March/April 2022 - 7

MICHAEL H. WYSOCKEY, PH.D., P.E.,
PRESIDENT
Strengthening Technical Outreach
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
Technical activities are the fundamental
reason Deep Foundations
Institute exists. The technical commi
t tees have always been the
institute's lifeblood and where things
really get done to advance the industry.
From promoting and advancing
traditional technologies such as driven
piles or drilled shafts, to serving broader
purposes such as updating codes and
standards, or supporting women in
deep foundations, the committees bring
people together to solve industry
problems. In fact, the organization's
main activity, to disseminate practical,
vetted technical information, is
achieved primarily though organizing
conferences and seminars, where this
information is showcased. DFI strikes
just the right balance by providing
technical information that is not too
theoretical in detail to be directly useful
to the professionals.
The organization has grown in its
mission ever since DFI past President
John Wolosick, P.E., D.GE, had the great
idea of starting a funding program for
committee efforts, DFI's Committee
Project Fund. In 10 years, we have
committed over $1.2 million in funding,
with funding from other organizations
and in-kind contributions that have far
exceeded that amount. The reward of
advancing industry needs, as defined
by the industry itself, comes out of the
collaborations that have resulted
between individuals, companies and
professional organizations. The fund
has not only inspired collaboration
with other organizations, but within
the committees themselves, as they
leadership, technical and otherwise.
While supporting the work of the
committees is paramount, she also
supported the session content for
conferences, seminars and short
courses until last fall. We are indebted
to her for all the hard work over the
years shepherding our various efforts,
and for her contagious energy and
enthusiasm while building a solid
foundation for our future.
Picking up the mantel now as our
second technical director is Matthew
Glisson, P.E. He is an experienced
engineer, having worked over 20 years
in the industry. While most recently at
Braun Intertec, Glisson led its deep
Glisson's technical chops include a
bachelor's degree in civil engineering
from Marquette and a master's in civil
engineering from Missouri S&T; but
more importantly, he's a good person
whom you will want to get to know or to
know better. Once established on staff,
he will help hire someone to work with
him to further support institute
technical activities. Please look for Matt
at upcoming DFI events (the bow tie
may give him away) and welcome him
in his new role. The future of our
technical outreach is bright, and I'm
excited for what's ahead.
frequently submit proposals jointly.
Specific deliverables are then required,
such as journal articles, shared field or
laboratory tests, analytical tools, and
project reports.
Prior to that, one of the best choices
DFI made for advancing its technical
activities was to bring on a staff
engineer. As Executive Director Theresa
Engler continued to work hard to build
up the organization overall, Mary Ellen
Large, P.E., D.GE, was hired as our director
of technical activities, providing
foundations group, and so has extensive
foundation design experience, as well
as serving in a leadership role with
people and projects. He has performed
and evaluated dynamic and static load
tests and developed integrity test
programs that include ones for crosshole
sonic logging, parallel seismic
testing and thermal profiling. He has
also been active on the DFI Testing and
Evaluation Committee as well as
working with other committees and on
seminars - he is not new to DFI.
The technical committees have always been the
institute's lifeblood and where things really get done to
advance the industry. Picking up the mantel now as our
second technical director is Matthew Glisson, P.E., an
experienced engineer with over 20 years in the industry.
Contact Michael H. Wysockey at mwysockey@thatcherfoundations.com
DEEP FOUNDATIONS * MAR/APR 2022 * 7
March/April 2022

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