Community and Infrastructure Resilience: A Perspective on Where We Have Been and Where We Are Going
Speaker: Terri P. McAllister, Ph.D., P.E., F.SEI, Dist.M.ASCE
Terri McAllister is a nationally recognized leader, she has played a pivotal role in identifying and addressing critical gaps in resilience measurement and risk-informed decision-making. As the technical lead at the National Institute of Standards and Technology and Deputy Chief of the Materials and Structural Systems Division, she catalyzed the development of the NIST-funded Center of Excellence on Risk-Based Community Resilience Planning – an effort that engaged over 100 researchers across 14 universities.
Terri’s work integrates physical infrastructure performance with social and economic systems to guide decision-making and policy at the community level. Notable achievements include authorship of influential reports, advancing resilience metrics and modeling frameworks, and leadership in publishing the NIST Community Resilience Planning Guide and two ASTM standards influencing disaster resilience planning in the U.S. Her research contributions have advanced methodologies for structural reliability, post-disaster recovery modeling, and resilience-based design. Her leadership across ASCE technical committees and code development processes exemplifies her commitment to translating research into practice.
She received the 2025 ASCE Vilas Mujumdar Resilience Award for research advancement of risk-based decision-making for sustainable and resilient infrastructure systems, the 2021 ASCE Walter P Moore, Jr. Award in recognition of demonstrated technical expertise in and dedication to the development of structural codes and standards, and the 2018 ASCE Ernest E Howard Award for a paper on risk-based decision making for sustainable and resilient infrastructure systems.
The Shifting Paradigm of Flood Protection
Panelist: Lisa Osborne, CEO, Founding Partner, Collaborative Engineering Group
Lisa Osborne is CEO and Founding Partner of Collaborative Engineering Group, a Houston-based
mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection engineering firm established in 2010.
Throughout her professional journey, she has established herself as a capable and creative
designer, specializing in environmentally and acoustically sensitive projects across various
sectors. She leads the firm’s design direction and project execution with a focus on high performance, sustainable building systems and thoughtful coordination with architects and
owners. In addition to her professional leadership, Lisa serves as an Associate Professor of
Practice in Architectural Engineering at Texas A&M University, mentoring future engineers and
integrating real-world design expertise into academic instruction.
Panelist: Charles M. Penland, PE, LEED AP, Managing Principal, Walter P Moore
Charles Penland has more than 40 years of experience designing site plans for all sizes and complexity of commercial, retail, educational, healthcare, and other types of projects. His special interests include sustainable site design, green infrastructure, and water reuse. He has given multiple presentations on sustainable site design. Mr. Penland taught a site design class for the University of Houston’s Hines School of Architecture and the Senior Design Course for the Civil and Environmental Engineering Department at Rice University for many years. Formerly the Director of Civil Engineering for Walter P Moore, he has overseen projects, served as principal in charge for large and complex projects, and helped mentor and train staff in site design. He joined Walter P Moore in 1980 and is currently a Managing Principal responsible for business development, key client support, Principal in Charge of key projects, and a mentor to the engineering staff.
Panelist: Jared Wood, AIA, Partner, Studio RED Architects
Jared Wood, who joined Studio RED Architects in 2004 and became a Partner in 2007, brings over 25 years of experience and has led high-profile projects like Lakewood Church and the Alley Theatre renovation. As Partner in Charge, he sets the design direction and influences key project decisions, ensuring the project vision is realized from inception to completion. Jared provides strategic oversight, leading teams and maintaining strong client relationships to align all phases with client expectations and firm standards. He ensures projects stay on schedule and within budget while coordinating with stakeholders. His ultimate goal is to fulfill the design intent and ensure client satisfaction.
Panelist: Kevin Schmidt. P.E., LEED AP, Vice President, Collaborative Engineering Group
As Vice President and Electrical Department Director at CEG, Kevin serves as project engineer, project manager, and construction administrator, leading electrical system design and coordination across a diverse range of project types. His experience includes healthcare, laboratory, government, commercial, data center, medium-voltage distribution, industrial, institutional, call center, and tenant interior development projects. Kevin approaches each project with a practical, solutions oriented mindset. When faced with complex design challenges, he develops and evaluates multiple engineering strategies to identify the most effective and economical solution. His ability to balance technical performance, constructability, and cost considerations makes him a steady and trusted leader throughout design and construction.
Panelist: Ray Drexler, PE, Principal & Senior Project Manager, Diagnostics, Walter P Moore
Ray is a Principal in Walter P Moore Diagnostics with 30+ years of experience in diversified aspects of forensic engineering and emergency responses. His expertise includes evaluating all types of distresses within both concrete, masonry, and steel structures and designing corresponding repairs. He has extensive flood assessment and mitigation experience and is well-versed in assessing the performance of facades and below-grade waterproofing. Ray leads the firm’s practice for creating flood resiliency in facility owners’ assets. He has led multidisciplinary teams to assess, repair, and protect facilities in hurricane-prone regions of the country for both wind and flood events. Ray enjoys working directly with clients to ensure every problem is solved accurately and efficiently.
Panelist: Tony Mansoorian, EVP & Chief Operating Officer, Bellows Construction
Tony Mansoorian joined Bellows Construction in 2000 and has served as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer since 2012. He began his career as a field engineer before advancing to project engineer in 2001. When Bellows launched its Medical Center Renovation Team (MCRT) in 2009, Tony was selected as its first Director of Operations, establishing the foundation for what would become one of the most trusted renovation teams in the Texas Medical Center. A second-generation Bellows employee, Tony is proud to follow in his father’s footsteps at one of the most respected construction firms in Texas. His leadership extends beyond Bellows and into the broader industry. He has served on the board of the Construction Career Collaborative (C3) since 2015, including terms as Chairman in 2024 and 2025. Tony has also been a board member of the Associated General Contractors (AGC) Houston Chapter since 2012 and served as Chairman in 2019 and 2020.