SEI Reorganization Updates
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The evolution of organization and governance dedicated to a stronger SEI.
SEI Reorganization Updates
These articles outline the SEI Reorganization progress, decisions, and milestones. Read on to understand what has been happening and what it means to you.
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This column has been describing the progress, activities, and outcomes resulting from the SEI reorganization. Recently, the SEI Board of Governors revised the graphic used to illustrate the new structure, and it has become a highly effective visual for understanding the changes.
Before explaining the graphic, let’s review the benefits gained from the SEI Reorganization:
- Increase collaboration and knowledge sharing by moving from five Divisions to two Communities: Professional and Technical.
- Become a more nimble, responsive organization to meet industry and member needs as the pace of change accelerate
- Focus the efforts and resources of SEI to establish and meet Institute priorities for the advancement of the profession.
- Increase leadership opportunities for rising stars, so we can ensure we are building the bench for the future of institute and industry leadership.
Streamline Institute governance for more efficient operations.
The new structure illustrated in figure 1, is easily understood and connections between the organization and the benefits of the reorganization can also be easily realized. Starting at the bottom and working our way up, each component of this graphic is key to how the new system works.
The foundation of the new SEI organizational structure is our operations. As part of the reorganization, we took a look at what activities absolutely required staff support, for example, activities requiring contracts with organizations outside of ASCE/SEI, activities requiring the distribution of funds, or activities that are impactful but out-of-sight for most of our members when done well, such as making logistical arrangements for our conferences. Operations include activities such as conferences, awards, and general staff operations.
Also included here are SEI entities that operate independently of volunteer committee work. The two entities shown – CROSS-US and the SEI Futures Fund - , are unique to SEI (compared to other structural engineering organizations), have their own boards, have unique funding mechanisms that require staff support, and each requires contracts with outside entities.
Our technical and professional communities are the next part - and intentionally the largest area - of our structure. From a streamlining perspective, we shifted from five separate divisions and five separate executive committees (ExCom) in our previous organizational structure, to two communities. Each community now has one executive committee. Examples of how this shift streamlines and reduces bureaucracy and staff load include:
Development of ONE policy and procedures manual for both communities and operations, instead of the five separate ones we had previously, one for each division.
Actions to sunset inactive committees and combined committees that were aligned in their activities. One example of combined committees are those related to member engagement.
At the top of the pyramid is the SEI Board of Governors, which we are in transition of reducing from 15 current Governors to 10 in the reorganization. This shift was done based on research that shows large boards struggle to make effective strategic decisions,. Large decision-making groups are also more likely to get lost in the "weeds" of day-to-day activities, instead of the strategic leadership required for a modern organization.
The Technical Community, or TC, is the home for the committees working predominately on structural engineering technical topics. This includes innovation in technical areas and the codes and standards committees for which SEI is an industry leader. The Technical Community will also include new Councils to facilitate collaboration between committees and outside research groups and representatives.
The Professional Community, noted as the PC, integrates committee efforts related to non-technical professional development. Those topics include but are not limited to leadership, business practices, digital design, licensure, diversity & inclusion, and local and global chapters. It includes member engagement initiatives at all levels, from students to young professionals to lifetime members.
Both the Technical and Professional Communities have a small Excom, which oversees activities within the community. Those Excoms plus operations are the only groups reporting directly to the Board.
The new structure also allows us to better focus SEI resources on initiatives that advance the structural engineering profession.
In the new graphic (figure 1), we have institutionalized SEI priorities by introducing FOCUSED INITIATIVES. Focused Initiatives live in the Communities, but are selected by the Board of Governors. They represent a more nimble approach to accelerated change in our world.
A focused initiative is an SEI activity identified by the SEI BOG as a priority to accelerate activities in the immediate future. Initiatives receive prioritized staff support, SEI resources, and BOG promotion. You can think of it as an accelerator – almost like a start-up business incubator - for activities the SEI Board sees as a strategic opportunity and priority for the Institute. They are re-evaluated every three years and reviewed for progress annually. The four current focused initiatives include SE2050, Young Professionals, Education and Leadership, and Performance-Based Design, as described in December last year.
This graphic illustrates how the reorganization affects each of the entities of the Institute, and also how each part of SEI and our members are supported in new ways. -
When the new SEI Bylaws were approved in October 2022 by the ASCE Board of Direction, a new era of opportunity was established for SEI Members to join the SEI Board of Governors! Starting this year, the first-ever At-Large Governor will be elected by the SEI Membership. In contrast to the former process, by which SEI members served on the former Division Executive Committees and were selected from those committees for Board appointment, SEI will begin the FY24 Election Cycle on March 1 with a more transparent process available to every SEI Member. The cycle will begin with an official announcement of the vacancies – which this year include the At-Large Governor and the President-Elect – and continue to a vote of the membership. The new process and requirement for At-Large Candidates include the following:
1) All Candidates for elected office shall submit to the Chair of the Nominations and Elections Committee by April 15 a Letter of Intent to Serve and the required Election Materials.
2) Election Materials include a Letter of Intent, Photograph, Brief Bio, and a current Resume or CV.
3) At-Large Candidates are required to be a member in good standing (dues current) for a period of at least one year at the time of the election.
The SEI Board of Governors is very excited for this change in opportunity and process and encourages all member to consider service at the highest level of the Institute. Look for detailed information on the responsibility and time commitment for an SEI Governor as well as the submittal instructions in March.
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The SEI Reorganization effort has been underway for nearly a year now. The SEI Board of Governors, the former Division Executive Committee members, and several Committee Chairs selected as Focused Initiatives have been working extremely hard to develop an effective, efficient, and strategic approach to governance and operations for the Institute. Yet the work is not done. SEI leadership and staff will pivot from the development to the execution phase for the SEI Reorganization as we enter 2024. This column will provide information and keep you up to date on the many efforts and successes. For more information on the reorganization, and to review past articles all in one place, please see the articles below.
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On November 2 at ASCE Headquarters in Reston, Va., nearly 60 members of SEI leaders from the SEI Board of Governors, new SEI Community Executive Committees, SEI Advisory Council, and Focused Initiative Chairs gathered to launch the implementation phase of the SEI Reorganization effort. The purposes of this meeting were (1) to have a dialogue among the SEI leadership of the intention and goals of the SEI reorganization, including new roles and responsibilities; and (2) to discuss alignment and synergies of the current and new activities including Focused Initiatives and Advisory Council, and brainstorm on the Future of SEI. The attendees generated more than 250 comments to address the challenges, benefits, and opportunities created from the reorganization effort. The SEI Board of Governors collected the comments and will use them to bolster the implementation and advancement of the strategic efforts. Thanks to all who participated.
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It’s official! The revised SEI Bylaws were approved by the ASCE Board of Direction on Oct. 17, 2023. This was an important milestone to advance the vision to achieve the new SEI strategic board structure and the evolution of the committee structure to communities from divisions. Along with the Bylaws updates that officially outlines the new board and committee structure into the Technical and Professional Communities, the new reorganization also includes identification and acceleration of Focused Initiatives, and the creation of an Advisory Council.
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The SEI Reorganization includes SEI BOG-identified focus initiatives. A focus initiative is an SEI activity identified by the SEI BOG as a priority to accelerate activities in the immediate future. Initiatives receive prioritized staff support, SEI resources, and BOG promotion.
Four focus initiatives have been identified and approved by the Board of Governors, to receive priority support and promotion when the SEI Reorganization begins following ASCE Bylaw approval, anticipated in October 2023. These four initiatives are listed below in no particular order.
- Young Professionals
- SE 2050
- Education and Leadership
- Performance Based Design
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As SEI sets its sights on an exciting new chapter with our Reorganization we would like to welcome the 2023-2024 SEI Board of Governors. Their role is vital is we navigate the transition to a new board structure and through the reorganization. Our new board structure represents a strategic move to enhance SEI's agility and effectiveness in a rapidly evolving industry. Their expertise will guide us through these evolutions, ensuring a successful transition. Give a hearty welcome to the recently elected Board members shown in italics. Here's to a future marked by collaboration, innovation, and shared accomplishments!
- Hamid R. Adib, Ph.D., P.E., F.SEI, F.ASCE
- Michael J. Bolduc, P.E., S.E.,M.ASCE
- Maria M. Garlock, Ph.D., P.E., F.SEI, M.ASCE
- Jennifer L. Goupil, P.E., F.SEI, F.ASCE, SEI Secretary
- Jerome F. Hajjar, Ph.D., P.E., F.SEI, F.ASCE, SEI President
- Edwin T. Huston, P.E., S.E., F.SEI, M.ASCE, SEI Treasurer
- Chad M. Schrand, P.E., F.SEI,M.ASCE
- Donald R. Scott, P.E., S.E., F.SEI, F.ASCE, SEI Past President
- Kenneth L. Sharpless, P.E., F.SEI, F.ASCE
- Stephanie L. Slocum, P.E., M.ASCE, SEI President-elect
- J. Greg Soules, Ph.D., P.E., P.Eng, S.E., F.SEI, F.ASCE
- Elaina J. Sutley, Ph.D., P.E., M.ASCE
- James P. Wacker, P.E., M.ASCE
- Shuxian (Susanne) Wassenius, P.E., F.SEI, M.ASCE
- Jennifer Zabik, P.E., F.SEI, M.ASCE
And a heartfelt thank you for their service and leadership to the Board members who have finished their terms:
- John Cleary, Ph.D., P.E., F.SEI, M.ASCE
- Robin A. Kemper, P.E., LEED AP, ENV SP, F.SEI, Pres.19.ASCE
- Takahiko Kimura, P.E., F.SEI, M.ASCE
- Victor E. Van Santen, P.E., S.E., F.SEI, F.ASCE, SEI Past President
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Our Board of Governors and the Reorganization Task Committees have been actively engaging with various groups and individuals, including Division ExComs, SEI and ASCE staff, and even the ASCE Governing Documents Committee as we work on developing the transition plans and details of our Reorganization.
To stay informed about the latest updates and to view the proposed SEI Reorganization Map: Overview graphic, we invite you to read SEI's latest article. Discover how these efforts are shaping the future of SEI to serve you better.
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The SEI Reorganization Task Committees and SEI Board of Governors (BOG) are continuing to develop the Reorganization transition plans and details. The Reorganization Task Committees have met with many groups and individuals to further Reorganization plans and recommendations. These include the current Division ExComs, SEI and ASCE staff, and the ASCE Governing Documents Committee. Current recommendations will be presented to the SEI BOG for review during their July meeting.
SEI is grateful to these groups and the countless volunteers and SEI staff contributing to this effort. Their dedication is positioning SEI better to support the future of the structural engineering profession and our members.
Read more about the Reorganization efforts to date and view the proposed SEI Reorganization Map: Overview graphic in SEI’s latest article.
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This article outlines the overall SEI Reorganization structure, which will become effective following ASCE approval of the new SEI Bylaws, anticipated October 2023.
History, goals, and why SEI is reorganizing
- As noted in a prior article the SEI Board of Governors (BOG) voted to move forward with the reorganization of SEI at their October 14, 2022, meetings. Goals include: Increase collaboration and knowledge-sharing throughout the Institute by moving from the current five Division structure to a two Community structure.
- Reorganize the SEI BOG from a representative structure to a strategic board structure for long-term operation efficiency.
- Become a more nimble, responsive organization to meet industry and member needs as the pace of change accelerates.
- Focus the efforts and resources of SEI to establish and meet Institute priorities for the advancement of the profession.
- Increase leadership opportunities and pathways to leadership for rising stars.
SEI has actively solicited input from Institute leaders as part of this process, including engaging with current leaders and Division Excoms. Member surveys have also been in place since January 2023 to provide a forum for members to ask questions.
SEI has also provided monthly updates to SEI members in the monthly "SEI Update" emails since December 2022.
In March 2023, the SEI Interchange event was held so members could learn about the "why" behind the reorganization, better understand the general reorganization structure, and have a forum to ask questions. Please see the Interchange Replay if you're wondering why SEI is reorganizing.
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The Reorganization Task Committees presented to the SEI Board of Governors on May 6, 2023. The Task Committees presented motions related to the new structure for approval, and all motions were reviewed and discussed. Motions were approved, amended, or returned to the Task Committees for further study.
This article summarizes approved items relevant to most members and/or ExComs that the SEI BOG has approved to date. Transition details are currently being developed by the Reorganization Transition Teams in collaboration with the current Division ExComs. The SEI reorganization and transition planning process are still being developed; for this reason, some information is not yet available.
A summary draft organizational chart of the Reorganization is the featured image with this news article and below.
Reorganization Structure Overview
Technical Community
The Technical Community will integrate the current Codes and Standards Division (CSAD) and Technical Activities Division (TAD) committees under the supervision of a single ExCom. Current Board-level initiatives related to technical topics will also be integrated into the Technical Community.
The final committee lists under each subject group heading are under review by the Reorganization Transition Teams in collaboration with the current CSAD and TAD ExComs. They are expected to be available by August 2023. Some committees may be combined, reassigned, renamed, or sunset if inactive based on recommendations from ExCom members. The Technical Administrative Committees (TACs) within TAD, which were created as a means to organize the large number of technical committees, will be dissolved to create a flatter organization in the new structure.
The Technical Community will also include new Councils to facilitate collaboration between committees and outside research groups and representatives.
The new Technical Community ExCom will have 9 voting members plus 6 non-voting industry liaisons.
- Voting member transition composition (effective October 2023): 4 ExCom members from TAD, 4 from CSAD, and 1 Young Professional. The existing Division ExCom members will nominate initial ExCom members
- Voting member long-term composition: 9 members from the Technical Community, including 1 Young Professional
- Non-voting industry liaisons: 6 Representatives total, 1 each from Wood, Steel, Concrete, NIST, FEMA, and ICC
Professional Community
The Professional Community will integrate the Business and Professional Activities Division (BPAD), Global Activities Division (GAD), and Local Activities Division (LAD) under the supervision of a single ExCom. Current Board-level initiatives related to diversity, leadership, and professional development topics will also be integrated into the Professional Community. The Professional Community also includes SEI Local Chapters (including International Chapters) and Graduate Student Chapters.
Final committees list are under review by the Reorganization Transition Teams in collaboration with the current BPAD, GAD, and LAD ExComs. These are expected to be available by August 2023. Some committees may be combined, reassigned, renamed, or sunset if inactive based on recommendations from ExCom members.
The new Professional Community ExCom will consist of 7 voting members.
- Voting member transition composition: 2 ExCom members from BPAD, 2 from GAD, 2 from LAD, and 1 Young Professional from LAD. The existing Division ExCom members will initial ExCom members.
- Voting member long-term composition: 7 members from the Professionals Community, including 1 Young Professional
SEI Operations
SEI Operations include SEI staff, activities requiring contracts with outside organizations, and activities related to the distribution of funds. A partial list of these activities include:
- General Operations, including SEI staff support
- Awards
- Structures Congress
- Electrical Transmission and Substation Conference (ETS)
- CROSS-US
- SEI Futures Fund
Focus Initiatives
A focus initiative is an SEI activity identified by the SEI BOG as a priority to accelerate growth in the immediate future. Initiatives are priority SEI activities and receive prioritized staff support and SEI resources.
Although initiatives report to the Board of Governors, they "live" in their parent committee with the Communities (Technical, Professional, or SEI Operations). They are re-evaluated every three years and reviewed for progress annually.
The goal for focus initiatives is accelerated growth for a set timeframe (3 years) that requires additional SEI resources. Focus initiatives are not expected to remain focus initiatives "in perpetuity". Initiatives will either move to the communities or sunset (based on a discussion with initiative leadership) when they are self-sufficient for future growth or are no longer identified as a focus initiative.
The maximum number of focus initiatives is 4 long-term initiatives plus 1 short-term initiative (i.e. a task committee) for 5 maximum focus initiatives.
Board of Governors
The Board of Governors will be reduced from 15 current Governors to 10 in the reorganization. Nine of these Governors are voting. The one non-voting members is the SEI Managing Director. Voting Governor composition when the Reorganization takes effect is as follows:
- President
- Past President
- President Elect
- 1 Technical Community recommended Governor
- 1 Professional Community recommended Governor
- 2 At-Large Governors
- 1 Young Professional Appointed Governor
- 1 ASCE Appointed Governor
Board terms are 4 years. The Young Professional Governor position in the Reorganization will be revised from the current 2-year term to a 4-year term.
SEI Operations, the Technical Community ExCom, the Professional Community ExCom, and the Focus Initiatives are the only activities reporting directly to the Board (compared to the 30-ish now).
A Board Advisory Council is currently being studied to facilitate collaboration between the Board and SEI members and leaders. This Council would include a diverse subset of active SEI members to ensure a wide variety of voices and perspectives are heard. Council size, terms, and composition are currently under review.
Next steps
The SEI Board of Governors will meet in July 2023 to review, amend, and approve further recommendations and details from the Reorganization Task Committees. More information will released when available.
The SEI BOG is expected to approve the final SEI Reorganization plans this summer and will update the SEI Bylaws to match those plans. The ASCE Board of Direction will review the updated SEI Bylaws for approval (anticipated October 2023). The SEI reorganization changes outlined in this article will begin following new SEI Bylaws approval.