President
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. I’m very honored and excited to serve as the Branch President this year!
Vice President
Taqi Baqersad
President-Elect
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 both your President-Elect and Communications Chair. 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.
Treasurer
Rob Anderson, E.I.T.
Company/Job: Timmons Group / Project Engineer
Biography: I am a Project Engineer I at Timmons Group in Richmond, VA. I graduated from Brigham Young University in 2020 with my BS in Civil and Environmental Engineering where I captained the Concrete Canoe Team to Nationals. I started my career while in school as a certified field inspection engineer in Utah and have since switched to the design side here in Virginia. I am married to the love of my life, have one yellow lab, and have a brand new baby boy born July 9th, 2021. Family is the most important thing in my life.
Secretary
Maya McCann
Company/Job: Timmons Group / Project Engineer
Biography: I am a Project Engineer I at Timmons Group in Richmond, VA. I graduated from the University of Pittsburgh in 2020 with my BS in Civil Engineering where I was a student member of Pitt ASCE and had the role of VP for Pitt Society of Women Engineers. I grew up in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania and after graduation found myself with a job in Richmond Virginia. I enjoy Civil Engineering because I find it to be one of the engineering fields that have an obvious direct impact on society.
Outside of my work life, I enjoy spending as much time with my dog (Fozzie Bear) and the various foster puppies that we foster. I also like to play ultimate frisbee, indoor soccer, and snowboarding.
Communications Chair
Paige Lazar, P.E.
Also President-Elect.
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 Senior, 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
Mehdi Sarayloo, E.I.T.
Company/Job: Moffatt & Nichol / Structural Engineer
Biography: My name is Mehdi Sarayloo, and it is my privilege to serve as the Educational Outreach Co-Chair. I originally come from Iran and immigrated to the United States approximately seven years ago. After earning my Master of Science degree in Structural Engineering from the University of Toledo in 2019, I relocated to Richmond, Virginia to begin my engineering career at Moffatt & Nichol. As a structural engineer with a passion for creation, I find great fulfillment in contributing to an array of construction projects, especially bridges.
When I manage to tear myself away from my desk, you can often find me sampling Richmond’s eclectic restaurant scene with my lovely wife or recharging through one of my favorite hobbies – hiking Virginia’s scenic trails, playing pick-up soccer games, and the occasional video game session.
Awards and Recognitions Chair
Brett Grunert
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 R. Ditzler, P.E.
Company/Job: Walgreens / Engineering Manager, Civil & Environmental
Biography: My name is Brian Ditzler and I serve as the Young Member 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 the 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
Kyle Hogan, P.E.
Company/Job: Timmons Group / Project Engineer
Biography: My name is Kyle Hogan and I will be serving as the Young Member Co-Chair for the Richmond Branch. Originally raised in Moorestown, NJ, I left for the wide-open spaces and mountains of Virginia and graduated with a B.S. in Civil Engineering from Virginia Tech in 2019. After college, I moved to Richmond and joined 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 look forward to sharing my passion for community service and helping connect young professionals to our ASCE Richmond branch.
Outside of work, I can be found hiking along the James River, playing kickball, and cheering on the Yankees to another playoff run! I’m also an avid runner and plant parent
Webmaster Chair
James Dishner, E.I.T.
Company/Job: JMT / Water Resources Design Engineer
Biography: My name is James Dishner and I serve as the Webmaster for the Richmond Branch. I am from West Virginia and graduated from Marshall University in 2020 with my B.S. in Civil Engineering. In college I was active with ASCE and was the concrete canoe captain my senior year. After graduating I moved to Richmond where I currently work for JMT in the water resources department where I develop a project’s drainage, water quality & quantity BMPs, and the occasional FEMA study.
I enjoy spending my free time travelling across the country, going on long runs, and exploring the local restaurants and breweries in Richmond.
Past President / Advisor
Jeff Huffman, M.S., P.E., F.ASCE
Company/Job: Koontz Bryant Johnson William / Operations Manager
Biography: I first became a member of ASCE in 1986 as a student member at Virginia Tech and have remained a member since. Past positions within ASCE include President of the Richmond Branch, two term President, VP, and two term Treasure of the West Virginia Section President and VP of the Huntington Branch – WV, and Marshall University student chapter faculty advisor for six years. I am currently on The Society (National) Student Chapter Conference and Competition Committee. I received the grade of ASCE Fellow Member in 2016.
I am Operations Manager – Eastern Region for Koontz Bryant Johnson Williams. I received my BSCE in 1988, my MSCE (Geotechnical) in 1990 Virginia Tech. I am a native of South Charleston, West Virginia and my bride, Karen (a Richmond native), and I returned to Richmond in July 2019. Outside of work, I enjoy international travel, walking/running, golfing, and reading technical papers.
If I can provide any assistance to you with ASCE or profession mentoring I can be reached at jhuffman@kbjwgroup.com.