Cale Ash received his BSCE and MSCE degrees from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Cale joined Degenkolb Engineers in Seattle in 2003, becoming an Associate Principal. Cale’s work at Degenkolb has focused on the seismic evaluation and rehabilitation of existing buildings. Notable projects include seismic rehabilitation design for four buildings at the Department of Veterans Affairs Seattle campus and a detailed seismic evaluation of the historic Ahwahnee Hotel in Yosemite National Park.

Cale joined the Earthquake Engineering Research Institute (EERI) in 2005; in 2012 EERI honored him as a Housner Fellow. He served as President of the Cascadia Region Earthquake Workgroup (CREW) and chaired CREW's Education & Outreach Committee.

With SEAW, he has played a founding role in the establishment of the Younger Members Forum, chaired the Public Information Committee, and served on the Board of Directors as Vice President 2011-12 and President 2012.

In presenting the award, 2009 Engineer of the Year recipient Mark Pierepiekarz noted Cale's endeavors in each of the nomination categories, and overall his service to SEAW and the profession. He cited Cale's recent completion of successful terms as SEAW Seattle Chapter President and State President, and his instrumental role in the establishment of the Younger Members Forum and in the formation of the Structural Engineers Foundation of Washington/SEFW, as well as his service as a member of the Existing Buildings Committee; and beyond SEAW in activity with the Cascadia Region Earthquake Workgroup (President 2011-2012) and the Earthquake Engineering Research Institute co-chairing the EERI 2013 Annual Meeting in Seattle.

Also noted: "Cale has brought visibility to SEAW and the Structural Engineers Foundation of Washington (SEFW) through his work on the Public Information Committee. Structural Engineers may do great things, but unless the public is informed, it can’t appreciate what we do for the built environment. Cale’s press releases concerning SEAW and SEFW have informed the public about the important role of the structural engineer in society.

"Cale shares his technical expertise on a number of levels, including teaching the senior level Design of Concrete Structures class at the University of Washington. In 2012, Cale was named to the inaugural class of EERI Housner Fellows.

"Cale continues to nurture younger engineers through his participation with YMF as well as mentoring younger engineers at Degenkolb Engineers."

Updated March 2012, updated May 2014