05/08/2026
🌟 Our staff has had a busy week! Below, we’re sharing more exciting conference highlights from Sherri LeBas’s trip to the ACEC Annual Convention and Legislative Summit in Washington D.C.! 🌟
"As the Chair of ACEC Louisiana, I had the privilege of attending this year's conference and representing our engineering community on Capitol Hill. It was an impactful experience to advocate and drive the critical priorities that make a difference in our field, ensuring our voices are heard in the ongoing conversation and efforts that shape the future of infrastructure.
Our team focused on three major topics during our visit to Capitol Hill: Surface Transportation Reauthorization, Water Infrastructure Investment, and Project Permitting Reform. These critical issues not only impact our nation's infrastructure but also directly affect the future growth and resilience of our home state of Louisiana. It was a great opportunity to connect with representatives from the offices of Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, Representative Julia Letlow, and Representative Troy Carter.
The first day kicked off with the Southeast Leadership Breakfast, where we delved into the pressing issues facing our profession. I participated in the ACEC Board of Directors meeting, presided over by Linda Bauer Darr, President and CEO, where we outlined our strategic priorities and planned our advocacy efforts for Capitol Hill.
We were honored to hear from FHWA Administrator Sean McMaster, who shared invaluable insights into the future of transportation. Additionally, historian and writer, Jon Meacham, provided a fascinating historical perspective on the evolution of government processes—truly a highlight!
Throughout the conference, I participated in several breakout sessions, many of which focused on the transformative role of AI in our industry. It was inspiring to see a significant contingent from Louisiana representing our diverse engineering firms. I was proud to share this experience with colleagues, including ACECL President Barker Dirmann, and ACECL Board members: National Director Chad Poche, Chairman-Elect Brett Bayard, Don Arrington, Vice-Chairman and Secretary-Treasurer Robert Delaune.
It was a dynamic conference filled with networking, learning, and advocacy. Together, we aim to emphasize the importance of the business of engineering in driving positive change and innovation."
