What It Means To Be A Member of the NCS Board

For this special feature we had asked NCS Board members, "What has it meant to you to be a member of the NCS Board?" The universal theme from the feedback you will discover below was “personal and professional development.” The specific themes that each focused on for development however were unique:

  • Giving back to community and profession;
  • Writing in a way that engages the reader;
  • Exposure to fiscal management;
  • Broadening of horizons;
  • Lasting friendships; and
  • Sense of pride in serving the needs of fellow professionals.

If you are or have been an NCS Board member, I encourage you to share your story with our members. Write a few paragraphs about your experience, include a biographical note and a photograph and email Ranjit Sahai so we can include the narrative about your experience here.

Board Member Feature

Christian Manalo, Director (2009–13) and President (2014–15)

Growing up outside New York City, it was not difficult to see the impact of civil engineers from tall skyscrapers and suspension bridges to heavy manufacturing and environmental restoration. As a civil engineer for more than 20 years now, it has been tremendously satisfying working on projects and programs that have had major impacts on the way we live. I am grateful for those that came before me who built up the profession and developed our body of knowledge to what it is today. As a member of the NCS Board, I have the opportunity to give back to the profession that has meant so much to myself, my family, and our society. It is exciting and inspiring to continuously hear of the good works that colleagues perform daily in the DC region, across the U.S., and around the world. It is equally inspiring being among civil engineers who devote significant time and energy to support their colleagues and promote the profession’s interests. Being an NCS Board member is not easy; it is hard work that never ends, but the rewards have been plentiful both professionally and personally.

Christian has been a practicing civil engineer for more than 20 years, having worked for the Potomac Electric Power Company, Earth Tech (now AECOM), and Booz Allen Hamilton. He is a licensed Professional Engineer in Virginia and a Diplomate of Environmental Engineering. He holds both MS and BS degrees in civil engineering from the University of Maryland and Rutgers University, respectively. Christian resides in Maryland, is married and has one daughter (engineer in training, 1st Grade).