Board & Committees

SEAOC is governed by a 14-member Board of Directors drawn proportionately from the four regional Member Organizations (MOs). The Presidency rotates among the four MOs, in a cycle that includes one year as Treasurer, one as President Elect, one as President, and finally one as Past President. Board directors are officers from each MO that are appointed or elected to two- or three-year terms by the MO to which they belong.

SEAOC Staff are the operational engine that manage all SEAOC operations and finances as well as proving continuity and support for the volunteers of SEAOC.

The SEAOC Communications Committee aims to promote a positive image of California structural engineers, highlighting their vital role in enhancing community life and ensuring the safety of our environment. Objectives include raising awareness of their contributions starting within the association and informing the public on ways to support engineers in making communities safer and more resilient. The committee also facilitates communication between various SEAOC committees and the overall membership highlighting committees' contributions through social media and newsletters.

The Disaster Emergency Services (DES) Committee is charged with (1) coordination of SEAOC Volunteer Safety Assessment Program (SAP) Evaluators During a Deployment, (2) acting as SEAOC liaison to the California Office of Emergency Services (OES) SAP Steering Committee, and (3) provide information to other organizations regarding SEAOC’s Disaster Emergency Services and the Cal OES SAP. Additionally, the DES committee works to develop procedures for SEAOC's response to hazardous events.

This committee is responsible for planning and executing SEAOC educational programs that will enhance and support the high level of technical expertise required to practice structural engineering in California as well as facilitate the sharing of information on issues relevant to the practicing engineer.

The Existing Buildings Committee works on issues related to the evaluation and retrofit of existing buildings. Working closely with NCSEA Existing Buildings Subcommittee, the committee provides code change proposals, reviews, and commentaries on existing building guidelines, codes, and standards (such as ASCE 41, IBC Chapter 34, and the IEBC). The committee also works with state and local jurisdictions on policies regarding existing structures as well as supporting continuing education around the evaluation and retrofit of existing buildings.

SEAOC's Legislative represents SEAOC and the structural engineering profession on issues considered by the California Legislature and other entities. The committee works to build relationships with legislators, agency representatives, and other stakeholders in developing recommend positions on proposed policies affecting the structural engineering profession, the safety of the built environment, and the resilience of our communities.

The purpose of the SEAOC Professional Licensing Committee is to advocate for the role of licensed structural engineers in the design and construction of structures that have a significant impact on the health, safety, and welfare of the public; monitor changes in regulation and rules as may affect the licensing and practice of civil and structural engineering, coordinate efforts with other states through participation in national organizations and committees (e.g. NCSEA, SEI, NCEES, SELC, CASE), advise the SEAOC Board regarding proposed legislation that may affect professional licensing, and act as a liaison between SEAOC and the Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists (BPELSG).

The Professional Practices Committee addresses professional issues related to the practice of structural engineering, such as the scope of structural engineering services, guidelines for professional conduct and standards of care, recommendations related to the language and content to be included in contracts, project delivery methods, sustainability, performance based design, and more.

The Resilience Committee is focused on improving the ability of our built environment to recover from hazardous events. Implementation of resilient design from an engineering perspective encompasses multiple aspects such as; community planning and outreach, improving performance standards for new construction, assessing and upgrading critical infrastructure, identifying and retrofitting existing hazardous structures, and preparing for expedited post-event inspections and repairs. This committee provides an opportunity for us move our profession into the next generation of design practice.

The SEAOC SE Pathways Committee is a committee charged with advancing the practice of structural engineering in California by enhancing pathways into and through the profession. Established in response to the 2020 SEAOC Call to Action, the SE Pathways initiative aims to develop programming for students and early career professionals, with an emphasis on those from underrepresented groups, to provide opportunities for growth and advancement within our organization and profession leading to success in structural engineering.

The Seismology Committee is responsible for the Structural Standards Committee's activities related to the provisions of building codes and national standards related to design, materials and construction requirements associated with seismic resistance and performance of new construction, including collaboration with and review of activities and positions of the Evaluation Service Committee related to seismic performance of products and systems.

For 90 years SEAOC has held an annual convention that provides an opportunity to learn about state-of the art technologies, advancements in structural engineering, enjoy social events, sporting activities, and attend technical sessions given by researchers and structural engineers. The convention provides an opportunity for interaction among all members of the Association as well as our Industry partners and students. The presentation of the Excellence of Engineering awards and the induction of new member into the College of Fellows are also highlights of the convention. Technical Proceedings are provided to all attendees as well as to non-attending members upon request. Each year the convention committee rotates among the SEAOC Members Organizations (SEAOCC, SEAONC, SEAOSC and SEAOSD). This committee oversees the transition from once convention to the next, and ensures continuity and transfer of best practices between the hosting Member Organizations.

The mission of the SEAOC Structural Standards Committee (SSC) is to provide a forum through which SEAOC Technical Committees and Member Organizations work together to develop consensus around technical topics and assure excellence in technical content developed by the committees. The Structural Standards Committee oversees the following Technical Committees: Resilience, Existing Buildings, Seismology, Sustainable Design, and Wind.

The Sustainable Design committee is responsible for the Structural Standards Committee's activities related to how the structural engineering profession can impact the sustainability of structures and communities through design,practice, and advocacy. The committee considers design, materials and construction requirements associated with sustainability of new and existing construction as well as helping to provide education for our members and the public on sustainability in structural engineering.

The Wind Committee engages in on-going work in the development of code change proposals to the wind design provisions in the ASCE 7 Standard as well as addressing challenges in the practice of wind design, such as code interpretation, standard of practice in California wind design and the development and use of analytical tools used in wind design.