Hello SEAOI Members,

As we enter into the new year, I wanted to take a minute to talk about the opportunities ahead of us in 2026. We as a profession continue to do great things. It’s an ever-changing profession, which is one of the things I like most about it. Every one of our projects is an exploration into how we do things, thinking about previous solutions so that this time we can do one better. In this way we are always looking to advance our profession.

Our organization’s purpose is essentially to advance our profession. We look to accomplish this by serving our professional community. We’re an advocate and voice for our members in efforts to shape policy, such as the recent NCEES exam changes. We’re a resource for our members in their efforts to grow in the profession, through the multitude of events we organize – both online and in-person. We also try to bring us all closer together as a community. There are so many incredible in-person events that SEAOI sponsors – dinner meetings, happy hours, symposia – which are all great opportunities to network, grow as professionals, and hopefully build some relationships and have a good time while you’re at it.

The beginning of the year is a time of goal setting, and resolutions. My challenge to everyone is to be involved in your profession in 2026 and thereby help to advance it. This was a challenge my mentor gave me 25 years ago, and I often think about how much more rewarding my career has been because of it. I’ve made connections and friends, expanded my knowledge base, and grown as an individual and professional.

We have such a vibrant and active professional community here, truly unlike anywhere else, and I encourage everyone to take advantage of it. Being involved means something different to every one of us. It can be something as simple as trying out a dinner meeting for the first time, or something more involved like volunteering your time. SEAOI can be a resource to help you figure out what your involvement wants to be. This isn’t meant to be a push to get involved in SEAOI (although it would be great if everyone did) but rather, a push just to get involved, and to highlight that SEAOI can help.

For those of you interested in attending events, you can visit our website to see what the upcoming offerings are. For those of you interested in participating or helping out, please reach out to anyone of us at SEAOI – we always have a need for help, and opportunities to become as little or as much involved as you would like.

These opportunities include efforts outside of SEAOI as well. One that I would like to highlight is interacting with the next generation and helping to inspire future engineers. We have chapters at local universities, and we also help with student organizations and events focused on younger students – high-school and even earlier. These events are always looking for professionals to attend and engage with the students. We need to be encouraging young people and students to be entering into our profession – this is ultimately how we ensure we are advancing our profession, by bringing talented, passionate people into it. Your efforts are critical in this endeavor and can be as simple as talking to a student. This is a passion of mine, and being on the faculty at UIUC gives me a vehicle to interact with students. I find that conversing with students always has a way of giving me a fresh outlook, a sort of recharging the batteries – I feel I get as much out of this interaction as the students do.

I hope that my message helps encourage you to try something different in 2026. For those of you who haven’t gotten involved yet, try something out. For those of you who have dipped your toes in the water, try going in waist deep. We as an organization are here to serve you. If you have any suggestions for how we can better serve you and the community, or any questions for us, please reach out to myself or the board, or Stephanie and her staff.

I wish everyone a productive and rewarding 2026!

Jim Pawlikowski, SE, LEED, AP 

President, Structural Engineers Association of Illinois

Dear SEAOI Members,

As we move forward into February, I’d like to take a moment to update you on the progress of our efforts regarding the NCEES CBT Exam feedback. Over the past few months, we have been actively engaging with NCEES and the State of Illinois Licensing Board to address concerns about the new exam. Our feedback has been acknowledged in a response letter from NCEES. Additionally, we requested that the topic be added to the last State of Illinois Licensing Board Meeting of 2024. A group of SEAOI leaders attended the meeting in early December where Mr. Dekle of NCEES also joined and addressed our concerns in an open discussion. 

We offered our support to NCEES as they continue to slowly work through the unique challenges of our licensing exam. We also offered our support to the Illinois Licensing Board as they proceed to advocate for us. We attended the January Board Meeting and learned that Illinois is scheduled to meet with the nine other state boards that have a structural designation and NCEES at the end of February. Thank you to everyone who has contributed their insights and experiences—it is through collective advocacy that we make meaningful change.

In addition to our work on this important issue, I’m excited to introduce this month’s Engagement Challenge: Share a Success Story. We encourage you to submit a story about a project or achievement you’re proud of. Whether it’s a personal accomplishment, a breakthrough on a challenging project, or recognition of a colleague’s excellence, we want to celebrate the successes that make our profession stronger. Stories should be shared through your social media outlets using #SEAOIEngagement.

Your engagement and contributions continue to inspire and strengthen our community. I look forward to seeing the incredible achievements you share this month and to continuing our work together to advance structural engineering.

With appreciation and excitement for the road ahead,

Jennie Traut-Todaro SE, LEED AP

President, Structural Engineers Association of Illinois

Dear SEAOI Members,

Happy New Year! As we step into 2025, I hope you’re feeling refreshed, energized, and ready to take on new challenges. The start of a new year always brings opportunities to reflect, reset, and reimagine what’s possible — and I’m thrilled to embark on this journey with all of you.

This January, we’re kicking off the year with our Engagement Challenge: New Year, New Goals. We invite you to set and share your professional goals for the year ahead. Whether it’s pursuing licensure, expanding your technical expertise, spending time sharing your excitement for engineering with young people, or mentoring the next generation of engineers, there’s no better time to commit to growth and celebrate progress together. Share your goals with us on social media using #SEAOIEngagement and tagging the Structural Engineers Association of Illinois.

As for me, my goal for 2025 is to make engagement and volunteer opportunities more accessible to SEAOI members. To support this goal, I’m excited to announce two key initiatives:

• The Strength in Service Series: This new program highlights the diverse ways SEAOI members contribute to their communities and profession, offering inspiration and guidance for those seeking involvement. Register for the first free lunchtime Q&A HERE

• Reboot the Mutual Mentorship Program: Building on the success of our 2021 program, we’re bringing back this initiative to foster meaningful connections among engineers at all stages of their careers. We are currently seeking four engineers at different levels of their careers who are passionate about mentorship to help lead this effort. If you’re interested in shaping this impactful program, please reach out to us at office@seaoi.org.

Together, let’s make 2025 a year of growth, collaboration, and achievement. I can’t wait to see what we accomplish as a community. Thank you for your ongoing commitment to SEAOI and to our shared mission of advancing structural engineering.

Here’s to a fantastic year ahead!

Jennie Traut-Todaro SE, LEED AP

President, Structural Engineers Association of Illinois

Dear SEAOI Members,

As we approach the end of another remarkable year, I want to take a moment to reflect on the incredible work we have achieved together as a community.

Your commitment to advancing structural engineering, supporting each other, and building a better world inspires me daily. I hope this season brings you opportunities to relax, celebrate, and spend quality time with your loved ones.

The holiday season is also a time of gratitude, and I am profoundly thankful for the contributions of each of you to SEAOI. Your engagement, participation, and passion fuel our efforts to strengthen the profession and the relationships within it. Together, we’re shaping a brighter future for all.

This month’s Engagement Challenge is a perfect way to end the year by spreading appreciation and recognition. The December Challenge is: Spotlight a Member. We encourage you to nominate a colleague who inspires you for our monthly Member Spotlight. This is your opportunity to shine a light on the achievements, dedication, and spirit of your peers. Whether it’s a mentor who guided you, a teammate who goes above and beyond, or someone whose work you admire, shout it from the virtual rooftops on social media and a personal note of encouragement! Be sure to tag SEAOI, too, in your post. :)

In keeping with the theme of gratitude and recognition, I want to personally spotlight Cathleen Jacinto, SE, PE. If you have ever met Cathleen, you know that she is one of the kindest people you will ever meet and has a hard time not pitching in when an opportunity to help pops up. She's also incredibly intelligent and well-spoken. Thank you to Cathleen for saying that first "yes" to editing the bulletin when we still had one and thank you for your continuous "let's do this" attitude that makes you so fun to know and work with!  SEAOI is richer with you leading it.

As we all close out the year, I’m excited about the journey ahead in 2025. Thank you for being an essential part of SEAOI. Wishing you and your families a joyful holiday season and a prosperous New Year.  Spread the joy with a spotlight this month, too!

Warm regards,

Jennie Traut-Todaro SE, LEED AP

President, Structural Engineers Association of Illinois