President
Jay Utz, P.E.
Company/Job: JMT / Project Manager
Biography: My name is Jay Utz and I am excited to serve as your President for the Richmond Branch for the 2026-2027 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.
Vice President
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 watershed and stormwater management plans and MS4 support. He serves as the Vice President for the Richmond Branch and the Practitioner Advisor for the UVA Student Chapter.
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.
President-Elect
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.
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
Charles Balina, E.I.T.
Company/Job: JMT / Design Engineer
Biography: My name is Charles and I’ll be serving as your ASCE secretary for this term. Originally from Potomac, MD, just outside of Washington DC, I attended THE Ohio State University in Columbus, OH. Upon graduating in 2024, I moved a few hours down south to Richmond to begin working in roadway/highway design at JMT.
In my free time I enjoy working out, pickleball, soccer, muay thai, and really anything that gets my body moving.
Communications Chair
Open Position
Community Service Chair
Travis Miller, E.I.T.
Company/Job: KBJW / Staff Engineer
Biography: I am looking forward to continuing to serve with ASCE. I graduated from Virginia Tech with a B.S. in Civil Engineering where I had the pleasure to serve as the president of the student chapter of ASCE. I currently work in the private sector doing land development and site planning with KBJW and have worked on projects in many sectors and states. I am also currently serving as a Tactical Aircraft Maintainer in the United States Air Force, specializing in the inspection, repair, and maintenance of advanced military aircraft to ensure mission readiness and operational effectiveness. When I’m not working, you can find me walking my dogs or going to dance events. I enjoy board games and video games and frequently attend conferences and conventions when I am able.
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
Open Position
Members Co-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.
Members Co-Chair
Cason Willingham
Company/Job: Kimley-Horn / Civil Analyst
Biography: My name is Cason Willingham, and I am honored to serve as a Member Co-Chair. I am from Chesterfield, Virginia, and graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2025 with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. I joined Kimley-Horn as a summer intern in 2023 and have continued my professional career with the firm since that time.
Throughout my tenure at Kimley-Horn, I have contributed to a diverse range of transportation and infrastructure projects, including transit improvement initiatives with GRTC, SMART SCALE projects, and drainage improvement efforts. I am particularly passionate about engineering solutions that enhance the safety, functionality, and quality of life within the communities I serve.
Outside of my professional responsibilities, I enjoy coaching volleyball, running, playing soccer, and torturing myself with my fiancé’s [solidcore] classes (she’s a coach). I also value spending time with my fiancée, family, and friends.
Young Members 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 2026-2027 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 four 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 Members Co-Chair
Sameer Karki E.I.T.
Company/Job: Froehling & Robertson / Project Manager
Biography: My name is Sameer Karki, and I will be serving as the Young Member Co‑Chair. I graduated from the University of Texas at Tyler in 2023 with a Master’s degree in Civil Engineering. I have worked for over five years in civil and geotechnical engineering projects and currently serve as a Geotechnical Engineer / Project Manager at Froehling & Robertson, where I support infrastructure development through subsurface investigations, foundation recommendations, and project management.
I moved to Richmond in 2024 and quickly became involved with the local ASCE Richmond Branch. Since joining, I’ve really enjoyed connecting with fellow professionals, staying engaged with local projects, and keeping up with emerging civil engineering practices.
Outside of work, I enjoy playing golf, pickleball, ping pong, swimming, and running. I love cooking, traveling, and spending time with my girlfriend while visiting new cities and trying different foods.
Webmaster Chair
Open Position
Past President / Advisor
Kyle Hogan, P.E.
Company/Job: Timmons Group / Project Manager
Biography: My name is Kyle Hogan and I am excited to serve as your Past-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.
Institutes
SEI Chair
Abdullah Mahmoud, Ph.D., P.E.
Company/Job: Moffatt & Nichol / Structural Engineer
Biography: I’m a Structural Engineer with over 17 years of diverse experience spanning buildings, heavy industrial structures, and bridges. My work is driven by a passion for solving complex engineering challenges and delivering innovative, safe, and sustainable solutions that stand the test of time.
With a PhD and MSc in Civil Engineering from Johns Hopkins University, and both a BSc and MSc in Structural Engineering from Cairo University, I have a strong foundation in advanced structural analysis, design methodologies, and research-based problem solving. Currently, I’m part of the talented team at Moffatt & Nichol in Richmond, VA, where I contribute to impactful infrastructure projects.
Outside of work, I enjoy coding and biking—activities that keep me mentally sharp and physically active. Whether I’m optimizing a piece of code or exploring new trails, I’m always learning, adapting, and pushing boundaries.
I currently serve as the SEI Co-Chair for ASCE Richmond and am committed to fostering development and career growth opportunities for our community of structural engineers in the Richmond area.