Mary Ellen Bruce Large, P.E., BC.GE, president of Geotechnica SA, Inc., and executive director and treasurer of the International Society for Micropiles (ISM), has been named the recipient of the Deep Foundations Institute (DFI) Distinguished Service Award (DSA), the institute’s highest individual honor. She is the first woman to receive the award since it was established in 1981.
The DSA recognizes individuals who have made exceptionally valuable and lasting contributions to the advancement of the geotechnical industry. Large will receive the award at the DFI 51st Annual Conference November 2–5 in Orlando, Florida.
“Mary Ellen has made an extraordinary and lasting contribution to the industry through her technical expertise, leadership, mentorship and tireless commitment to advancing our profession,” says Theresa Engler, DFI executive director. “Her work has strengthened the industry, fostered collaboration and helped develop the next generation of geotechnical professionals. Her selection as the first woman to receive DFI’s Distinguished Service Award is a significant milestone in a career dedicated to advancing both the industry and the people who make it possible.”
A Leader in Micropiles and Geotechnical Practice
For more than 25 years, Large has led ISM as a volunteer, connecting micropile professionals worldwide and promoting the efficient use of micropile technologies. Working with Dr. Donald Bruce, she helped evolve the organization from a series of international workshops into a global nonprofit professional society dedicated to technical exchange, collaboration and advancement in micropile practice.
Large is also president of Geotechnica, a woman-owned consultancy providing technical, business development, strategic planning, education and project management services to the geotechnical engineering and construction industries. Her more than 35 years of experience encompasses geotechnical engineering, specialty geotechnical construction, professional society leadership, team building, mentoring and program management.
She holds a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from the University of Maryland and a master’s degree in geotechnical engineering from Cornell University. She is a licensed professional engineer in Pennsylvania and New York and a Board-Certified Geotechnical Engineer.
Large has authored and co-authored technical papers and manuals on micropiles, deep mixing and ground anchors. She is active in several professional organizations, including DFI, the International Association of Foundation Drilling (ADSC), the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), Engineers Without Borders, the United States Society on Dams and the Association of State Dam Safety Officials. She is also a member of Chi Epsilon and currently serves as co-chair of DFI’s Structural Slurry Wall and Seepage Control Committee.
Her contributions have earned numerous industry honors, including ASCE’s Outstanding Projects and Leaders (OPAL) Award in 2023, DFI’s President’s Award in 2024 and the ADSC Outstanding Women in Construction Award in 2025.
About ISM
The International Society for Micropiles (ISM) is a consortium of international representatives involved in the design, construction, research/development and instruction/promotion of micropile technology. ISM provides an international forum for debate, advice, problem-solving and support to micropile specialists and nonspecialists throughout the world. Members of the Society can actively seek advice and experience from other members within this international group. ISM aims to be respected internationally as the preeminent center of knowledge for the development, advancement and promotion of micropile technology.
