Theresa Engler, Executive Director of Deep Foundations Institute Elected to The Moles

Theresa Engler, executive director of Deep Foundations Institute (DFI), has been unanimously elected to The Moles, a fraternal organization of the heavy construction industry. The Moles is the most prestigious organization of its kind in the world. Moles members are leaders in their profession who are dedicated to promoting the industry and supporting their colleagues through outreach programs and networking opportunities.

John Roma, P.E., of Underpinning and Foundation Skanska, sponsored Engler’s nomination. “It was with great pleasure that I sponsored Theresa’s nomination,” said Roma, who worked closely with Engler when he was the program co-chair of the DFI Annual Conference in Boston. “I have worked with Theresa for more than 20 years and observed the job she has done as executive director of DFI. Under her leadership DFI has grown significantly – to the benefit of the members and the industry.”

Several members of the industry had high praise for Engler and her support and dedication to the industry.

According to Tony Mazzo, president of Urban Foundation Engineering, “It is through Theresa’s leadership, skill and dedication that the Deep Foundations Institute is recognized worldwide as one of the most prestigious organizations assembled to promote interaction between industry professionals for the purpose of advancing the level of technology and methodology in the design and construction of deep foundations.”

That sentiment is echoed by Ray Sandiford, associate vice president for geotechnical practice at HNTB.
“I am delighted to see Theresa recognized for her incredible achievements by acceptance to The Moles. Theresa has been one of the prime movers for disseminating advances in the field of foundation engineering and construction. Her role in moving DFI into an internationally recognized educational and industrial resource cannot be understated.”

Dan Brown, president of Dan Brown and Associates and vice president of the DFI Board of Trustees, points to Engler’s leadership in the industry. “Theresa is very much involved on a day to day basis with industry leaders in the design and construction of deep foundations,” said Brown. “She exhibits leadership in her work and has the ability and resources to influence industry leaders in a positive way.”

Dwight Metcalf, area manager of Kiewit Infrastructure Engineers and member of the DFI Educational Trust Board of Trustees, added, “Theresa is making a significant contribution to the construction industry in general and the foundation industry specifically – her inclusion in the Moles is most appropriate.”

Engler has been the executive director of DFI since 2006 and served as the assistant director from 1998 to 2006. She has spearheaded significant growth at DFI – tripling the membership base; expanding technical committees; and adding educational events, publications and regional chapters in Europe, India and the Middle East. Before DFI, she worked for the National Timber Piling Council.

She attended Fairfield University and is a member of the American Society of Association Executives as well as its New Jersey and New York Chapters as well as the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC). She is the first female board member of the Academy of Geo-Professionals (AGP).