Ken Barry Receives ASCE Distinguished Service Award
October 04, 2017
William K. (Ken) Barry, PE, D. WRE, Technical Principal of S&ME, was awarded the Daniel B. Barge, Jr. Award for Distinguished Service at the Tennessee Engineers’ Conference which was held in Nashville, Tennessee on September 28th and 29th. The Daniel B. Barge, Jr. Award for Distinguished Service was instituted by the Tennessee Section of ASCE in 1988 with the designee being the first recipient. The Award is made annually to an engineer member of the Tennessee Section of ASCE who has made definite contributions to the Society at the National, Section, and/or Branch levels.
The following was read at the presentation:
Mr. Barry has served the engineering commu
nity through the ASCE for over 30 years. During his 30-year involvement in ASCE, the primary focus of his contributions has been at the Tennessee and the Knoxville Branches of ASCE, though he has made significant contributions throughout the country. For example, his Loring Air Force Base Remedial Action project in Limestone, Maine was nominated for ASCE’s Outstanding Civil Engineering Achievement. Additionally, Mr. Barry presented his Genetta Ditch Watershed Project for the Huntsville Branch of ASCE.
Mr. Barry’s service to the Knoxville Branch of ASCE includes presentation of five technical lectures to ASCE groups and participation in eleven continuing education programs as part of ASCE. Since 1995, Mr. Barry has continuously served on committees and held office positions within ASCE. He has chaired numerous ASCE Sections such as the Environmental and Water Resources Committee and the History and Heritage Committee. He has promoted the success of the civil engineering profession through acting President for this organization and many additional years as other designations. He continues to be involved in the Environmental and Water Resources Institute of ASCE as well as attend, and contribute to, many yearly meetings.
Mr. Barry’s contributions to ASCE and his community are made all the more significant through his service focused work ethic and commitments to quality and integrity. He fosters a positive, empowering, and effective leadership style that garners him praise from his peers and the admiration of those under his leadership. In both his professional work and his service to ASCE, Mr. Barry has consistently brought these talents to bear with grace and good humor.
Mr. Barry is also fiercely dedicated to empowering and encouraging the next generation of engineers. As an ASCE champion, he motivates others to get involved, and develops young engineers by encouraging their contributions to presentations and papers, and by engaging them to attend conferences and interact with others to enhance their professional development. He is also a strong advocate for continuing education and maintains a commitment to life-long learning.
Mr. Barry’s continuous dedication to the success of ASCE and his service as an empowering leader earns him this recognition.