Mary Ellen Bruce Large, P.E., BC.GE, has become the first woman to receive the Deep Foundations Institute's (DFI) Distinguished Service Award (DSA), marking a significant milestone in the geotechnical engineering industry. Large will be honored at the DFI 51st Annual Conference from November 2–5, 2026, in Orlando, Florida.
What Happened
Mary Ellen Bruce Large, president of Geotechnica, a woman-owned consultancy, has been awarded the DFI’s Distinguished Service Award, the institute's highest individual accolade. This award recognizes individuals who have made exceptionally valuable and lasting contributions to the advancement of the geotechnical industry. Large's 35-year career has been marked by her technical expertise, leadership, and commitment to mentoring the next generation of geotechnical professionals. Her work includes significant contributions to the Federal Highway Administration's Deep Mixing Manual and oversight of DFI's technical committees.
Large's leadership roles extend beyond the DFI, as she is active in numerous professional organizations such as the International Association of Foundation Drilling (ADSC), the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), and Engineers Without Borders. Her previous accolades include ASCE’s OPAL Award in 2023, DFI’s President’s Award in 2024, and the ADSC Outstanding Women in Construction Award in 2025.
What This Means for Your Business
For AECM professionals, Large’s recognition underscores the importance of leadership and innovation in advancing industry standards and practices. Her work with DFI highlights opportunities for collaboration and development within the geotechnical sector, providing a model for integrating technical expertise with strategic organizational growth. Companies engaged in geotechnical engineering and construction can draw lessons from Large's approach to mentorship and technical committee leadership, which may enhance competitive positioning and foster industry-wide collaboration.
Additionally, Large's involvement in developing key industry manuals and standards, such as the FHWA Deep Mixing Manual, indicates the ongoing demand for comprehensive technical guidance in the field. Firms should consider engaging with professional organizations like DFI to stay informed on emerging standards and practices that can impact project management and compliance.
What US Operators Should Watch
US operators should note the upcoming DFI 51st Annual Conference in November 2026 as a critical networking and learning opportunity. Engaging with DFI’s initiatives and technical committees can provide insights into industry trends and regulatory changes. Additionally, firms should monitor developments in geotechnical standards and practices, especially those related to deep foundation construction, to maintain compliance and competitive advantage.
Source: https://zweiglist.com/mary-ellen-bruce-large-receives-dfis-distinguished-service-award/. Read the original story ->
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