ASHE Members, Colleagues, and Friends-

It has been my pleasure and privilege to serve as your 2022-2023 Central Ohio Section President since stepping into this new role earlier this past summer.  I would like to start off by recognizing and thanking our Past President, Justin Soltesz, for his strong leadership, hard work, and overall dedication to our ASHE Section.  Even though he has stepped down as President, he continues to remain actively involved and provide important guidance to myself and the other board members.

Despite all the challenges that COVID has presented, our Section remains as strong as ever and continues, in many ways, to advance ASHE’s mission to promote a safe, efficient, and sustainable transportation system through education, innovation, and fellowship.  Most notably this past May, with the generous volunteer and financial support of our membership, our Section hosted an educational and fun-filled 2022 ASHE National Conference that continues to receive the praise of many.  This event not only provided technical education and fellowship opportunities to all ASHE members near and far, but it also put a national transportation spotlight on Columbus.  In June, our Section continued the tradition of recognizing transportation related projects that excel in complexity, innovation, aesthetics, sustainability, and overall public benefit through our annual Project-of-the-Year luncheon.  In July, ASHE members convened at the Safari Golf Course for a round of golf and networking.  Just last month, many of us hung out and enjoyed a beautiful evening happy hour at Land Grant Brewery.  Most recently and earlier this month, our Section joined forces with several other professional industry organizations to attend a Columbus Crew game together.  Upcoming events include a Highway Club Cleanup, and the annual OTEC luncheon and evening happy hour.  There is no shortage of opportunity to be active in this group!

Several of my personal goals for the upcoming year include improving communication, continue increasing the number of in-person meetings and events, and improving the networking and technical education value of our membership.  With the incredible caliber of leadership and assistance found in our current board officers and directors, I am confident that we will not only accomplish these goals but also witness another great year of success.

Thank-you for your interest and membership in our Central Ohio Section.  If you have any suggestions or ideas or would like to help in a leadership capacity, please don’t hesitate to reach out.  It is a fantastic time to be a part of this very active organization and we appreciate and look forward to seeing each of you in-person throughout the coming year!!

Respectfully,

Mike Killian, PE

Central Ohio ASHE President