Chair: Allan Herse, PCA Ground Engineering Australia

Allan Herse is an Australian Chartered and Registered Professional Engineer who graduated from The Queensland University of Technology in the early 1990s. Much of his career has been in the field of reinforced soil structures and deep foundations both within Australia and through extensive overseas engagements. In 2009, Allan and two friends started PCA Ground Engineering to specifically focus on introducing micropiles into the mainstream Australian construction industry. The goal of PCA Ground Engineering was to actively target projects that were suitable for micropiles and provide clients with a value engineered alternative to traditional piling methods. Soon after establishing PCA Ground Engineering, Allan and his partners discovered the International Society for Micropiles and attended its first workshop in Washington, D.C. in 2010. He has since attended and presented at every workshop including a victory in the World Cup of Micropiles competition at the Vancouver workshop in 2017 as well as hosting the 2019 workshop in Australia. Allan is honoured to have become the chair of ISM and to be working with the ISM team to continue the excellent work and vision set by those who have come before him.

Vice Chair: Natalia Maca, MSc. Eng., Titan Polska (Poland)

Today I proudly call myself a geotechnical designer. But when I graduated in civil engineering from the AGH University of Science and Technology in Krakow, I had a different plan. I worked in general contracting, gaining practical experience in field construction work. I also collaborated with my university in mining research programmes, expanding my knowledge of soil mechanics, rock engineering and advanced numerical modelling.

I then joined TITAN POLSKA, became a member of the Ischebeck group, discovered the world of micropiles and fell in love with geotechnics. I learned about different applications of micropiles, soil nails and anchors and became a certified designer. I was extremely fortunate to grow as a designer by participating in various geotechnical projects worldwide. In the meantime, I completed postgraduate studies in, among others, project management and BIM.

Currently, as a design office head and project manager, I focus on efficient planning and effective delivery of projects of varying scales. My main areas of interest include landslide stabilisation, excavation protection, special foundations and the use of numerical analyses to optimise solutions.

As an expert of PKN and CEN technical committees, I actively work on geotechnical standards (including Eurocode 7 and execution standards) and the development of industry guidelines. I am always happy to transfer my knowledge through technical papers, training courses and lectures. Recently, I have also been sharing my experience and expertise as a mentor for young professionals.

I was fortunate to host the 12th International Workshop in Krakow in 2014. I was surprised by its remarkable atmosphere. ISM has created a unique platform to exchange experiences and ideas, learn and collaborate, all in a supportive and friendly setting.

Thus, when I was offered the position of ISM vice chair, I did not hesitate. It is an honour and a great pleasure to join such a fantastic team. I believe we can extend the values of ISM to a larger group, promote good practice and contribute to the development of micropile technology. I will do my best to support my colleagues and make this happen.

Immediate Past Chair: Dan MacLean, P.Eng.
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Honorary Chair: Donald A. Bruce, Ph.D., D.GE, C.Eng., P.G. L.G., L.E.G.
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