New York State Society of Professional Engineers (NYSSPE)

The New York State Society of Professional Engineers (NYSSPE) represents the interests of professional engineers, totaling more than 25,000 licensees in New York State, practicing in all disciplines.

Celebrating a Century of Excellence: The 2026 NYSSPE Award Winners

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In our 100th year, the New York State Society of Professional Engineers (NYSSPE) is proud to honor the projects and people who define the past, present, and future of the profession. From the preservation of historic landmarks to the implementation of nation-leading technology, these winners embody the legacy of our founder, David B. Steinman.

Centennial Project of the Year: Brooklyn Bridge Rehabilitation
Owner: NYC Department of Transportation
Project Design Firm: Parsons

In our 100th year, NYSSPE is proud to recognize a project that bridges the gap between historic preservation and modern structural resilience. The rehabilitation of the Brooklyn Bridge, specifically its majestic granite towers and approach arches, required extraordinary technical precision to meet modern safety standards without compromising its landmark status. We applaud the NYC Department of Transportation and Parsons for their stewardship of this National Historic Landmark. Their work honors the spirit of our founder, David B. Steinman, by proving that even our most historic infrastructure can be revitalized to serve the needs of a 21st-century metropolis.

Engineering Project of the Year: NYC Central Business District Tolling Program
Owner: MTA,
Partners: NYSDOT, NYCDOT and TransCore

This project has fundamentally redefined the landscape of American transportation engineering. The NYC Central Business District Tolling Program is a masterclass in large-scale system integration and inter-agency collaboration. By leveraging TransCore’s cutting-edge tolling technology to reduce congestion in the nation’s densest urban core, the MTA, NYSDOT, and NYCDOT have addressed the most pressing environmental and logistical challenges of our time. This award recognizes the engineering excellence required to transform a visionary policy into a functional, highly technical national model for sustainable urban growth.

Construction Project of the Year: Allegany County CR 26 Emergency Response & Bridge Replacement
Owner: Allegany County
Project Design Firm: LaBella Associates

Engineering is often a quiet profession, but in moments of crisis, it becomes a lifeline. When a critical structural failure on County Route 26 severed a vital artery in Allegany County, the response was nothing short of extraordinary. LaBella Associates and Allegany County launched an unprecedented, accelerated design-build mission to restore a community in limbo. This project exemplifies the “heroic” side of the profession prioritizing public safety and swift action to reconnect residents, emergency services, and school routes. It stands as a testament to how professional engineering serves as the first line of defense for our communities.

Individual Honors:

Engineer of the Year:
Catherine Sheridan, PE
President, MTA Bridges and Tunnels
A trailblazer in public infrastructure, Catherine Sheridan oversees the nine bridges and two tunnels that serve as the economic arteries of New York City. From her early days as a seasonal inspector to her current role leading the nation’s largest toll authority, Sheridan’s career is a masterclass in leadership. Her dual background as a combat engineer and a professional musician reflects the multi-faceted spirit of the modern Professional Engineer. 


Professional Engineer in Government:
Diane Kenneally, PE
Chief of Staff & Chief Administrative Officer, MTA Bridges and Tunnels
Diane Kenneally is the organizational heartbeat of the TBTA. By bridging the gap between technical engineering requirements and large-scale public administration, she ensures that one of the world’s most complex transit agencies operates with precision and integrity. Her recognition underscores the vital role PEs play in the highest  levels of government leadership.


Young Engineer of the Year:
Rebecca Sheely-King, PE, SE
Structural Engineer, LaBella Associates
Representing the next generation of excellence, Rebecca has distinguished herself through her rare dual licensure as a Professional Engineer and a Structural Engineer. Her work in Albany ranging from historic building preservation to industrial expansions showcases a technical depth and community commitment.

 

Come celebrate our 100th Anniversary and Congratulate our amazing award winners at our Gala Dinner on August 6, 2026, at the New York Marriott at the Brooklyn Bridge in conjunction with the National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE) Conference – NSPECon26.
Gala Dinner tickets only: Click Here
NSPCon26 schedule & details: Click Here

Come celebrate NYSSPE’s Centennial at NSPECon26

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Registration is Open. Between the Gala Dinner on Aug. 6th, exclusive NYC tours, and top-tier leadership seminars, this is the engineering event of the year.  Sponsorship and Exhibitor Opportunities, claim yours today!

Schedule:  Click Here
Registration:  Click Here
Education Sessions & Tours:  Click Here
NYSSPE Gala Dinner Only Registration:  Click Here
NYSSPE Gala Sponsorship:  Click Here
NYSSPE Centennial Journal Advertising:  Click Here
NYSSPE Merchandise Store: Click Here

Ahmed Tigani Named NYC Department of Buildings (DOB) Commissioner

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Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced that he has officially appointed Ahmed Tigani as the next Commissioner of the New York City Department of Buildings (DOB). Commissioner Tigani most recently served as Acting Commissioner at DOB sister agency the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD).  Click Here

NYC DOB NOW:  Click Here
NYC DOB Upcoming Events:  Click Here

NYC DOB – Final Rule: Amendment of Rules Relating to Retaining Walls

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The proposed rule amendments will clarify inspection procedures and requirements for documenting retaining wall conditions found during required inspections. They will also establish procedures for notifying the Department and the owner of unsafe conditions and for taking measures to safeguard the public.

Amendment of Rules Relating to Retaining Walls will be published in the City Record on 2/21/25.   The effective date is 3/23/25.  Click Here

 

NYC Department of Buildings Adopted Regulations We Oppose

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John Sucharski, PE, President of NYSSPE, has requested that the New York City Department of Buildings revisit its recently adopted regulation governing inspections of parapets throughout the City.

The newly adopted regulation will impact approximately a half-million buildings annually. In short, the current regulation allows unqualified parties, including a building superintendent or handyman the power to determine whether a structure is safe.

Letter Sent to Request Corrective Action!  Click Here

New York City Local Laws – What You Need to Know!

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A Local Law to amend the building code of the city of New York and the New York city fire code, in relation to construction of ancillary dwelling units.   Click Here

A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to establishing a pilot program to convert existing basement or cellar apartments to habitable dwelling units.  Click Here

NEW YORK CITY DEPARTMENT OF BUILDINGS

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Notice of Public Hearing and Opportunity to Comment on Proposed Rules

What are we proposing? The Department of Buildings (DOB) is proposing to amend its rules regarding the penalty for failure to certify correction of certain immediately hazardous violations.

When and where is the hearing? DOB will hold a public hearing on the proposed rule online.  The public hearing will take place at 11:00am on October 7, 2024.

Click Here for more details.

DOB NOW Public Portal was integrated with NYC.ID, a move that now requires all users of DOB NOW to have an NYC.ID account in order to login

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This integration is part of the MyCity initiative, which is creating a one-stop-shop for city services and features a single sign-in account through NYC.ID for all online services across city agencies.

If you are an existing DOB NOW user, go to the public portal and enter the email address associated with your eFiling account. The system will automatically redirect you to the NYC.ID registration page.

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Buildings Tech Lab Launched at NYC DOB

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Applications are open for the inaugural Buildings Tech Lab, a public-private initiative between the Department of Buildings and the Partnership Fund for New York City to test new technologies to help the DOB improve how it regulates construction and development throughout the five boroughs.

Early- and growth-stage tech companies with a relevant solution to one of the Lab’s two challenges can learn more and apply here.

Interested applicants are invited to attend an information session on August 15th at 1pm ET. Applications close September 20.

NYC DOB NOW Update

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A new DOB NOW login process is launching on June 3, 2024. All existing and new users of DOB NOW: Build, Safety, BIS Options, and Licensing will require a NYC.ID account for all online services as part of the MyCity initiative.

Beginning on Monday, June 3, 2024, DOB NOW is integrating with NYC.ID. See the May 2024 Service Notice and visit nyc.gov/dobnowtips for more information. On June 3, 2024, or later, follow this step-by-step guide to create an NYC.ID. To continue to have access to all your filings in DOB NOW, it is critical that you use the same email address associated with your filings in DOB NOW to create your NYC.ID.