DFI Magazine May/June 2020 - 78

Another colleague, Andres Baquerizo with the Keller Group,
describes traits that have been the hallmark of Meyer's
contributions to the profession. "Matt Meyer is first and foremost
an incredible family person with the highest ethical standards. I feel
really lucky and blessed to have worked with him for the past 20
years. Some of our work resulted in 'world record projects.' Over
the years we have been able to come up with amazing solutions,
some even changing the face of our cities. Matt is a win-win person
with an unmatched thirst for knowledge."
Meyer notes that, while great resources have been available to
him within Langan, "I recognize that in order to have a successful
project, one must understand and appreciate the importance of the
role played by talented foundation specialty contractors, and of
working closely with clients and general contractors, all of whom
are key parties on the project team."
Among the challenges he sees that confront not only
geotechnical engineering but also our nation and the world as a
whole include addressing failing infrastructure, expanding mass
transit capacities, moving toward alternative energy sources, and
facing climate change head-on. The latter he says was made all the
more clear to him from having grown up along the Cooper River
and from living in Miami, two cities directly affected by the rise in
sea levels, and by severe flooding events.

DFI Is a Beneficiary
Meyer has been a stalwart contributor to DFI's technical and
educational initiatives. Among his many contributions to the

78 * DEEP FOUNDATIONS * MAY/JUNE 2020

organization is serving as a trustee, being the past chair of the
Augered-Cast-In-Place and Drilled Displacement Pile Committee, a
prior member of the DFI Sustainability Committee, and participating
as a lead presenter at multiple DFI seminars and workshops. He is a
past trustee liaison to the Soil Mixing Committee and the current
trustee liaison to the Working Platforms Industry-Wide Working
Group. His many technical papers are featured in DFI publications,
including the organization's peer-reviewed Journal and Deep
Foundations magazine. In 2018, DFI acknowledged his many contributions by presenting him with its prestigious President's Award.
DFI is not the only professional organization that has
acknowledged Meyer's achievements. He was the recipient of the
2002 Miami-Dade Florida Branch of ASCE's Young Engineer of the
Year Award, and was featured in 2011 as one of ENR Southeast's
Top 20 Under Forty Engineers.

All Work and No Play Is Not Meyer's Mantra
As noted by Meyer's colleagues earlier, he is the consummate "family
man." The Meyers are involved in a host of recreational activities,
including being avid skiers, boating enthusiasts and world travelers.
Being a runner and regularly putting-in-the-miles is part of his
genetic makeup. He has maintained this passion throughout his life,
and one would expect the enthusiasm to continue.
Well rounded. Centered. Engaged in all that life has to offer.
Add to this engineer, volunteer, parent and valued friend to all that
have had the pleasure of being part of his universe. For Meyer life is
not a sprint, it is a marathon.

DFI Magazine May/June 2020

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of DFI Magazine May/June 2020