Board of Directors
President | |
![]() | Nate Robison is a life long Tacoma area native. After receiving an Associates of Sciences from Tacoma Community College he completed is Bachelor's in civil engineering at Washington State University (Go Cougs!). Nate Robison currently works as an structural consultant working on a wide variety of jobs for E&L Civil Engineering in Bremerton, WA. Nate's favorite projects to work on are structural glass and stainless steel applications. Nate has a four year old son with his wife Maddy. He enjoys taking his son Josh golfing and to explore the Puget Sound in his small boat. An Eagle scout, Nate developed a love and appreciation for the outdoors at a young age. An engineer at heart, Nate enjoys solving complex problems and creating new solutions.
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President-Elect | |
![]() Robert J. Gries, P.E., PMP, CCM, FCMAA Retired
| "Robb" is retired after an accomplished career of over 35 years serving the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and the U.S. General Services Administration's (GSA) Public Buildings Service (PBS). During his tenure, he led multi-disciplinary teams on large-scale initiatives, using his strong grasp of technical and personnel needs to deliver successful results on a diverse portfolio of complex construction projects, ranging from the challenging conditions of the Bering Sea to the tropical climate of Maui. Robb’s expertise encompasses the strategic planning and development of major capital projects for federal agencies, as well as fostering the professional advancement of staff. Following his retirement, he focuses on three things: traveling to all the National Parks; running in 5Ks, 10Ks, and half marathons; and volunteering in various professional organizations. He remains committed to enhancing industry standards, mentoring emerging construction professionals, and actively advocating for the construction sector.
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Past President | |
Vacant | |
Secretary | |
![]() Tom Szymoniak, P.E. Washington State Department of Natural Resources [email protected]
| Tom currently works at the Department of Natural Resources in Olympia as a Design Engineer in the Forest Roads Program. He received Bachelor of Science degrees in Civil Engineering and Forest Engineering at Oregon State University. After working as a soils engineer and finding his passion in soil mechanics and materials, Tom went back to Oregon State University where he obtained a Master of Science Degree in Geotechnical/Civil Engineering. Tom completed civil and environmental projects acting in roles as the project designer and project manager. He is a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers, Engineers without Borders, American Public Works Association, and the Construction Managers Association of America. His areas of interest include sustainable design, water resources, slope stability, and materials. Tom is an active sailor, canoeist, runner, bicyclist, and outdoorsman. In 2004, he cycled across the US in the achievement of a lifelong dream. He is an eternal optimist with a strong commitment to environmental education and sustainable practices.
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Treasurer | |
![]() Meaghan Owens, P.E., PMP, CFM Baird and Associates | Meaghan is a licensed hydrology and hydraulics engineer. She is passionate about the environment and the community and developing ideas to enhance both through nature based solutions. She grew up in Denver and then spent a decade trapezing around the southern US in Texas, Louisiana, and Tennessee working at various firms until she finally moved out to the Tacoma region. She has a Bachelor’s in environmental science from Metropolitan State University of Denver, a Master’s in water management and hydrology from Texas A&M University, and a Bachelor’s in civil engineering. She enjoys walks on the beach and in mountains, crocheting, reading, and board games.
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Director of Communications | |
![]() Christopher Hebert, P.E. Hebert Engineering
| Bio coming soon!
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Director of Community Outreach | |
![]() Michael Hale, P.E. Retired | Michael grew up in Memphis, Tennessee and lived in Chicago before moving to the Pacific Northwest. He has lived in the Tacoma area for over 30 years. Michael recently retired from service as a project manager for the City of Tacoma’s Environmental Services Department after over 23 years. Michael received his Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering from Christian Brothers University in Memphis, Tennessee and his Master’s Degree in Engineering Management from our very own St. Martin’s University. Michael has been a Member of ASCE for so many years that he has, in his own words, “lost count.” Michael has served the Tacoma-Olympia Section in many capacities over the years, including multiple terms in multiple offices. Michael has a passion for helping young engineers succeed and grow in to professionals and competent leaders for the next generation. Michael enjoys smooth jazz during long car rides between Tacoma and Olympia for ASCE functions. In his free time, Michael teaches martial arts, enjoys helping with his church, and spends sunny afternoons tending to his extensive rose garden. Michael is an expert in deer-resistant gardening tactics.
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Director of Government Affairs | |
![]() Matthew Lee, P.E., PMP, MBA Qcells USA Corp.
| Matt is an experienced renewable energy leader serving as Director of Process Innovation at Qcells. With an MBA, PMP certification, and Professional Engineer (P.E.) designation, Matthew spearheads company-wide initiatives that standardize workflows and enhance efficiencies.
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Director of Younger Members | |
![]() Ramon Rafols, EIT Washington State Department of Transportation | Ramon currently works for the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) as a Transportation Engineer. He has previously lived in North Carolina and Japan before arriving in the Tacoma area where he has been for the past 15 years. Ramon is a recent dual-degree college graduate with a Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering from Washington State University and a Bachelors in Physics from Pacific Lutheran University. He is passionate about transportation infrastructure and how policy shapes decisions on public infrastructure. In his free time he enjoys playing pickleball, doing taekwondo, and spending time with family & friends. |
Updated: 3.19.2026







