President's Message:

Kelsey Parolini

2025-2026 SEAOC President

It is fulfilling to know that the work we do creates spaces where people live, grow, and thrive. Serving our communities in this way is a privilege, and I’m grateful to have found a place in this industry. My path here was not an obvious one. I didn’t grow up in a family of engineers, and at sixteen, I could not have told you what a structural engineer was. At that age, the extent of my industry knowledge was that architects designed buildings and contractors built them, never questioning whether the roof over my head would hold up in a winter storm or the stage beneath my feet would support my tapping shoes. So how did I end up as a structural engineer? That story begins with one single hour-long presentation.

In school, when we were asked to complete career aptitude tests, my results seemed to be all over the map. The most memorable suggestions included teacher, air traffic controller, and woodworking. I was a driven student and knew college was in my future, but what I would study was far less clear. In the mid ’90s, if you were a high school girl strong in math and science, you were encouraged to consider a career in STEM. My counselor specifically emphasized engineering, so during a sophomore career fair I attended presentations by a mechanical engineer and a civil engineer (focused on water). Neither sparked much interest. The following year, I tried a different approach and listened to an architect speak – interesting but not quite a fit. Then came a presentation by a structural engineer, a graduate of Cal Poly’s Architectural Engineering program. He described designing the bones of buildings and shared what his college coursework was like. In the span of 60 minutes, I was hooked. It made sense. From that day forward, my course was set.

This profession has proven to be a good fit for me, and I owe it all to one engineer who gave a few hours out of his day to sit in a room full of high school students and share his story. That moment marked the starting line of my engineering career, and why I strive to pay it forward whenever I can.

The pipeline to our profession is a priority for many at SEAOC, and I am inspired by the countless members who dedicate their time and energy to foster the next generation of engineers. Whether it’s mentoring within your firm, speaking to university classes, hosting a high school job shadow, or leading a hands-on elementary school project, there are so many ways our members are making a difference. We would love to hear more about these efforts. If you know a colleague who’s making an impact, share their story through our Member Spotlight. And if you’re looking for ways to get involved, check out the opportunities offered by our regional MOs. Your contribution can spark the same inspiration that changed my life.

SEAOCC

• Join the Student Relations Committee for outreach and career fairs.
• Volunteer with the Public Relations Committee to promote engineering in schools.

SEAONC

• Volunteer with the Outreach Committee for classroom presentations and high school internships.
• Engage with the Young Members Forum for university outreach and mentorship.

SEAOSC

• Join the Student Outreach Committee to connect with students and promote structural engineering careers.
• Participate in Student Night organized by the Young Members Committee.

SEAOSD

• Sign up for the Job Shadow Program for college students.
• Get involved with the Student Liaison Committee or Younger Member Forum for university engagement.

As we wrap up 2025 and focus our attention to family and friends, I want to express my heartfelt thanks for your continued membership and engagement. I wish you all the best in your Holiday celebrations and a very happy New Year.

Continuing the Evolution: How SEAOC Selected and Onboarded Our New Executive Director

Devon Lumbard, SEAOC President-Elect

Earlier this year, SEAOC completed the transition in Executive Director leadership from Don Schinske to Krystinne Mica, CAE—a milestone shaped by both a deliberate search process and SEAOC’s long-term strategy to strengthen our professional infrastructure. With Krystinne now a few months into the role, this update offers a look back at how we selected her and a look forward at what she has already begun advancing.

The search process that led to Krystinne’s hiring was intentionally structured. The Selection Committee cast a wide net, ultimately reviewing 172 applications and using a rubric-based evaluation to identify candidates best suited for SEAOC’s evolving needs. From initial triage through independent scoring and in-person interviews of final candidates, the committee emphasized fairness, consistency, and alignment with SEAOC’s long-term direction. That direction includes transitioning from a contracted, part-time Executive Director to a full-time executive supported by scalable staff and contractor resources—a structure capable of meeting SEAOC’s growing statewide responsibilities.

Krystinne first introduced herself to the membership in October, reflecting on SEAOC’s mission, her collaborative leadership style, and her background working across large, multi-stakeholder systems. Her message emphasized partnership, listening, and the shared work of building SEAOC’s future together.

In her first few months, Krystinne has engaged deeply across SEAOC’s programs and committees—efforts that align with the Strategic Initiatives Kelsey outlined in last month’s newsletter. Much of Krystinne’s early work is helping to operationalize and support these priorities:

• Pathways Program: Assisting the Pathways leadership team as they outline long-range goals and develop a sustainable program structure.
• Continuing Education: Supporting webinar registration systems and coordinating logistics for the California Building Code Update Series.
• Legislative Committee: Building a new legislative tracking system to strengthen transparency and responsiveness.
• Licensure: Attending the California Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists meeting with Carl Josephson to keep SEAOC engaged in licensure discussions affecting the profession.
• Membership: Working with each of our Member Organizations to improve outreach to both existing and prospective members by leveraging the best outreach and engagement practices of each MO.
• Communications, Convention, and Disaster Emergency Response Committees: Collaborating with volunteer leaders to advance their respective initiatives and align operational support with committee goals.

These early actions demonstrate why the Executive Director transition was so important: SEAOC needs consistent, professional capacity to support volunteer-led programs, strengthen coordination across regions, and elevate the organization’s voice statewide. Don emphasized these needs in his farewell reflections, noting the opportunities ahead as SEAOC modernizes and adapts to the changing demands of the profession.

As we move forward, SEAOC is maintaining its core mission and volunteer-driven culture, while modernizing how the organization is coordinated and supported. Krystinne’s early involvement across initiatives underscores her commitment to partnership and operational clarity—qualities essential to advancing SEAOC 3.0, delivering on our strategic priorities, and supporting a vibrant, forward-looking organization. She brings strong energy and fresh ideas to SEAOC, and we encourage members to reach out, share their perspectives, and partner with her in the work ahead.