Tawresey named Distinguished Member of American Society of Civil Engineers

John G. Tawresey of Bainbridge Island was recently named a Distinguished Member of the American Society of Civil Engineers.

It’s the highest honor to which a civil engineer can aspire; in the Society’s 165-year history only 688 people have been elected to the honor.

Tawresey was recognized for pioneering work in structural masonry and in risk management. He was inducted during the societys’ recent Celebration of Leaders Luncheon in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Tawresey is a forerunner in the research, testing and development of new systems such as panelized, reinforced clay masonry, brick veneer/steel stud, thin-stone and aluminum/glass curtain walls. He was one of the drivers behind the formation of The Masonry Society (TMS) in the late 1970s and has served in numerous positions and committees in TMS since its inception. He has been teaching a structural masonry course at the University of Washington since 1984.

Society officials noted that more than any other structural engineering leader, Tawresey served to help structural engineers manage risk. He led the Structural Engineers Risk Management Council, and initiated sessions at the ASCE/SEI Structures Congresses that provide structural engineers the opportunity to share their stories about professional negligence claims.

Tawresey’s career includes more than 35 years in leadership at KPFF Consulting Engineers as their CFO.

Tawresey is also an honorary member of The Masonry Society where he twice received the President’s Award and Haller Award. He was named Professional Engineer of the Year by the Washington Society of Professional Engineers in 2011, and received ASCE’s SEI Dennis L. Tewksbury Award.

He holds a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering with distinction and master’s degree in theoretical and applied mechanics from Cornell University as well as a master’s degree in business administration degree from the University of Washington.

Founded in 1852, the American Society of Civil Engineers represents more than 150,000 civil engineers worldwide and is America’s oldest national engineering society.