erwood, Christopher B. Burke Engineering, LLC - IN
Aiden Ganapathy, CA Department of Water Resources CA
Bulent Hatipoglu, CDM Smith FL
Mikie Howard, CA Department of Water Resources CA
Satish Mantha, GEI Consultants, Inc. - TX
Riley Manwaring, GFT AZ
Matthew Marquis, OH Department of Natural Resources OH
Jordyn Marshall, Stantec Consulting Services, Inc. CO
Megan Sabin, SC Department of Health & Environmental Control SC
Erdem Onur Tastan, Geosyntec Consultants - NC
Study Group Members
Kelcy Adamec, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission - OR
Gabriel Alcantar, Mott MacDonald CA
M. Leslie Boyd, Freese & Nichols, Inc. TX
Bryan Carignan, MA Department of Conservation & Recreation MA
Joe Hjerpe, Barr Engineering Company - MN
Daniel Keithline, Keithline Engineering Group - OK
Mark Killgore, VA Department of Conservat ion & Recreation VA
Phillips King, MS Department of Environmental Quality - MS
Michele Lemieux MT
Dan Smith, Geotechnics, Inc. TN
Gavin Tasker, Barnard Construction Company, Inc. MT
Charles Thompson, Urraca Mesa Consulting, LLC NM
Subject Matter Experts
Terry Arnold, AECOM - CO
Mark Baker, DamCrest Consulting, LLC CO
Alon Dominitz, NY
Jonathan Garton, IA Department of Natural Resources IA
Nathaniel Gee, Tennessee Valley Authority TN
Chadrick Hill, MT Department of Natural Resources & Conservation MT
Maria Hollister, CA Department of Water Resources CA
Jonathan Keeling, Stantec Consulting Services Inc. KY
Joseph Kula, Geosyntec Consultants MD
Melinda Luna, TRC Companies TX
Ian Maki, CA Department of Water Resources CA
Keil Neff, US Army Corps of Engineers - CO
Katherine Sharpe, GFT PA
Harald Van Aller MD
EXTREME PRECIPITATION INVESTIGATION COMMITTEE (EPIC)
Keith Banachowski, Ohio Dam Safety Program OH
Meg Galloway, Association of State Floodplain Managers WI
Kevin Griebenow, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission - IL
Bill Kappel, Applied Weather Associates CO
Deborah Martin, RTI International CO
* Bill McCormick, Black & Veatch Corporation CO
† William McKercher, Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality - MS
Michael McMahon, HDR CO
Gregory Paxson, Schnabel Engineering - CO
Emilie Tarouilly, Hydrologic Research Center (HRC) - CA
FINANCE COMMITTEE
Scott Arends, Hazen and Sawyer IL
David Griffin, GA Department of Natural Resources - GA
Mia Kannik, OH Department of Natural Resources OH
Terry Medley, KS Department of Agriculture KS
†
* John Roche, Maryland Department of the Environment - MD
Sharon Tapia, GEI Consultants, Inc. - CA
LEGISLATIVE ADVOCACY & GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
Charlie Carasis, Slate Geotechnical Consultants CA
Kenneth Catino, Ramboll NY
Nicole Chiles, HDR NC
Keith Conrad, NV Division of Water Resources NV
Gregory Daviero, Schnabel Engineering - NY
Andrea DuMont, Bentley Systems PA
Emilia Guerrero, NC Department of Environmental & Natural Resources NC
Elizabeth Harrod, KY Division of Water - KY
Mia Kannik, OH Department of Natural Resources OH
Jonathan Keeling, Stantec Consulting Services Inc. KY
Michele Lemieux MT
Christopher Marx, French and Parrello Associates NJ
Bill McCormick, Black & Veatch Corporation CO
* John Moyle, GEI/DE Dam Safety - DE
Mark Ogden OH
Clint Oman, NJ Department of Environmental Protection - NJ
Heidi Pence, GEI Consultants, Inc. - DC
†
* John Roche, Maryland Department of the Environment - MD
MEDIA OUTREACH COMMITTEE
† Jon Eggen, IN Department of Natural Resources - IN
* Aaron Fricke, Christopher B. Burke Engineering, LLC - IN
* Kenneth Smith IN
NOMINATIONS AND GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE
Jon Eggen, IN Department of Natural Resources - IN
†
* Sharon Tapia, GEI Consultants, Inc. - CA
Benjamin Wagner, AK Department of Natural Resources AK
Jennifer Williams, AECOM - CO
PEER REVIEW COMMITTEE
Mark Baker, DamCrest Consulting, LLC CO
Bill Bingham, GEI Consultants, Inc. - PA
Dennis Dickey PA
* David Gutierrez, GEI Consultants, Inc. - CA
† Terry Medley, KS Department of Agriculture KS
Boris Slogar, Environmental Design Group - OH
Kenneth Smith IN
PUBLIC SAFETY AROUND DAMS COMMITTEE
Irfan Alvi, Alvi Associates, Inc. MD
Tony Bennett, Ontario Power Generation ON
David Bonin, Hatch Associates Consultants, Inc. MB
Steven Davidheiser, PA American Water PA
James Demby, USDA NRCS VA
Stephen Durgin WA
† Jon Eggen, IN Department of Natural Resources - IN
John France, JWF Consulting LLC CO
Tim Gokie, NE Department of Natural Resources - NE
Stuart Harris, Tennessee Valley Authority TN
Rollin Hotchkiss, Brigham Young University UT
Benjamin Israel Devadason PA
* Manuela Johnson, Christopher B. Burke Engineering, LLC - IN
Karl Kingery, Hydrometrics MT
Matthew Lindon, Loughlin Water Associates UT
Thomas Mapletoft, Brookfield Renewable Power - ME
Paul Meeks, Worthington Products Inc. OH
Madison Miro, Hazen and Sawyer MD
John Moyle, GEI/DE Dam Safety - DE
Chair
Board Executive Sponsor
Committee Members
Clint Oman, NJ Department of Environmental Protection - NJ
David Ouellette, MA Department of Conservation & Recreation MA
Sharon Roach, HDR CA
Paul Schweiger, GFT PA
Robert Scott, IN Department of Natural Resources IN
Ian Selock MD
Kenneth Smith IN Bryant Ward BC
Kenneth Wright, Wright Water Engineers, Inc. - CO
TECHNICAL JOURNAL EDITORIAL COMMITTEE
Peter Baril CT
Sushil Chaudhary, NM Office of the State Engineer - NM
Khaled Chowdhury, US Army Corps of Engineers - CA
Thomas Evans, CDM Smith - SC
Keith Ferguson, HDR Engineering, Inc. - CO
Craig Findlay, Findlay Engineering - ME
John France, JWF Consulting LLC CO
James Gallagher MA
Ian Maki, CA Department of Water Resources CA
Arthur Miller, AECOM - CO
Moumita Mukherjee IN
* Gregory Paxson, Schnabel Engineering - CO
Alan Rauch, Stantec Consulting Services, Inc. KY
Bryant Robbins, US Army Corps of Engineers - CO
John Roche, Maryland Department of the Environment - MD
Robrecht Schmitz, Sibelco & THGA LI
Nathan Snorteland, DeRamp Consulting CO
William Sturtevant, Colorado Springs Utilities CO
Blake Tullis, Utah State University UT
† Benjamin Wagner, AK Department of Natural Resources AK
James Weldon, Jim Weldon and Associates, LLC CO
TECHNICAL TRAINING COMMITTEE
Roger Adams, PA Department of Environmental Protection - PA
Timothy Bush, Federal Emergency Management Agency - NJ
Brianna Crotty, Schnabel Engineering - CO
James Demby, USDA NRCS VA
Alon Dominitz NY
John France, JWF Consulting LLC CO
Jonathan Garton, IA Department of Natural Resources IA
†
* David Griffin, GA Department of Natural Resources - GA
Amanda Hess, GFT PA
Matthew Hook, OH Department of Natural Resources OH
Brandon Horrocks, RB&G Engineering, Inc. - UT
Jennilynn Janolo, CA Department of Water Resources CA
Ronaldo Luna, Luna Consulting, LLC MO
Joseph McFarlane, Gerhart Cole UT
Patrick Miles, Freese & Nichols, Inc. TX
Kate Naughton, Hazen & Sawyer MD
Jeffery Powers, Hazen and Sawyer - VA
John Roche, Maryland Department of the Environment - MD
Paul Schweiger, GFT PA
Charles Thompson, Urraca Mesa Consulting, LLC NM
* D. Thomas Woosley GA
DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION (DEI) TASK FORCE (COMPLETED IN FY25)
Gabriel Alcantar, Mott MacDonald CA
Scott Arends, Hazen and Sawyer IL
Meron Batayeh, Hazen and Sawyer GA
Keith Conrad, NV Division of Water Resources NV
Mia Kannik, OH Department of Natural Resources OH
Amanda Lopez, Hazen and Sawyer CO
William McKercher, Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality - MS
Dana Miller, CO Division of Water Resources CO
Maryam Movahedinia, Eugene Water & Electric Board - OR
Helen Russell, Kleinschmidt Associates - ME
Sharon Tapia, GEI Consultants, Inc. - CA
Preston Wilson, Resilience Solutions Consulting MD
TAILINGS REGULATORY GUIDELINES TASK FORCE (COMPLETED IN FY25)
Carmen Bernedo, Stantec CO
Brad Bijold, BGC Engineering - CO
Jason Boyle, MN Dept of Natural Resources MN
Tawny Bridgeford DC
Kim Bustillos AK Dept of Natural Resources AK
James Casey, Klohn Crippen Berger AZ
Tim Cazier CO
David Chambers, Center for Science in Public Participation MT
Charles Cobb, AK Dept of Natural Resources AK
Keith Conrad, NV Division of Water Resources NV
James Demby, USDA NRCS VA
Dan DeVaun, GEI - MI
Craig Dufficy, EPA - DC
Ralph Enos, Teck American Incorporated - WA
Wayne Harrison AZ
Christopher Hatton, WSP CO
Michael Henderson CO
Tamara Johndrow AZ
Dean Korri, Cleveland Cliffs - MN
Cheyenne Lawrence NV Division of Water Resources NV
Patricia McGrath, EPA - WA
Stanley Michalek PA
Kevin Ritter, AECOM - CO
Luke Russell, Hecla Mining Company ID
Jordan Scheremeta, Knight Piesold and Company CO
Kurt Schimpke, Barr Engineering - MN
Stefanie Self, OSMRE - PA
Sarah Shoemaker, US Forest Service AK
Shawn Steiner, ConeTec UT
Doug Stiles ID
Chris Thorson NV
* Luke Trumble, MI Department of Environmental Quality - MI
Bryan Ulrich, Stantec CO
Steven Vamossy PA
Hal Van Aller MD
William Vinson, NC Department of Environmental & Natural Resources NC
Benjamin Wagner, AK DNR AK
Peter Werner, US Forest Service MT
Lucas West CO
Christopher Winter, Hibbing Taconite Mining Company MN
Yi Zhu, Rio Tinto UT
YOUNG PROFESSIONALS INTEREST GROUP LEADERSHIP (YPIG)
* Nicole Chiles, HDR NC † Sharon Tapia, GEI - CA
Chair
Board Executive Sponsor
Training & Conferences
TECHNICAL TRAINING PROGRAM
Dam Safety 2024 National Conference
→ 1,504 Attendees
2025 West Regional Conference
→ 159 Attendees
12 Live Webinars
→ Combined Total Attendance of 3,555
12 Technical Seminars
→ 661 Professionals Trained
→ 8 Virtual & 4 Live
6 Dam Owner Workshops
→ 384 Owners Trained
→ Workshop Held in Indiana, Florida, Pennsylvania, Wyoming, and Nebraska (2x)
WEBINARS
→ Facilitating Low Head Dam Removals and Improving Aquatic Resource Restoration Outcomes
→ Using the Cone Penetrometer Test (CPT) for Evaluation of Dams and Levees
→ Hydraulic Tour of Standard NRCS Inlet Risers
→ Tools for Designing and Assessing Spillways
→ Best Practices in Floodplain Management Associated With Dam Safety Management and Dam Rehabilitation
→ Probable Maximum Precipitation, What is it, How is it Calculated, and How do I apply it?
→ Easy and Quick Determination of the PMF from the PMP Using Free Tools
→ The History of Seepage Technology Development
→ Introduction to Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) modeling for Dam and Levee Safety
→ Low head Dams: Mitigating Danger and Liability
→ The South Fork Dam Breach and Johnstown Flood of 1889: A Civil and Dam Engineering History of the USA's Deadliest Dam Failure
→ The Use of Void Ratio (e) in Earth Dams
CLASSROOM COURSES
→ Inspection & Assessment of Dams (Virtual) – 3x
→ Basic Soil Mechanics Related to Earth Dams (Virtual)
→ Dam Construction Inspection (Live and Virtual)
→ Fundamentals of Reinforced Concrete (Virtual)
→ HEC-HMS (Virtual)
→ Improving Emergency Operations for Dam and Levee Failures and Incidents (Virtual)
→ Seepage Through Earth Dams (Live)
→ Concrete Dam Design and Analysis (Live)
→ Basic Soil Mechanics Related to Earth Dams (Virtual)
CONFERENCES
Dam Safety 2024
Colorado Convention Center Denver, CO
→ 44 Concurrent Sessions
→ 1 General Session
→ 28 Poster Lightning Talks
→ 154 Total Presentations
ASDSO Celebrates its 40th Annual Conference!
Watch the Full Opening Session on our YouTube channel
2025 West Regional Conference
Renaissance Glendale Hotel & Spa
Glendale, AZ
→ 12 Concurrent Sessions
→ 2 General Sessions
→ 15 Total Presentations
A big thank you to FEMA National Dam Safety Program and the Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service for supporting ASDSO training programs.
Career Development & Student Outreach
2024-2025 MEMORIAL UNDERGRADUATE SCHOLARSHIP
ASDSO's Dam Safety Scholarship Program was established in 1992, recognizing that one of the keys to achieving the Association's goals is the development of well ‑ trained technical persons. Through the program, ASDSO annually awards a scholarship to at least one undergraduate senior who has demonstrated an interest in pursuing a career related to dam design, construction, and operation and is studying in a related field.
Darya Kholodova University of Alaska Fairbanks
Jessica Frank Missouri University of Science and Technology
Jackson Clark University of Louisville
2024 STUDENT PAPER COMPETITION
The yearly Student Paper Competition is open to undergraduate and graduate students pursuing degrees at U.S. universities or colleges.
Levee Structural Resilience Under Historical Rainfall and Flood Hydrograph using Transient Finite Element Analysis
Audrika Nahian Jackson State University
Darya was awarded a $10,000 scholarship and a travel stipend to attend the Dam Safety 2024 conference in Denver, Colorado. Jackson and Jessica were each awarded $5,000 scholarships.
2024 DAM MODEL COMPETITION
The Dam Model Competition calls for university student groups, student branches of professional organizations, K-12 STEM, and other students interested in dam safety to construct a tabletopsize dam model. Groups must also develop a plan to use the model to educate the public on dam safety. The Dam Model Competition is funded through the Bruce Tschantz Memorial Fund.
MOT Charter School Middletown, Delaware
→ Students: Sharna Ngure, Justin Omwega, Javon Gibbs
→ Teacher: Brian Hurd
→ Technical Advisor: John Moyle
Jennie D. Blake Elementary School Hill, New Hampshire
→ Students: Caleb White, Madison Lloyd, Riley Dill, Isabella Mills, Hannah Gray
→ Teacher: Brian Connelly
→ Technical Advisors: Josh Gilman, Briana Edwards
ASDSO LAUNCHES NEW PODCAST, "A DAM CONVERSATION WITH…"
ASDSO's podcast, 'A Dam Conversation With…', was launched in September 2024 on all major podcasting platforms. Since the launch, the podcast has already been downloaded almost 1,800 times! Each episode features an interview with an industry leader who shares stories of career development, lessons learned, industry history, and more.
• Episode 1: A Dam Conversation with Amanda Hess
• Episode 2: A Dam Conversation with Bill McCormick
• Episode 3: A Dam Conversation with Chris Goodell
• Episode 4: A Dam Conversation with Mia Kannik
• Episode 5: A Dam Conversation with Doug Boyer
• Episode 6: A Dam Conversation with Jeremy Franz
• Episode 7: A Dam Conversation with John France
• Episode 8: A Dam Conversation with Tony Nokovich
• Episode 9: A Dam Conversation with Paul Schweiger
• Episode 10: A Dam Conversation with David Griffin
• Episode 11: A Dam Conversation with Bill Kappel
Scan QR Code and Listen Now! DamSafety.org/Dam Conversation
Thank you to the Career Development and Student Outreach Committtee for overseeing these efforts
Spotlight on Resources
THE DAM OWNER ACADEMY
This year, ASDSO continued to share the Dam Owner Academy video series developed by the Dam Owner Outreach Committee. The series is a free resource for owners and those conducting owner outreach programs, and each video concisely explores one critical aspect of ownership. The videos are about 10 minutes each and feature Grady Hillhouse as the host. ASDSO has also developed a series of fact sheets, many of which supplement the material in the videos.
The full series includes:
• Dams 101
• Dam Inspections
• Spillways & Outlet Works
• Operation and Maintenance Plans
• Emergency Planning
• Extreme Rainfall Events
• Hiring an Experienced and Qualified Dam Engineer
• Rehabilitation Projects
Visit DamOwner.org or ASDSO’s YouTube Channel
The video series now has more than 15,000 views!
• Plants & Animals on Dams
• Seepage
• Slope Stability & Seismic Issues
• Learning from Dam Failures
• Concrete Problems & Repairs
• Removing a Dam
• Public Safety Around Dams
• Dam Safety 3.0
NEW ENTRIES IN THE DAM SAFETY RESOURCE DATABASE
ASDSO's Dam Safety Resource Database is consistently updated with new entries referencing dam safety publications and currently contains over 10,000 entries. These entries cover a wide variety of dam safety topics, including technical and non technical areas, history, best practices, regulations, news, and more. The entries also represent a variety of sources, including federal and state departments, professional societies, research groups, industry news outlets, international organizations, and universities. All ASDSO conference papers and Journal of Dam Safety articles are included as entries. ASDSO members have free, unlimited access to full ASDSO papers through the resource database.
Visit DamSafety.org/Resource/Search
The Dam Safety Toolbox website is continually improved year round with new and updated content. This is thanks to the support of the Dam Safety Toolbox Committee, which has 40 volunteers serving as committee leaders, subject matter experts, moderators, or study group members. Thanks to their hard work, the website now has more than 1,000 active users each week!
We Need Your Help to Grow the Website!
Through this new website, professionals can quickly build their knowledge of dam safety basics by accessing resources curated by industry leaders. Users can explore hundreds of existing pages on dam safety fundamentals, management, and technical topics.
Those ready to share their expertise will also find the website useful. By logging in with an ASDSO membership account, the website's wiki based editing system can be utilized to expand the website into additional knowledge areas. Users can create new interconnected topic pages or improve existing content directly through the website. ASDSO's team of moderators and subject matter experts routinely review these new edits for inclusion on the live site.
Visit DamToolbox.org to Learn More or Contribute
In 2025, ASDSO updated The Cost of Rehabilitating Dams in the U.S. report. In this update, ASDSO estimated that the total cost to rehabilitate the nation's non federal dams is $165.2 billion. The cost to rehabilitate just the most critical dams was estimated at $37.4 billion, a cost that continues to rise as maintenance, repair, and rehabilitation are delayed. ASDSO developed this report to inform national and state policy decisions and provide the public and the media with a high level understanding of the national dam rehabilitation need in terms of estimated costs.
the Report at
2024 STATE PERFORMANCE REPORTS
Each year, ASDSO publishes State Dam Safety Performance Reports for each of the 50 states. The 2024 State Dam Safety Performance Reports included data on condition ratings, state staffing, state budgeting, EAP completion, a comparison to the national benchmark, and more. State Performance Reports are useful for educating the public, media, and other stakeholders about specific state regulatory programs and the dams they regulate. View the Reports and Additional State Regulatory Program Information at DamSafety.org/States
THE DAM FAILURES WEBSITE
The Lessons Learned from Dam Failures and Incidents website, DamFailures.org, is one of ASDSO's most popular resources. With the addition of 11 new studies in FY25, the website now has more than 65 case studies and nearly 40 lessons learned from dam failures to explore.
The new studies added were:
Case Studies: Barahona No. 1 Dam (Chile, 1928), Camará Dam (Brazil, 2004), Cleveland Dam (British Columbia, 2020), Edenville Dam (Michigan, 2020), Ka Loko Dam (Hawaii, 2006), Meadow Pond Dam (New Hampshire, 1996), Schaeffer Dam (Colorado, 1921), Silver Lake Dam (Michigan, 2003), and South Fork Dam (Pennsylvania, 1889)
Lessons Learned: Static liquefaction should be considered as a potential failure mode for dams that have loose sands or silts in their embankments or foundations; The study of past incidents and failures aids in the assessment of existing dams.
Thank you to the volunteers from the Dam Failures and Incidents Committee who conduct research and compile content for the website. Additional thanks to the FEMA National Dam Safety Program for yearly funding support for research.
Exploring the Dam Failures Website
DamFailures.org provides educational information relating to dam failures and incidents in an innovative, user friendly manner to assist owners and practitioners with critical design and operational decisions.
The website presents links to individual case studies and 'lessons learned' pages that summarize historical dam incidents and failures and the valuable information gleaned from them. Each page contains background and description, photographs, videos, best practices, and other resources related to the case study or lessons learned being addressed. The contents of this website encompass a range of failure modes, dam types, and dam safety topics, including best practices regarding engineering and design practices, human factors, emergency planning and response, operation and maintenance, and regulatory issues. Visit DamFailures.org
2024 Dam Safety Awards & Recognitions
ASDSO annually honors those individuals and organizations making exemplary contributions to improving dam safety in the United States. To celebrate our 2024 award recipients, ASDSO held an award luncheon in conjunction with the Dam Safety 2024 conference in Denver, Colorado. Below are the recipients and photos from the luncheon.
NATIONAL AWARD OF MERIT
Michele Lemieux, P.E.
Montana Dam Safety Section Water Operations Bureau, Dam Safety Program
(From Left): Lemieux and President Sharon Tapia
REGIONAL AWARDS OF MERIT
NORTHEAST
Kingston Water Department's Cooper Lake Dam Rehabilitation
(From Left): Regional Representative John Roche, Schnabel Representatives Brian Toombs, Sam Nielson, and Gregory Daviero, and Retired City of Kingston Water Department Superintendent Judith Hansen
SOUTHEAST
Representative John Thomas Lamar III District 8, Mississippi
MIDWEST
City of Pelican Rapids, Minnesota
National Weather Service Pocatello, Idaho
WEST (From Left): West Regional Representative Keith Conrad, Idaho State Representative John Falk, National Weather Service Representatives Vernon Preston and Tim Axford, West Representatives Tim Gokie and Terry Medley
Before and After the Dam Removal
NATIONAL REHABILITATION PROJECT OF THE YEAR
Lake Williams Dam
→ The York Water Company (Owners)
→ Gannett Fleming (Designers)
→ Kinsley Construction (Contractor)
(From Left): Gannett Fleming Representatives Paul Schweiger, Dan Stare, and Daven Oswalt, York Company Representatives Mark Snyder and JT Hand, and Kinsley Construction Representatives Fred Thompson and Scott Prowell
Lake Williams Dam
DANNY MCCOOK MEDAL
Dr. Donald A. Bruce Geosystems, L.P.
(From Left): Bruce and Advisory Committee Chair Tony Nokovich
YOUNG PROFESSIONALS OF THE YEAR
Missy Setz, P.E Geosyntec Consultant
Cory Miyamoto, P.E. California Division of Safety of Dams
(From Left): Tapia, Miyamoto, Setz, and Young Professional Interest Group Co Chair Nicole Chiles
BRUCE A. TSCHANTZ PUBLIC SAFETY AT DAMS AWARD
Rollin H. Hotchkiss, Ph.D., P.E., D.WRE Brigham Young University
(From Left): Hotchkiss and Public Safety Around Dams Committee Chair Manuela Johnson
JOSEPH J. ELLAM PRESIDENT'S AWARD
HONORARY MEMBERSHIP
John Watts
Senior Counselor, U.S. Bureau of Reclamation
(From Left): Watts and Tapia
James T. Pawloski, P.E.
(From Left): Pawloski and Tapia
Volunteer & Regional Recognition
In 2023, ASDSO introduced the Volunteer and Regional Spotlights to The Journal of Dam Safety
The Annual Awards Committee introduced these quarterly recognitions as an additional way to spotlight exceptional contributions throughout the year. The Board of Directors selects the honorees for the Volunteer Spotlight, and the regional representatives select honorees for the Regional Spotlight.
FY25 Volunteer Spotlights
• Ambassador Task Force
• "A Dam Conversation With…" Podcast Subcommittee
• Keith Mills
FY25 Regional Spotlights
• New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services Using Unrestricted ARPA Funds for State Owned Dam Infrastructure (Northeast)
• Lake Livingston Dam Overcomes Damage from Record Releases Amid the Threat of a Storm (West)
• Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) Risk based Water Control Structure Asset Management Program (Southeast)
Thank You to Our Patrons
BENEFACTOR ($1,000 OR MORE)
Geosyntec Consultants, Highland Beach, FL
Jack Byers, Byers Group LLC, Arvada, CO
John France, JWF Consulting LLC, Centennial, CO
Jeffery Powers, Hazen and Sawyer, Richmond, VA
Edward Tomlinson, Atmospheric Science Consultants, LLC, Monument, CO
Penny Tschantz, Knoxville, TN
PARTNER ($300-$999)
Larry Caldwell, NRCS Retired, Stillwater, OK
John Clark, City of Aurora, Aurora, CO
Anthony Fernandes, ALF Consulting LLC, Hardeeville, SC
Meg Galloway, Association of State Floodplain Managers, Madison, WI
David Hinchliff, Port Townsend, WA
Gregory Johnson, Colliers Engineering & Design, Rochester, NY
Mia Kannik, OH Department of Natural Resources, Columbus, OH
Scarlett Kitts, Black & Veatch, Greensboro, NC
Bill McCormick, Black & Veatch Corporation, Loveland, CO
Mark Ogden, Association of State Dam Safety Officials, Columbus, OH
Gregory Paxson, Schnabel Engineering, Lakewood, CO
Vicki Scharnhorst, Tetra Tech, Denver, CO
Robert Snow, D'Appolonia Engineering, Pittsburgh, PA
Sharon Tapia, GEI Consultants, Inc., Carmichael, CA
Harald Van Aller, Queenstown, MD
Muddy Valley Irrigation Company, Overton, NV
SUPPORTER ($100-$299)
Roger Adams, PA Department of Environmental Protection, Duncannon, PA
Gregory Glunz, Kiewit Corporation, Lone Tree, CO
Ralph Grismala, ICF, Hermitage, TN
Ronaldo Luna, Luna Consulting, LLC, Saint Louis, MO
William McKercher, Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality, Jackson, MS
John Moyle, GEI/DE Dam Safety, Rehoboth Beach, DE
Rebecca Ragon, US Army Corps of Engineers, Stafford, VA
Morris Root, Root Engineering, West Chazy, NY
Melvin Schaefer, MGS Engineering Consultants, Inc., Olympia, WA
FRIEND ($1-$99)
Andrew Bofto, Severn, MD
Joy Collacott, Parsonsfield, ME
Lewton Deichert, USDA NRCS, Morgantown, WV
Kevin M. Edwards, Huntington Mills, PA
Ellen Faulkner, Ayres Associates, Eau Claire, WI
Timothy Flanagan, Billings, MT
Bob Gaddis, Future Resources Engineering, LLC, Bartlesville, OK
Noller Herbert, USDA NRCS, Washington, DC
Russ Hicks, Returning the Rapids to Eaton Rapids, Eaton Rapids, MI
Steffen Krei, Fichtner Water & Transportation, Swanton, VT
Edward LaBelle, Crawford, Murphy & Tilly, Inc., Springfield, IL
Christopher Lewis, Tetra Tech, Pittsburgh, PA
Matthew Lindon, Loughlin Water Associates, Park City, UT
Keith Pytlik, Township Of Washington, NJ
GZA GeoEnvironmental, Inc., Norwood, MA
Muddy Valley Irrigation Company, Overton, NV
ASDSO Staff
Association of State Dam Safety Officials
239 S. Limestone St. Lexington, KY 40508
859 550 2788 info@damsafety.org DamSafety.org
Lori Spragens
Executive Director lspragens@damsafety.org
859 550 2788 x 106
Ross Brown
Conferences, Membership & Marketing Director rbrown@damsafety.org
859 550 2788 x 103
Jennifer Burns
Training Director jburns@damsafety.org
859 550 2788 x 102
Katelyn Riley
Communications Director kriley@damsafety.org
859 550 2788 x 104
Michaela Royse Member, Training, and Peer Review Support Manager mroyse@damsafety.org (859) 550 2788 x 107
Cody Holt
Government Affairs Manager cholt@damsafety.org 205 757 7911
Paige Spragens
Accounting/Project and Committee Support pspragens@damsafety.org
859 550 2788 x 108
Brittany Lewis
Executive Office Manager/Programs Support blewis@damsafety.org
859 550 2788 x 101
