CHICAGO — William D. Bast, P.E., S.E., SECB, a principal in the Chicago office of Thornton Tomasetti, Inc., the international engineering firm with practices in structural engineering and building performance, has been named president of the National Council of Structural Engineers Associations (NCSEA). The announcement was made at the NCSEA Annual Conference in Scottsdale, Ariz. on October 17th.

NCSEA advances the practice of structural engineering and, as the national voice for practicing structural engineers, protects the public’s right to safe, sustainable and cost effective buildings, bridges and other structures.

Mr. Bast is principal-in-charge of the Chicago office’s Building Performance practice. He has more than 25 years of experience in the structural design of buildings, building façade inspections and repair programs, due diligence and building assessments, failure investigations, litigation support, and peer reviews. His portfolio of work includes the Metropolitan Tower residential conversion project, exterior façade repairs including the Metra Headquarters building and Water Tower Place, the One Indiana Square façade overclad project, Wrigley Building renovations and restorations, and the U-505 submarine relocation for the Museum of Science & Industry in Chicago.

Bast is the recipient of the 2005 Distinguished Service Award from the Structural Engineers Association of Illinois, recently chaired NCSEA’s Code of Ethics and Membership Development Committees, and served as president of the Structural Engineers Foundation.

“I’ve watched and worked with Bill Bast as he led the Structural Engineers Association of Illinois, the Structural Engineers Foundation, and numerous standing and ad hoc committees. I can vouch for the fact that few people are as committed and dedicated as he is, to advancing the practice of structural engineering,” said Jeanne Vogelzang, Executive Director of NCSEA. “There is no question Bill will give NCSEA a very good year.”

For more information on all NCSEA Board members visit www.NCSEA.com.