President
Kyle Hogan, P.E.
Company/Job: Timmons Group / Project Manager
Biography: My name is Kyle Hogan and I am excited to serve as your President for the Richmond Branch. Originally raised in New Jersey, I graduated with a B.S. in Civil Engineering from Virginia Tech in 2019 and moved to Richmond shortly thereafter to join Timmons Group as a Project Engineer on the transportation design team. My favorite part of being a civil engineer is the opportunity to work on projects that will have a direct impact on the places we live. I’ve been a member of the Richmond Branch Board since 2020 and look forward to continuing to see our membership grow.
Outside of work, I can be found hiking along the James River, playing kickball, and checking out live music at a local venue! I’m also an avid runner and enjoy training for long distance races.
Vice President
Allen Parker, P.E.
Company/Job: Universal Engineer Sciences / Principal-in-Charge
Biography: Mr. Parker is a Principal-in-Charge for Universal Engineering Sciences (UES) with operational oversight of offices in Virginia and Maryland. He specializes in Geotechnical and Construction Materials Testing Engineering with 25+ years of experience in geotechnical project scoping, construction testing oversight, and IBC Special Inspections. He has a strong track record in team building, profitability growth, new market development, and strategic planning. Through his career, he has developed into a solutions-oriented leader with expertise in developing successful business strategies, building motivated teams, and driving operational growth, while effectively managing costs and identifying new opportunities for market expansion.
Mr. Parker earned his Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Lafayette College (1999) and a Masters in Business Administration from the Moore School of Business at the University of South Carolina (2012). He is a licensed Professional Engineer in Georgia, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, and the District of Columbia.
Mr. Parker has been involved with the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) throughout his career, having served previously as the Secretary, Treasurer, Vice President, and President of the Eastern Branch of the South Carolina Section of ASCE. He excited to help the Richmond Branch grow and thrive.
President-Elect
Jay Utz, P.E.
Company/Job: JMT / Project Manager
Biography: My name is Jay Utz and I am excited to serve as your President-Elect for the Richmond Branch for the 2025-2026 year. Originally hailing from picturesque Madison County in Central Virginia, I graduated with a B.S. in Civil Engineering from the University of Virginia in 1993, moved to Richmond for a trainee position with VDOT, and somehow never managed to escape the pull of the James River. I’ve worked on bridges for my entire career, and I’ve been able to inspect, design, and repair all types of structures across the entire state. What I enjoy most about being a bridge engineer is the opportunity to continuously learn from experts in other disciplines, and I stress to my employees that a successful career in bridge means that you are always working at the intersection of multiple disciplines, and you have an obligation to move beyond your own to foster understanding and advance the project. I look forward to engaging the engineering community and helping connect young professionals to the breadth and depth of knowledge in our ASCE Richmond branch.
Outside of work, I can be found spending time with my wife, Rosemary, and my two sons, playing disc golf at Bryan Park, or serving in my other vocation as a church musician.
Treasurer
Brian Bucek, P.E.
Company/Job: CJGeo Contractors / Geotechnical Engineer for Preconstruction
Biography: My name is Brian Bucek and I am excited to serve as your Treasurer for the Richmond Branch. I graduated from Michigan Tech in 2006 with a B.S. in Civil Engineering, and moved to the Richmond area in 2008. I am currently the Geotechnical Engineer for Preconstruction at CJGeo, a specialty grouting contractor. Prior to joining CJGeo, I worked as a geotechnical consultant with projects ranging from residential, commercial, industrial, power generation site developments to local and interstate roadway improvements. Outside of work, I can be found spending most of my time with my two sons.
Secretary
Ashley Harris, E.I.T.
Company/Job: HDR Engineering / Geotechnical Engineer
Biography: Howdy – I am excited to serve as the Secretary! Currently, I am a Geotechnical EIT at HDR in Glen Allen, VA. I graduated from Texas A&M University in May 2022 with a BS in Civil Engineering and a concentration in Geotechnical Engineering. After obtaining my undergraduate degree, I graduated with my MS in Business from the Mays Business School at Texas A&M in May 2023. While I attended college in Texas, I am originally from Central Virginia. Growing up, I was surrounded by civil engineering, even participating in the Popsicle Bridge Competition hosted by ASCE in middle school. Though I initially wanted to be a structural engineer, the world of geotechnical engineering captured my attention in college. As a geotechnical engineer, I love the variety of projects I can work on and the opportunity to explore beyond the confines of my desk with field work!
Outside of work, you can find me chasing after my dogs, Maverick and Lady May, sewing, and spending time with my family.
Communications Chair
Brett Grunert, P.E.
Company/Job: Weston & Sampson / Senior Project Manager
Biography: I’m looking forward to connecting with you as the Communications Chair!
My civil engineering career started in Los Angeles where I graduated with a B.S. in Civil Engineering from Cal State Northridge (maybe you’ve heard of the 1994 Northridge Earthquake) and worked for a geotechnical consulting firm. I subsequently graduated with a M.S. in Civil Engineering from the University of Colorado and entered the workforce full-time as an environmental engineer for the nation’s largest community-owned, non-profit, four-service municipal utility. I returned to consulting in 2011 after moving to New England, and my family planted our roots in Richmond in 2019. I currently work as a Senior Project Manager for Weston & Sampson and have the privilege of using my civil engineering background to lead interdisciplinary projects that improve quality of life. Being a civil engineer affords me the opportunity to honor the past, prepare for the future, and enjoy the present every day. Each project is different and exciting, and they’re all rewarding!
Outside of work, I enjoy having fun in any way, shape or form. I love trying new things and am eager for suggestions. So if you have a favorite park, activity, restaurant, gallery, brewery or museum, please share them with me. And while you’re it, please share your story so we can highlight you in our newsletter! What inspired you to become a civil engineer? What’s the most fulfilling aspect of your career? Have you worked on any amazing projects? What would you like our ASCE Richmond community to know about you? Let’s communicate!
Community Service Chair
Travis Miller
Company/Job: Simpson Gumpertz & Heger (SGH) / Consulting Engineer
Biography: I am excited to continue serving as the Community Service Chair. I am from Richmond, VA and graduated with my B.S. in Civil Engineering from Virginia Tech in 2018. At Virginia Tech, I was an active member of ASCE and Concrete Canoe, both of which sparked my interest in the field. I have been with SGH for five years. While I am based out of our DC office, I work out of Richmond and serve many of our projects in central VA. I have experience in design, investigation, rehabilitation, and field observations of historic and contemporary buildings, as well as flood mitigation design for buildings. I love the variety of challenges and projects. Outside of work, you can find me immersed in Richmond’s outdoor scene, working on craft projects, and volunteering in the community.
Government Relations Chair
Andrew Woods, P.E.
Company/Job: Hazen & Sawyer / Structural Engineer
Biography: Hi, I’m Andrew Woods and I am looking forward to serving as the Government Relations Chair for the Richmond Branch.
I was born and raised in Richmond and graduated from the Virginia Military Institute in 2015 with a B.S. in Civil and Environmental Engineering. I have over eight years of experience as a structural engineer and have contributed to a variety of projects in the residential, commercial, industrial, and environmental sectors. This is my first year on the Richmond Branch Board, and I’m excited to contribute.
In my free time, you can find me at a park with my wife and two dogs, watching a baseball game, or spending time with friends and family.
Education Outreach Co-Chair
Kohltan Heiter, P.E.
Company/Job: HDR Engineering / Geotechnical Engineer
Biography: I am originally from Iowa and attended undergrad at the Missouri University of Science and technology, where I received my B.S. in Geological Engineering. Upon graduation in 2015, I took a leap and moved to Richmond to begin my career with HDR, where we specialize primarily in transportation-related projects. While continuing my work with HDR, I pursued an online MSCE degree through NC State, and after a grueling five years, I graduated in the Fall of 2020. In my free time I enjoy playing golf, cooking, traveling, and spending time with my wife and family of pets (two cats, two dogs, and various foster pups).
I joined the local ASCE branch upon moving to Richmond and have really enjoyed networking with those involved and staying up to date with local projects and emerging civil engineering practices. I’ve served on the Richmond Branch board since 2021, previously holding the positions of Awards and Recognition Chair, Vice President, President, and Past President.
Education Outreach Co-Chair
Shiva Bhusal, M.S.
Company/Job: Moffatt & Nichol / Structural Associate
Biography: My name is Shiva Bhusal, and I’m excited to continue serving as the Education Co-Chair for the second year. I currently work as a structural engineer at Moffatt & Nichol, where I work with the bridge design team for designing and rehabilitating bridges, piers, and wharves.
I earned my Master of Science in Civil Engineering with a concentration in Structural Engineering from the University of New Mexico and my Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Pokhara University in Nepal. Before coming to the US, I worked for a government agency in Nepal, where I was involved in the vertical construction sector, inspecting construction and reviewing structural detailing for residential buildings. After completing my master’s degree, I transitioned into the transportation sector, pursuing my passion for bridge and structural engineering. I moved to Richmond in April 2023. Outside of work, I enjoy hiking, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.
Members Chair
Niko Ambrose, E.I.T.
Company/Job: Virginia Department of Transportation / Traffic Engineer
Biography: My name is Niko Ambrose and I will be serving as the Members Chair. I graduated from Old Dominion University with a B.S. in Civil Engineering in 2019. Since graduating college I have worked with the Virginia Department of Transportation as a Traffic Engineer in the Richmond District office serving my community by working on Traffic Engineering Studies and addressing citizen safety concerns.
Outside of work, I enjoy walking my dog Korra, spending time with family and friends, and watching and playing sports.
Young Member Co-Chair
Stephan Dupont, E.I.T.
Company/Job: Kimley-Horn / Civil Analyst
Biography: My name is Stephan Dupont, and I am excited to serve as one of your Young Member Co-Chairs for the 2025-2026 year. I fell in love with Richmond and the area after visiting a friend in 2021, so when I graduated from Georgia Tech in 2022, I found a job and moved to the city shortly after. I have worked as a Civil Analyst at Kimley-Horn for the past three years on projects including SMART SCALE designs, sidewalk and curb ramp improvements, and transit work with GRTC. I appreciate the feeling of service to the community our work provides, and I hope to bring the same spirit to my position.
Outside of work I enjoy hiking, concerts, and watching movies at the Byrd.
Young Member Co-Chair
Adam Johnson, E.I.T.
Company/Job: Bowman Consulting / Structural Engineer
Biography: My name is Adam Johnson and I graduated from George Mason University in 2020. I started my civil engineering career in structural forensics and repairs at Engineering and Technical Consultants, Inc., falling in love with the beautiful historical buildings and bridges around the DMV area. I recently moved to Richmond where I am part of Bowman’s Civil Energy department, assessing and designing foundations for energy storage and solar energy projects all across the United States. Out of the office, I enjoy exploring local cuisine, gardening, and music.
Webmaster Chair
James Dishner, P.E.
Company/Job: JMT / Project Engineer
Biography: James graduated from Marshall University in his home state of West Virginia with a B.S. in Civil Engineering. In college he was active in ASCE and served as the concrete canoe captain his senior year. After graduating in 2020 he moved to Richmond and started working for the JMT Water Resources department where he specializes in stormwater management plans and MS4.
James has been described as humble, charming, inspirational, brilliant, and a trailblazer. In his free time, he enjoys backpacking across the country, playing soccer, and running.
Past President / Advisor
Paige Lazar, P.E.
Company/Job: Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation / Statewide Transit Planner
Biography: My name is Paige, and I am excited to serve as your Past- President. I am a licensed Professional Engineer with six years of diverse experience in transportation design and traffic analysis. I now serve as a statewide transit planner at the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation where we facilitate greater access to public transportation in Virginia. Outside of the office, I enjoy bird watching, running, and volunteering as a Certified Virginia Master Naturalist.