Medium Chapter of the Year

East Bay

2024-25 Medium Chapter of the Year

ACEC California recognizes the East Bay Chapter as the 2024-25 Medium Chapter of the Year. This prestigious award celebrates a year of exceptional leadership, growth, and service to the engineering and land surveying professions.

Throughout the 2024–2025 fiscal year, the East Bay Chapter demonstrated a deep commitment to ACEC California’s mission through:

QBS: The chapter continued its commitment to Qualifications-Based Selection (QBS) with Kim Goodrich as Chair and Mike Cooper providing mentorship. A new committee leader from a procurement-focused firm joined, ensuring continuity and credibility in agency engagement.
Industry Promotion: The East Bay Chapter hosted several successful events with public agencies, including luncheons featuring speakers from East Bay Regional Park District, California High-Speed Rail Authority, and the City of Oakland. They ended the year with a free Member Mixer and 30-Year Anniversary Celebration, strengthening industry relationships.
Public Awareness and Scholarships: Member firms were promoted through events and online platforms. The chapter set a goal to award up to $20,000 in scholarships and contributed $3,000 to the statewide ACEC California Scholarship Foundation. Leadership was enhanced by Mariam Virani’s return as Scholarship Chair, supported by State Trustee Mike Jaeger.
Legislative Advocacy: Chapter officers participated in Legislative Visit Day (LVD) and supported Assemblymember Tim Grayson through a local fundraiser. A joint PAC event raised $2,800, helping them reach 70% of their fundraising goal.
Membership Growth and Communication: The chapter continues to connect with members through email announcements, an independent website for new and resources, and an active LinkedIn page that shares updates and event highlights. The chapter committed in 2024 to building stronger relationships with surrounding chapters, including Bay Bridge, Marin, & Sierra. These partnerships allowed them to co-host events, share resources, and broaden the collective reach. The East Bay Chapter has embraced their role as a model within ACEC California chapters, providing guidance on programming, communications, and governance.

East Bay Chapter Members at the chapter's Appreciation Mixer and 30-Year Chapter Anniversary Celebration

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Joint East Bay and Bay Bridge Chapter luncheon meeting with Morgan Galli from California High-Speed Rail Authority.

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East Bay Chapter Members pictured with Senator Tim Grayson (middle) at the 2025 Legislative Visit Day (LVD).

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East Bay Chapter Members at the 2025 Engineering Excellence Awards Banquet (EEA).

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Aundrea Tirapelle, Psomas

Chapter Member of the Year

This year, the East Bay Chapter proudly recognizes Past President and Grassroots Co-Chair, Aundrea Tirapelle (Psomas) for her outstanding and sustained contributions to the chapter and to ACEC California. For more than ten years, Aundrea has consistently supported the board in multiple leadership capacities, including her current service as a committee chair and state officer. Her steady presence and willingness to step in wherever needed have provided continuity and strength to the chapter, ensuring that programs remain successful and that the board benefits from her experience and insight.

Aundrea embodies the best of ACEC’s mission by promoting the profession, supporting chapter growth, and advancing statewide initiatives. The East Bay Chapter is proud to honor her as the individual who best personifies our chapter in 2024–25.