Events

2025 Bertram Berger Seminar: Smart Assets for a Changing Climate

Thursday, September 18, 2025 (9:30 AM - 2:00 PM) (EDT)

Description

Join the Boston Society of Civil Engineers (BSCES) Transportation & Development Institute (T&DI) for the 2025 Bertram Berger Seminar, a half-day event bringing together leaders in infrastructure, transportation, and community planning to explore the intersection of asset management and climate resiliency in the public realm. With increasingly extreme weather, aging systems, and evolving service demands, public agencies are being challenged to do more with less - while also building infrastructure that can endure and adapt.

We are also honored to welcome Monica Tibbits-Nutt, Massachusetts Secretary of Transportation, as the keynote speaker. Secretary Tibbits-Nutt will share her insights on the Commonwealth’s vision for a more resilient, equitable, and sustainable transportation future.

The program will feature two expert panel discussions:

Future-Proofing Infrastructure: The Role of Asset Management in Climate Adaptation

Moderated by Bryan Zimolka, Senior Project Manager, Nitsch Engineering

Speakers: Jack Moran, Deputy Chief of Performance and Asset Management, MassDOT, and John Westerling, Commissioner of Public Works, City of Worcester, and Rama Krishnagiri, VP, Director of Structures, MP Engineers

This panel will explore how infrastructure owners are updating asset management to address aging systems and rising climate risks. Panelists will discuss using data, technology, and collaboration to prioritize investments, identify vulnerabilities, and build resilient, future-ready infrastructure.

The Climate-Ready Community: Infrastructure for Tomorrow’s Risks

Moderated by Luisa Paiewonsky, Executive Director, Megaprojects Delivery Office, MassDOT

Speakers: Hung Pham, Senior Program Manager - Roadway Reconstruction and Resiliency, MassDOT, Kathleen Ledoux, Senior Resiliency Manager, Massport, and Sarah White, Director of Climate Resilience, DCR

This panel will focus on how communities and agencies are integrating climate resilience into infrastructure planning and operations. Panelists will discuss strategies for managing risks like flooding and extreme heat, ensuring service continuity, and creating more adaptive and equitable urban systems.


2025 Bertram Berger Young Engineer Award

Nominate a deserving young engineer to receive a $2,500 stipend for continuing education and/or professional development! Click here to learn more about submitting a nomination. The winner will receive their award at the Bertram Berger Seminar.

Pricing

$150 Members, $190 Non-Members, $130 Public Sector Members, $150 Public Sector Non-Members, $55 Senior Members (65+) & Students

The Mercantile
2 Mercantile Street
Worcester, MA 01608 United States
Event Contact
Michelle Monette
(617) 305-4113
Send Email
Thursday, September 18, 2025 (9:30 AM - 2:00 PM) (EDT)

9:30 AM - 10:00 AM Registration  

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM Panel 1: Future-Proofing Infrastructure: The Role of Asset Management in Climate Adaptation 

11:00 AM - 11:15 AM Break  

11:15 AM - 12:15 PM Panel 2: The Climate-Ready Community: Infrastructure for Tomorrow’s Risks 

12:15 PM - 12:30 PM Break 

12:30 PM - 1:00 PM Keynote Address

1:00 PM - 2:00 PM Lunch

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