Elected Region 7 Governor

Portrait of Jenifer J. Bates

Vision statement

While promoting the field of civil engineering has been a priority throughout my career, my passion for promoting the profession to the younger generations, including K-12 outreach, college outreach and younger member outreach has always been at the top of my list. Continued encouragement and knowledge at every step of development is how we grow our profession and our membership, not only in quantity but in quality. It is paramount that we provide the foundation and the support throughout their journey because they are not only the future of our organization, but of our world. My goal during my time as governor would be to engage with the student chapters and younger member groups within the Region to make sure they feel supported and know the important part they play in our Society. I think this would help to not only retain membership as students graduate, but to grow membership as younger engineers share within their networks the benefits of ASCE.

Biographical statement

Education

  • B.S. with Distinction in Civil Engineering, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, 1996

Certification and licenses

  • Licensed Professional Engineer, 2001

Work experience

  • Iowa Department of Transportation, Local Systems Urban Engineer, 2022-present
  • Shive-Hattery, Project Manager/Senior Transportation Engineer, 2016-2022
  • JEO Consulting, Project Manager/Transportation Engineer, 2014-2016
  • Snyder & Associates, Inc., Project Manager/Transportation Engineer, 2005-2014
  • Stanley Consultants, Inc., Civil Engineer, 1997-2005

ASCE involvement

Society-level

  • Region 7 Assembly Delegate, 2008-present
  • National Committee on Career Development, 2011-2012
  • Government Relations Fly-In, 2009-2010
  • Governors and Presidents Forum, 2008-2009
  • Multi-Region Leadership Conference, 2005
  • National Convention, 2008-2010
  • Regional Concrete Canoe Competition Judge, 2015-2016

Local-level

  • Iowa Section
    • Centennial Committee Chair, 2019-2021
    • State Report Card Committee, 2015, 2019
    • Interim Secretary, 2012
    • Past-President, 2010
    • President, 2009
    • Vice President, 2008
    • Director, 2006-2007
    • Associate Director, 2005
    • Treasurer, 2004

Other volunteer activities

  • High School Youth Group Leader, 2022-present
  • MathCounts Competition Planning Committee, Iowa Engineering Society, 2008-present
  • Iowa Trails Summit Committee, 2018-present
  • Middle School Youth Group Leader, 2016-2020
  • Indianola Middle School MathCounts Coach, 2011-2020
  • Sunday School Teacher, 2007-2015

Awards

  • Iowa Section ASCE, Iowa Section Award, 2021
  • Central Iowa Chapter Iowa Engineering Society, Outstanding Public Service Award, 2017
  • Iowa Section ASCE, Outstanding Civil Engineer Award, 2013