ASCE El Paso Branch

Ivan Hernandez PE, El Paso Water
2022-04-27 11:30 - 13:00 (America/Denver) | Park Tavern, 204 E. Mills Ave, El Paso, TX, 79901, United States
To pre-pay through PayPal, click here. To RSVP, click here. Please RSVP by Tuesday, April 26th.
Guest Speaker
Ivan Hernandez, P.E.

Utility Engineering Division Manager, El Paso Water
Topic: El Paso Water’s Planned Water, Wastewater, and Stormwater Capital Improvements for FY 2022-2023
Speaker Bio:
Mr. Hernandez oversees the Construction Project Management division for El Paso Water which includes the implementation of capital improvement program projects for water, wastewater, reclaimed water and stormwater infrastructure. His professional career includes over 13 years of experience in the water & wastewater industry and is a licensed professional engineer in the State of Texas. Mr. Hernandez earned a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering degree from the University of Texas at El Paso in 2008 and currently serves as Director for ASCE Texas Section – El Paso Branch and as Vice President for the Texas AWWA – Desert Mountain Chapter.

Tara L. Hoke, General Counsel ASCE
2022-05-25 11:30 - 13:00 | Park Tavern, 204 E. Mills Ave, El Paso, TX, 79901, United States
ASCE/TSPE Joint Ethics Meeting May 2022
Ms. Hoke will join us virtually at Park Tavern for an overview on changes to the Ethics Code.
Where: Park Tavern (attendee capacity 50), 204 East Mills El Paso Texas 79902
When: May 25th, 2022
Time: 11:30pm Mountain Time to 1:00 pm Mountain Time
Cost: [In-person w/lunch] $35 dollars for the first 50 people at Park Tavern (max) – Must RSVP and pay to ensure your in-person spot is reserved, click here.
[Virtual w/out lunch] $10 for Remote Access – Must RSVP and pay, click here.
Please note: RSVP for both the In-person and the Virtual option is required.
To RSVP please email Estefany Ramos at estefany.ramos.ce@gmail.com
Guest Speaker
Tara L. Hoke

General Counsel, American Society of Civil Engineers
Topic: ASCE Ethics Code
Speaker Bio:
Tara Hoke is General Counsel at the American Society of Civil Engineers. She is a graduate of Georgetown Law School and a member of the Virginia Bar. In addition to serving as ASCE’s legal counsel in areas of employment, tax, contract, and intellectual property law, Tara oversees ASCE’s professional conduct committee and writes a monthly column “A Question of Ethics,” which is published in Civil Engineering magazine. Tara also serves as Secretary for the Committee on Publication Ethics, a UK-based charity that provides ethics guidance for scholarly publishers.
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Greg DiLoreto, PE, Pres. 13, ASCE
2022-07-20 12:00 - 13:00 | TX
$5 for PDH certificate. To pre-pay through PayPal, click here.

Click here for virtual meeting. Attending virtual meeting is free.

Guest Speaker:

Greg DiLoreto, PE

Chair Emeritus of the American Society of Civil Engineers Committee on America’s infrastructure responsible for ASCE’s 2021 Report Card for America’s Infrastructure

Topic: ASCE’s Report Card for America’s Infrastructure and the Infrastructure Investment Jobs Act of 2022.

Biography

Greg DiLoreto, P.E., Pres. 13, ASCE, is the chair emeritus of the American Society of Civil Engineers Committee on America’s infrastructure responsible for ASCE’s 2021 Report Card for America’s Infrastructure, a leading indicator of the health of America’s infrastructure. Greg, a career leader in public works, is the retired CEO of the Tualatin Valley Water District, an award-winning water utility located in metropolitan Portland Oregon. Greg was the 2013 president of ASCE. Greg is frequently called on by the national media, Congress, and international organizations to provide insight into the pressing infrastructure and water issues facing the United States. An industry veteran and engineering professional for over 40 years, Greg continues to be a strategic leader on infrastructure and sustainability on behalf of ASCE’s 150,000 civil engineers around the world.

Greg DiLoreto, PE

Virtual meeting is free, PDH certificate is $5 via PayPal.

Please click the link below to join the webinar:

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86587724205?pwd=[REDACTED]

Meeting ID: 865 8772 4205

Passcode: [REDACTED]

Contact Estefany Ramos if you have any questions.

Dr. Apurba Borah, IBWC
2022-08-31 11:30 - 13:00 | Park Tavern, 204 E. Mills Ave, El Paso, TX, 79901, United States
To pre-pay through PayPal, click here. To RSVP, click here. Please RSVP by Tuesday, August 30th.
Guest Speaker
Dr. Apurba Borah

Lead Hydraulic Engineer, International Boundary and Water Commission
Topic: Rio Grande Canalization and Rectification Reach USIBWC Levee Status Update
Speaker Bio:
Dr. Borah finished his Ph.D. in Stochastic Hydrology from Oklahoma State University and MBA from Purdue University. He is a recipient of the U.S. Department of Interior Conservation Award (2011). Dr. Borah has worked seven years at the International Boundary and Water Commission, U.S. Section headquarters office. Before, that, he served 5 years at the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation in Sacramento, California, 2 years with Maricopa County Flood Control District in Phoenix, 6 years with Yavapai County in Prescott, Arizona and 11 years of service with St. Johns River Water Management District, Florida in the field of water resources management and river restoration. His work includes providing hydrologic/hydraulic solutions for in-house USIBWC projects as well as review of projects from various stake holders such as CBP, USACE, NADBank, local governments and Irrigation Districts. He has conducted hydraulic studies such Arroyo Colorado Flood Capacity Restoration and performed COR duties for various projects. He also coordinates with FEMA for USIBWC levee accreditation. He is a Registered Professional Engineer in Arizona, a Certified Floodplain Manager (CFM) in Texas and a Project Management Professional (PMP).r.

Sonya L. Cooper, Ph.D., P.E.
2022-09-28 11:30 - 13:00 | Park Tavern, 204 E. Mills Ave, El Paso, TX, 79901, United States
To pre-pay through PayPal, click here. To RSVP, click here. Please RSVP by Tuesday, September 27th.
Guest Speaker
Sonya L. Cooper, Ph.D., P.E., M. ASCE

ASCE Region 6 Governor
Topic: Engineer Tomorrow: Knowledge for a Changing World
Speaker Bio:
Ms. Sonya L. Cooper is the current ASCE Region 6 Governor for El Paso and New Mexico and the past president of the ASCE New Mexico Section (2013-2014). Ms. Cooper retired from New Mexico State University last year, serving in various administrative and faculty roles. She volunteers for the ABET, Inc. and various ASCE Global committees. Ms. Cooper received her Ph.D. in Materials Science from NMSU, and her BS and ME degrees in civil engineering from North Carolina State and University of Virginia, respectively. She is a registered Professional Engineer with the State of New Mexico. Sonya has over 36 years engaging in engineering projects throughout the region with numerous volunteering hours within the field of civil engineering. Sonya continues to share her experience with ASCE members within the El Paso region and beyond.

L. Dean Van Matre, GW-LSC
2022-10-26 11:30 - 13:00 | Park Tavern, 204 E. Mills Ave, El Paso, TX, 79901, United States
To pre-pay through PayPal, click here. To RSVP, click here. Please RSVP by Tuesday, October 25th.
Guest Speaker
L. Dean Van Matre

Owner, Greater Western Land Surveying and Consulting
Topic: Mapping in and of the Greater Paso Del Norte Region
Speaker Bio:
Land Surveyor approaching 40 years of surveying, Mapping, Drawing, Traveling over and across the Southwest. Licensed in Texas, Colorado, Arizona, and Nevada.
Primary focus and presentation on the Lands of the Keystone Heritage Park on Doniphan Avenue and the lands adjacent thereto. Presentation will be a chronological presentation of data and mapping from present era into antiquity. Of note will be the significant Surveying and Engineering activities as they relate to human population and development of unappropriated Public Domain to an era of roads, Railroads, Highways, Irrigation Works, Mining, Boundaries, Private, State and International, etc.

Geoffrey Espineli, PE, CDT - El Paso Water and Chris Nance, PE, ENV SP - Parkhill
2023-01-25 11:30 - 13:00 | Park Tavern, 204 E. Mills Ave, El Paso, TX, 79901, United States
To pre-pay through PayPal, click here. To RSVP, click here. Please RSVP by Tuesday, January 24th.
Guest Speakers
Geoffrey Espineli, PE and Chris Nance, PE
El Paso Water and Parkhill
Topic: Single Point of Failure Analysis for El Paso Water’s Wastewater System
Speaker Bio:
Geoffrey Espineli, PE
Geoffrey Espineli PE, CDT, oversees the Project Administration Section of the Engineering Department of El Paso Water responsible for the implementation of Water and Wastewater Projects. He earned his Civil Engineering Degree from the Mapua Institute of Technology in Manila Philippines in 1995. On his early engineering career, he worked at the Water Utility Company in Manila for 5 years. He moved to the United State in 2004. Mr. Espineli began to work for the City of El Paso, Engineering Department in 2007 as an inspector then promoted to become a project manager. In 2015 Mr. Espineli was promoted to work at El Paso International Airport to manage capital projects at the Airport. On April of 2019 he started to work for El Paso Water.
Chris Nance, PE
Chris Nance, PE, ENV SP, is an Associate and Project Engineer for Parkhill’s Water Resources Sector. Chris has provided hydraulic analysis, modeling support and design expertise for water transmission and storage, and wastewater conveyance and treatment. In addition to design of new facilities, Chris has developed new and updated existing geographical information systems (GIS) for existing utilities to provide large scale models of entire utility networks that help clients anticipate and budget for replacement infrastructure at the end of its design life. Chris has used modeling and master planning to optimize water supplies and prioritize capital improvements for water and wastewater systems. Chris is an officer for the American Society of Civil Engineers Texas Section and a Past President of the ASCE El Paso Branch. He has presented at conferences such as Texas Water, Texas GIS Forum, ASCE Texas Section, APA Texas and APA-NM / ASCE-NM.

February ASCE Meeting POSTPONED - More Information to be Announced
2023-03-01 11:30 - 13:00 | Park Tavern, 204 E. Mills Ave, El Paso, TX, 79901, United States
To pre-pay through PayPal, click here. To RSVP, click here. Please RSVP by Tuesday, February 21st.
$30 if you RSVP. $35 at the door.

Guest Speaker
TBA
Topic: TBA

Rick Prieto, PE
2023-03-29 11:30 - 13:00 | Park Tavern, 204 E. Mills Ave, El Paso, TX, 79901, United States
To pre-pay through PayPal, click here. To RSVP, click here. Please RSVP by Tuesday, March 28th.
$30 if you RSVP. $35 at the door.

Guest Speaker
Rick Prieto, PE
Consor – SVP/Regional Manager
Topic: Condition Assessments of In Service Bridges
Speaker Bio:
Mr. Prieto has 25 years of experience managing/designing roadways, structural improvement projects including bridges, retaining walls, culverts, inlets, and storm sewers throughout Texas. He has developed PS&E packages for bidding and construction. He is the project manager for TxDOT Statewide BRINSAP contracts and has inspected/managed over 10,000 on/off system bridges. Responsibilities included in-depth inspection, documentation, inventory, load rating, repair/maintenance recommendations, elemental data collection, and final reports of bridge types such as reinforced concrete, prestressed concrete, timber, steel (continuous and simple spans), steel truss, and concrete box culverts.

Oscar David (Jay) Ornelas, PE
2023-04-25 11:30 - 13:00 | Park Tavern, 204 E. Mills Ave, El Paso, TX, 79901, United States
To pre-pay through PayPal, click here. To RSVP, click here. Please RSVP by Monday, April 24th.
$30 if you RSVP. $35 at the door.

Guest Speaker
Oscar David (Jay) Ornelas, PE
El Paso County Water Improvement District No. 1/General Manager
Topic: EPCWID1 Purpose and Operation
Speaker Bio:
Mr. Ornelas has over 20 years of engineering experience in Texas and graduated in civil engineering from the University of Texas at Austin in 1999. He is a professional engineer licensed in the State of Texas. Mr. Ornelas was a transportation engineer with Texas Department of Transportation and was the Assistant District Engineer for the district from 2009 through 2021. He has extensive experience with the irrigation facilities within the district and had oversight of all construction of roads, bridges, and pipelines within the district’s rights-of-way. Mr. Ornelas was born in Ysleta, Texas and is a long-term resident of El Paso County.

Keith Rutherford, PE
2023-05-31 11:30 - 13:00 | Park Tavern, 204 E. Mills Ave, El Paso, TX, 79901, United States
To pre-pay through PayPal, click here. Only 50 spots available.
$30 using the PayPal Link. By paying we will reserve your spot.

Guest Speaker
Keith Rutherford, PE
Parkhill
Topic: Ethics Presentation
Speaker Bio:
Keith Rutherford, PE is a senior engineer at Parkhill providing technical support across the company for water and wastewater treatment projects, pilot studies, and plant hydraulics. Keith has over 28 years of experience in water and wastewater engineering.

The ASCE Ethics presentation will look at several diverse engineering cases and go through a structured method for analyzing them; practical application of the Engineering Code of Ethics; and focus on moral reasoning. The goal of the presentation is to reinforce the importance of our professional conduct and how our actions affect the health, safety and welfare of the public.

Javier Acosta, PE, PTOE, CFM
2023-06-28 11:30 - 13:00 | Park Tavern, 204 E Mills Ave, El Paso, TX, 79901, United States
To pre-pay through PayPal, click here. To RSVP, click here. Please RSVP by Tuesday, June 27th.
$30 if you RSVP. $35 at the door.

Guest Speaker
Javier Acosta, PE, PTOE, CFM
Frank X. Spencer & Associates, Inc. – Vice President
Topic: Know your system inside and out. Lower Valley Water District Sewer System Assessment
Speaker Bio:
Javier Acosta is a Professional Engineer in Texas and New Mexico; he is also a Professional Traffic Operations Engineer and Certified Floodplain Manager. He was formerly the Hydrology and Hydraulics Engineer, Engineering Division Manager and Floodplain Administrator for the City of El Paso. He is the secretary and voting member for the Texas Water Development Boards Region 14 Flood Planning Group. He is also a member of the New Mexico State University Civil, Agricultural and Geological Engineering Academy. He is currently the Vice President at Frank X. Spencer and Associates Inc.

Nicholas N. Ybarra, PE, CFM
2023-08-30 11:30 - 13:00 | Park Tavern, 204 E Mills Ave, El Paso, TX, 79901, United States
To pre-pay through PayPal, click here. To RSVP, click here. Please RSVP by Tuesday, August 29th.
$30 if you RSVP. $35 at the door.

Guest Speaker
Nicholas N. Ybarra, PE, CFM
City of El Paso – Director – Environmental Services
Topic: Life Cycles of Trash and Recycling
Speaker Bio:
Mr. Nicholas N. Ybarra, P.E. is a Texas and New Mexico licensed professional engineer working for Environmental Services (ESD) with the City of El Paso. Mr. Ybarra started engineering in September 2008 after completing his Master of Engineering from Texas A&M University. In October 2010, Mr. Ybarra began working in solid waste engineering with a focus on waste cell construction, water balance cover analysis and design, site drainage, and permitting. Mr. Ybarra has also been involved in design and construction of the access roadways, public drop-off areas, weigh scales, restroom facilities and cell closures at municipal solid waste (MSW) facilities. In 2019, Mr. Ybarra started with the ESD managing operations, which include landfill, collections, clean El Paso and air quality. Mr. Ybarra is licensed as a Class A MSW Operator and Certified Flood Plain Manager.

Sonya Cooper, P.E., Ph.D, M.ASCE
2023-09-27 11:30 - 13:00 | Park Tavern, 204 E Mills Ave, El Paso, TX, 79901, United States
To pre-pay through PayPal, click here. To RSVP, click here. Please RSVP by Tuesday, September 26th.
$30 if you RSVP. $35 at the door.

Guest Speaker
Sonya Cooper, P.E., Ph.D, M.ASCE
ASCE Region 6 Governor
Topic: ASCE Update and Officer Installations
Speaker Bio:
Sonya Cooper is the current ASCE Region 6 Governor for El Paso and New Mexico and the past president of the ASCE New Mexico Section (2013-2014). Ms. Cooper retired from New Mexico State University, serving in various administrative and faculty roles. She volunteers for the ABET, Inc. and various ASCE Global committees. Ms. Cooper received her Ph.D. in Materials Science from NMSU, and her BS and ME degrees in civil engineering from North Carolina State and University of Virginia, respectively. She is a registered Professional Engineer with the State of New Mexico. Sonya has over 36 years engaging in engineering projects throughout the region with numerous volunteering hours within the field of civil engineering. Sonya continues to share her experience with ASCE members within the El Paso region and beyond.

Shane Brooks, EPIA
2023-11-29 11:30 - 13:00 | Park Tavern, 204 E Mills Ave, El Paso, TX, 79901, United States
To pre-pay through PayPal, click here. To RSVP, click here. Please RSVP by Tuesday, November 28th.
$30 if you RSVP. $35 at the door.
Guest Speaker
Shane Brooks, EPIA
Assistant Director Aviation Development at El Paso International Airport
Topic: EPIA Projects Update and CIP
Speaker Bio:
Shane Brooks is the Assistant Director of Aviation Development at El Paso International Airport. Ms. Brooks is responsible for managing and directing airport development, construction and maintenance operations.Ms. Brooks has worked for The City of El Paso for the past 10 years, most recently serving as Capital Improvement Program Administrator. In that role, she managed the airport’s rolling 5-year $178M Capital Improvement Program (CIP). Previously, she was Construction Superintendent Civil Engineer for ELP and managed CIP projects. Ms. Brooks has also worked for Tetra Tech and Parkhill as a Civil Engineer.Ms. Brooks received her bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from New Mexico State University. She was a 2020 award winner of the Airport Business Top 40 Under 40.

Tracy J. Yellen, Chief Executive Officer at Paso del Norte Community Foundation
2024-01-31 11:30 - 13:00 | Park Tavern, 204 E Mills Ave, El Paso, TX, 79901, United States
To pre-pay through PayPal, click here. To RSVP, click here. Please RSVP by Tuesday, January 30th.
$30 if you RSVP. $35 at the door.
Guest Speaker
Tracy J. Yellen
Chief Executive Officer at Paso del Norte Community Foundation
Topic: Paso del Norte Trail
Speaker Bio:
Tracy Yellen is the Chief Executive Officer of the Paso del Norte Community Foundation, which includes the Paso del Norte Health Foundation, Fundacion Paso del Norte, El Paso Giving Day and a growing community of philanthropy. Tracy has more than 25 years of experience working with nonprofit and governmental organizations in the areas of health, environment and social services. She is active in the El Paso community serving as Chair of the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas-El Paso Branch Board and PHIX Health Information Exchange. She is Past Chair of the University Medical Center of El Paso and has served on the boards of numerous nonprofit organizations including the YWCA El Paso, Women’s Fund of El Paso, and The Johns Hopkins University. Tracy earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in International Studies from The Johns Hopkins University and Masters in Public Administration from the University of Texas at El Paso. Tracy is married and has two young adult children.

Ivan Avelar, PE
2024-02-28 11:30 - 13:00 | Deadbeach Brewery, 3200 Durazno Ave, El Paso, TX, 79905, United States
To pre-pay through PayPal, click here. To RSVP, click here. Please RSVP by Tuesday, February 27th.
$30 if you RSVP. $35 at the door.

Guest Speaker

Ivan Avelar, PE
Geotechnical Engineering Services Manager at Terracon Consultants, Inc.

Topic: Geotechnical Engineering in the El Paso Region: Current Practices and Future Opportunities

Speaker Bio:
Mr. Avelar is the Geotechnical Engineering Services Manager for the El Paso TX-Las Cruces NM offices of Terracon Consultants, Inc. He graduated from The University of Texas at El Paso with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering in 2003, and from Texas A&M University in College Station with a Master of Science in Civil Engineering in 2005. He has been working in the Geotechnical Engineering field in our region since 2006.

He is a licensed Professional Engineer in both Texas and New Mexico. Mr. Avelar has prepared geotechnical reports for multiple engineering projects in almost every market sector, from K-thru-12 Education, Higher Education, Water & Wastewater, Public Works, Transportation, Federal & Military Installations, Energy Production and Transmission, Oil & Gas, and Telecommunications.

Local projects include several UTEP features like the Sun Bowl Pedestrian Bridge, the 2015 Campus Transformation, and the Schuster Parking Garage. Other notable projects include the Texas Tech School of Nursing, the El Paso International Airport ConRAC Facility, the City of El Paso Camp Cohen and Lost Kingdom Water Parks, and the Socorro ISD Student Activities Center No. 2 currently under construction.

Mr. Avelar is an ASCE Member and a Past President of the El Paso Chapter of NSPE-TX. He was named the 2013 Young Engineer of the Year by the El Paso Chapter of TSPE.

Mr. Avelar proudly calls El Paso home along with his wife Rebeca and two middle-school age children.

Henry Van, PhD, CEP, REA, REP
2024-04-03 11:30 - 13:00 | Deadbeach Brewery, 3200 Durazno Ave, El Paso, TX, 79905, United States
To pre-pay through PayPal, click here. To RSVP, click here. Please RSVP by Tuesday, April 2nd.
$30 if you RSVP. $35 at the door.

Guest Speaker
Henry Van, PhD, CEP, REA, REP

Topic: The summary of President Biden’s Infrastructure Program

Speaker Bio:
Dr. Henry Van holds a BS in Environmental Microbiology from UTEP, a master’s, and Ph.D. in Environmental Engineering from the University of Oklahoma. He is a Certified Environmental Professional, Registered Environmental Professional, Registered Environmental Assessor and Certified Expert Witness. He is trilingual in English, Spanish and Portuguese.

Served four years as a member of the City of El Paso and County Board of Health & Environmental Services. Served as a member of the National Academy of Board-Certified Environmental Professionals certifying environmental professionals working in the energy industry.

Dr. Henry Van has over 40 years’ experience developing and implementing environmental, health and safety (EHS) compliance strategies as an executive for several domestic and multinational oil/gas, electricity, consulting, and manufacturing companies covering 30 countries in Asia, Canada, U.S., Europe, Latin America, and the Caribbean. He worked in Mexico, Honduras, El Salvador, Guatemala, Panama Peru, Ecuador, and Brazil in Peace Engineering as faculty member of GA Tech.

Has been involved in studying environmental issues along the El Paso/Juarez international border involving Rio Grande water quality studies, and air pollution impacts since 1969. He is currently a Visiting Professor of Civil/Environmental Engineering at UTEP teaching and conducting research.

He worked on major multimillion construction projects ranging from new energy facilities to major environmental cleanups in the U.S. and Latin America.

Jeff Weidner, PhD
2024-04-24 11:30 - 13:00 | TecH2O Center, 10751 Montana Ave, El Paso, TX, 79935, United States
Sold Out.
$30 to RSVP. Please pay in advance by Monday, April 22nd.
By making the payment, a spot will be automatically reserved. For any questions, click here.

Guest Speaker
Jeff Weidner, PhD

Topic: The Role of Civil Engineers in the Aftermath of Infrastructure Failures

Speaker Bio:
Jeffrey Weidner is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Civil Engineering at The University of Texas at El Paso. He moved to El Paso from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in July 2016. Before coming to Texas, Jeff spent four years as the Practice Leader for Research at Intelligent Infrastructure Systems, a company focused on solving infrastructure engineering challenges through the application of technology solutions. He earned his Doctorate in Civil Engineering from Drexel University in Philadelphia in 2012. There he focused on multiple model approaches to model experiment correlation for bridge testing in particular. He earned his Masters Degree in Structural Engineering from Lehigh University where his research focused on seismic resilient infrastructure design. Dr. Weidner started his career in engineering at Drexel University, graduating in 2005 with a Bachelors Degree in Architectural Engineering.

Scott Reinert, P.E.
2024-06-26 11:30 - 13:00 | Deadbeach Brewery, 3200 Durazno Ave, El Paso, TX, 79905, United States
To pre-pay through PayPal, click here. To RSVP, click here. Please RSVP by Monday, June 24th.
$30 if you RSVP. $35 at the door.

Guest Speaker
Scott Reinert, P.E.

Topic: El Paso Water Well Drilling -101

Speaker Bio:
Mr. Reinert manages well drilling, water supply projects, and water resources planning for the El Paso Water Utilities. He has 30 years of experience in water resources and water supply projects as a hydrogeologist and civil engineer. He is the Chairman of the Far West Texas Regional Water Planning Group which is responsible for preparing the Far West Texas Regional Water Plan (Region E). Mr. Reinert is the Chairman for the Multi State Salinity Coalition which promotes advancements in technologies for desalination and water reuse. Mr. Reinert earned a bachelor’s degree in geology at McMurry College and a master’s degree in civil engineering from Colorado State University. He is a registered Professional Geologist and Professional Engineer in Texas and a registered Certified Scientist in New Mexico.

Angel Bustamante, P.E.
2024-07-31 11:30 - 13:00 | Deadbeach Brewery, 3200 Durazno Ave, El Paso, TX, 79905, United States
SOLD OUT
Guest Speaker
Angel Bustamante, P.E.

Topic: Hervey Plant – IPR Paving the way to DPR

Speaker Bio:
Angel Bustamante graduated from the University of Southern California with a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Engineering and a Master of Science degree in Environmental Engineering from the University of Texas at El Paso. He has worked in water-wastewater consulting in Orange County, CA and has been with El Paso Water since 2006. He is currently the Wastewater Systems Division Manager in Operations for EP Water. He is a registered Professional Engineer in the States of Texas and California. Angel is a licensed water/wastewater operator with a Class A license in drinking water and a Class D license in wastewater treatment from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.

Jose Rodarte, P.E., RPLS
2024-08-28 11:30 - 13:00 | Park Tavern, 204 E. Mills Ave, El Paso, TX, 79901, United States
SOLD OUT

Guest Speaker
Jose Rodarte, P.E., RPLS

Topic: Politics and Engineering

Speaker Bio:
A seasoned engineering professional with extensive experience in civil engineering and land surveying. Holds background from Tecnologico de Monterrey and Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering (BSCE) from the University of Texas at El Paso, with graduate coursework in Hydraulics from USC and Business Administration. A licensed and registered Professional Engineer (PE) and Registered Professional Land Surveyor (RPLS), with a distinguished career. Currently serving as Senior Quality Manager, Senior Engineer, and Senior RPLS at GRV Integrated Engineering Solutions LLC, bringing a wealth of knowledge in design, project management, and quality assurance. That includes leadership roles at TXDOT as Director of Design, and at other consulting firms as Office Manager and Vice President Shareholder. In his free time, Jose enjoys staying active with golf and running, playing poker, traveling to Las Vegas, he appreciates fine dining experiences, and has a passion for attending Broadway shows and the symphony.
Professional Experience

Global Reach Extension (Formerly Yarbrough): Led the project management efforts for the extension, ensuring timely completion and adherence to quality standards.

IH-10 Lee Trevino Turnaround Bridges: Managed the project from inception to completion, overseeing all aspects of design and construction.

Schematics IH-10 & Loop 375: Directed the schematic design process for these major transportation routes, coordinating with multiple stakeholders.

Former Town of Horizon City, Town Engineer

BOTA Improvements: managing infrastructure improvements and overseeing border crossing enhancements.

Numerous Surveys (Topographic, ROW, ALTA): Conducted and supervised a wide range of surveys,providing critical data for various projects.

Multiple City of El Paso Capital Improvement Projects: Spearheaded several city-wide improvement initiatives, focusing on enhancing public infrastructure.

Multiple TxDOT Recertifications: Major Investment Projects; Feasibility studies; Multiple interchanges; Roadway & Bridges; Hydraulics & Surveying

Affiliations
American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)Alumni Academics Civil Engineering UTEPPast President | American Council of Engineering Companies ACEC El PasoEngineer of the Year 2010 | Texas Society of Professional Engineers (TSPE)Board Member | West Texas CU

Sean P. Merrell, P.E., PTOE, RAS, F.ASCE
2024-09-25 11:30 - 13:00 | Deadbeach Brewery, 3200 Durazno Ave, El Paso, TX, 79905, United States
To pre-pay through PayPal, click here. To RSVP, click here. Please RSVP by Monday, September 23rd.
$30 if you RSVP. $35 at the door.

Guest Speaker
Sean P. Merrell, P.E., PTOE, RAS, F.ASCE

Topic: Traffic Engineering 101

Speaker Bio:
Sean P. Merrell, P.E., PTOE, RAS, F.ASCE currently works for BGE, Inc. as the Director of Traffic Engineering leading the North Texas traffic engineering practice. He has previously been honored as the ASCE Dallas Branch Engineer of the Year as well as both the Houston Branch and the National ASCE Edmund Friedman Young Engineer of the Year Award. He has served in many roles at ASCE including the Dallas Branch President and the Texas Section President. Currently, Sean is the Region 6 ASCE Director. He currently serves as a Commissioner on the Frisco Planning & Zoning Board.

Sean received his Bachelor of Science and Master of Engineer degrees in Civil Engineering from Texas A&M University where he served as the President of the ASCE Student Chapter. Prior to College, Sean served in the U.S. Army as an Aeroscout Observer in an OH-58 helicopter. Sean has been married to his beautiful and very understanding wife Elizabeth for 31 years and they have two children, Sasha (19) & Declan (15).

Olaf Brunjes, RAS
2024-10-30 11:30 - 13:00 | Deadbeach Brewery, 3200 Durazno Ave, El Paso, TX, 79905, United States
Early Birds pay $30 through PayPal, click here or to RSVP, click here by Monday, October 28th.
Pay $35 after Monday, October 28th or at the door.
PayPal, click here or to RSVP, click here.

Guest Speaker
Olaf Brunjes, RAS

Topic: Eliminating Architectural Barriers: Engineer’s Edition

Speaker Bio:
Born in Mexico but raised in the Texas Panhandle, I returned to my native country to study architecture at Universidad Autonoma de Ciudad Juarez. After graduation, I worked for some architectural firms for 16 years. The last ten years were with a firm that helped me with what would ultimately become my career outside of architectural design. It was there where I became a Registered Accessibility Specialist, a license that I have held for 14 years. Once the pandemic hit our region and work decreased, I was forced to go out and start my own business. Since 2019 I have dedicated my entire work life to Brunjes Accessibility Consulting, working exclusively on accessibility related design consulting. This has given me the opportunity to work on many projects of all sizes, not only in El Paso but throughout the United States.

ASCE Engineering Community Panel
2025-01-28 11:30 - 13:00 | Deadbeach Brewery, 3200 Durazno Ave, El Paso, TX, 79905, United States
To register with our early birds price of $30 through PayPal, click here.
Pay $35 after Friday, January 24th or at the door.

Do you have a question for our panelist? Let us know. Click here.

ASCE Community Panel Speakers
Irazema Rojas, PE, Chief Engineering Officer – Engineering Services, EPWU
Marty Boyd, Director of Advanced Transportation Planning, TXDOT
Yvette Hernandez, PE, City Engineer, COEP
Michael McElroy, Planning and Development Director, El Paso County

Richie Hernandez - TWDB
2025-02-26 11:30 - 13:00 | Deadbeach Brewery, 3200 Durazno Ave, El Paso, TX, 79905, United States
To register with our early birds price of $35 through PayPal, click here.
Our February luncheon meeting will be held on February 26th. For more meeting information please see flyer below. We are excited to invite you all to a new venue this month!
Please note the venue change for this meeting: Deadbeach Brewery – 3200 Durazno Ave

Speaker Bio:
Richie Hernandez serves as the State NFIP Coordinator and Community Assistance Program Manager with the Texas Water Development Board. He initially joined the TWDB Flood Outreach Team in 2008 after serving as a floodplain administrator for a pair of communities in far west Texas. Richie’s background spans from non-profit management to serving Texans through several state agencies such as the Office of the Texas Secretary of State and TWDB. He spent at least a decade managing public water, wastewater and housing programs at the county and city level as well as led a municipal utility district in the El Paso region.

Christina Montoya-Halter & Angel Bustamante - El Paso Water - Pure Water Center – EPWater’s Advanced Water Purification Facility
2025-03-26 11:30 - 13:00 | Deadbeach Brewery, 3200 Durazno Ave, El Paso, TX, 79905, United States
To register with our early birds price of $35 through PayPal, click here.
Our March luncheon meeting will be held on March 26th. For more meeting information please see flyer below. Please click link above or scan QR code from flyer to register!
Please note the venue for this meeting: Deadbeach Brewery – 3200 Durazno Ave

Speaker Bios:
Christina Montoya-Halter has 24 years of media, communications and marketing experience. She is the Communications and Marketing Manager for EPWater, overseeing internal and external communications. Previously, she was a broadcast journalist at the ABC and NBC news affiliates in El Paso. She is President of WateReuse Texas and is serving her third term on the AWWA Public Affairs Council. Montoya graduated with a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Southern California. Her work in communications and public outreach has been awarded at local, state and national levels.
Angel Bustamante graduated from the University of Southern California with a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Engineering and a Master of Science degree in Environmental Engineering from the University of Texas at El Paso. He is currently the Wastewater Systems Division Manager in Operations for EPWater. He is a registered Professional Engineer in the States of Texas and California and is a licensed water/wastewater operator with a Class A license in drinking water and a Class C license in wastewater treatment from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.

Ron Reichert - ETHICS Presentation
2025-04-23 11:30 - 13:00 | Deadbeach Brewery, 3200 Durazno Ave, El Paso, TX, 79905, United States
Please join us April 23rd at our monthly branch meeting featuring our ETHICS credit for the year. More details are included in the flyer below. Please note the venue for this meeting is the Tech H2O Center and we are offering discounted pricing for all public sector attendees.
To register for this meeting please click the following or scan the QR code below:
Private Sector – $25 – Click here
Public Sector – $16 – Click here

Speaker Bios:
Ron Reichert earned his BS in Civil Engineering from Drexel University in Philadelphia. Numerous jobs and adventures across the country led Ron to Texas where he became heavily involved in ASCE. He has served as Texas Section VP Technical, been chair of or member of CECON or Texas Section conference planning committees 14 times and has participated in dozens of events and committees at multiple branches. Ron and AmeriTex are members of and/or sponsors of 8 ASCE Branches and have sponsored over 1,800 students from 11 different schools to attend ASCE Branch meetings, CECON, or Symposium. Ron is also active in multiple chapters of APWA, SAME, AGC, and ASHE, and is a Board member of IAI. Additionally, Ron serves on and participates in multiple standards and specifications committees at ASTM and AASHTO, and provides educational seminars to over 1,000 engineers annually. Currently, Ron assists on the Houston Branch Technical Committee and serves as Practitioner Advisor to Texas Southern University. Ron is a native of Baltimore, Maryland, and currently resides in The Woodlands.

ASCE El Paso May Meeting - Dr. Mark Boyd, P.E.
2025-05-28 11:30 - 13:00 | Deadbeach Brewery, 3200 Durazno Ave, El Paso, TX, 79905, United States
Please join us May 28th at our monthly branch meeting featuring the ASCE Texas Section President Dr. Mark Boyd, P.E.
Dr. Boyd will give us an insight on the recently released Texas Infrastructure Report Card as well as the initiatives going in at ASCE.
More details are included in the flyer below. Please note the venue for this meeting is Park Tavern. Thank you to our monthly sponsor Huitt Zollars!
To register for this meeting please click the following link or scan the QR code below:
Register here.

ASCE El Paso October 1st Meeting - Dr. Paola Bandini, P.E.
2025-05-28 11:30 - 13:00 | Deadbeach Brewery, 3200 Durazno Ave, El Paso, TX, 79905, United States
Please join us on Tuesday, October 1st at our Monthly Branch Meeting for the Annual Officer Installations.We are honored to welcome Paola Bandini, ASCE Region 6 Governor and Wells-Hatch Professor in the Department of Civil Engineering at New Mexico State University, who will lead the installation ceremony and share in this special occasion with us.
More details are included in the flyer below.

Please note the venue for this meeting is Park Tavern.
To register for this meeting please click the following link or scan the QR code below:
Register here.
