President
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 President. I graduated from The University of Dayton in 2017 and then moved to Houston where I began my career. My journey eventually led me to Virginia in 2020. After nearly six years in the private sector, I decided to shift into a public sector planning role where I help facilitate greater access to public transportation in Virginia. Outside of the office I serve as a Certified Virginia Master Naturalist (Pocahontas Chapter) where I work on local, nature resource focused projects such a bluebird monitoring with the Virginia Bluebird Society, and oyster repopulation with VA Oyster Shell Recycling Program.
Vice President
Jay Utz, P.E.
Company/Job: JMT / Project Manager
Biography: My name is Jay Utz and I am excited to serve as your Vice President for the Richmond Branch for the 2024-2025 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.
President-Elect
Kyle Hogan, P.E.
Company/Job: Timmons Group / Project Engineer
Biography: My name is Kyle Hogan and I am excited to serve as your President-Elect 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.
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
Natalie Rubbo P.E.
Company/Job: Timmons Group / Project Engineer
Biography: My name is Natalie Rubbo and I am excited to serve as your Secretary for the Richmond Branch. I’m originally from rural Maryland then moved to Richmond after graduating from Virginia Tech in 2019 with a B.S. in Civil Engineering. I am currently a Project Engineer at Timmons Group on the traffic analysis team.
My hobbies outside of the office include running, biking and weightlifting. I also like animals and volunteer with the Richmond SPCA.
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
Isabelle Stern
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
Ashley Harris, E.I.T.
Company/Job: HDR Engineering / Geotechnical Engineer
Biography: Howdy – I am excited to serve as the Government Relations Chair! 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 puppy, Maverick, sewing, and spending time with my family.
Education Outreach Co-Chair
John Myers, P.E.
Company/Job: Menard USA / Senior Design Engineer
Biography: I am excited to be serving as the Education Outreach Chair. I am originally from the Baltimore, MD area, but moved to Houston, TX after college. My family recently moved to Richmond in the Summer of 2020. Prior to moving I served on the ASCE Houston Branch board in 2015-2016, and previously served as the Younger Member Chair, and the Golf Tournament Chair. I attended Virginia Tech from 2008 to 2013, where I graduated with a B.S. in Civil Engineering, and subsequently with a M.S. in Civil Engineering with a geotechnical focus.
I am currently the Senior Design Engineer for the Menard’s Southeast Region, along with supervising all design work for both the Southeast and Gulf Coast regions. Prior to Menard, I worked in geotechnical consulting, and have been involved in a large variety of projects, including many in the oil & gas, public, and commercial sectors. Outside of work, I mostly spend my time trying to keep up with a toddler, her younger brother, and two dogs.
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 serve as the Education Co-Chair. I earned my MS in Civil Engineering with a focus on Structural Engineering from the University of New Mexico. After graduating, I moved to Richmond in April 2023 and have fallen in love with the greenery here. I received my BS in Civil Engineering from Pokhara University. Currently, I work as a Structural Associate at Moffatt & Nichol, focusing on the design and rehabilitation of bridges, piers, and wharves. Before coming to the US, I worked for a government agency in Nepal, inspecting construction and reviewing and approving structural detailing for residential buildings.
Outside of work, I enjoy hiking, traveling, and spending time with family and friends. If you know any good hiking spots near Richmond, please let me know!
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 Government Relations 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
Brian Ditzler, P.E.
Company/Job: Kimley-Horn / Senior Project Manager
Biography: My name is Brian Ditzler and I serve as the Younger Member Co-Chair of the Richmond Branch. I am originally from Somerset County, Pennsylvania, and have been involved with ASCE since attending college where I was involved with concrete canoe. I graduated from the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown with a B.S. in Civil Engineering and have worked in private development and public works since. I started my professional career in Columbus, Ohio before my wife and I relocated to the Richmond area in 2016. We were drawn to Richmond due to the beautiful landscape and variety of local historical sites.
In my spare time, I truly enjoy spending time with my wife, Erica, and our crew of companion animals. We spend our leisure time traveling, hiking, horseback riding, and spending time outdoors. My wife and I are also proud to support our local animal shelter by volunteering to provide medical care, enrichment and community outreach.
Young Member Co-Chair
Bilal Arouna
Company/Job: AECOM / Civil Engineer 1
Biography: Bilal F. Arouna is a dedicated and skilled Civil Engineer with a strong background in roadway and infrastructure design. Holding a Bachelor of Science in Civil & Infrastructure Engineering from George Mason University and an Associate of Science in Engineering from Northern Virginia Community College, Bilal has consistently demonstrated his technical prowess and commitment to excellence.
Currently serving as a Civil Engineer I at AECOM in Arlington, VA, Bilal is responsible for developing roadway designs, conducting geometric design analyses, and ensuring adherence to standards such as AASHTO, VDOT, and FHWA guidelines. His experience includes significant roles at RK&K, Seal Engineering and Fairfax Water, where he honed his skills in transportation modeling software, project management, and quality control procedures.
In addition to his professional achievements, Bilal has actively contributed to the engineering community as the Co-Chair for the Younger Members in the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Virginia Branch, Richmond Branch. His leadership and dedication to the field have been recognized through various scholarships, including the American Society of Highway Engineers (ASHE) Scholarship and the AKT Samuel Kwarteng Engineering Scholarship.
Bilal’s comprehensive understanding of civil engineering principles, coupled with his practical experience and leadership roles, make him a valuable asset to any engineering project or team.
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 2024-2025 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 two years on projects including SMART SCALE designs, sidewalk improvements, and work involving 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 playing disc golf, traveling, reading, and going to concerts.
Young Member Co-Chair
Naishal Gajjar
Company/Job: WSP / Project Manager
Biography: Naishal completed his architecture degree in India and worked as an architect for several years, designing and executing various projects. During his studies, he discovered a passion for construction management, which led him to move to the United States to pursue a Master’s in Construction Management from Carnegie Mellon University. Shortly after graduating, he joined WSP as a Project Manager and relocated to Richmond where he manages various projects.In addition to his role at WSP, Naishal serves as one of the regional heads of the Development Professional Network (DPN) in Richmond. In this capacity, he organizes events to enhance interactions at various levels within the Richmond office.
Outside of work, Naishal enjoys playing tennis and exploring new restaurants and cafes.
Webmaster Chair
James Dishner, P.E.
Company/Job: JMT / Water Resources Design Engineer
Biography: James graduated from Marshall University in his home state of West Virginia with a B.S. in Civil Engineering in 2020. In college he was active in ASCE and served as the concrete canoe captain his senior year. Shortly after graduating he moved to Richmond and started working for the JMT Water Resources department where he develops linear infrastructure drainage, stormwater management quality and quantity design, and performs hydraulic and hydrologic studies.
James has been described as charming, inspirational, brilliant, and a trailblazer. In his free time, he enjoys backpacking across the country, playing soccer, and running.
Past President / Advisor
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, one dog, 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 Vice President and Awards and Recognition Chair positions.