Schnabel in the Industry: Schnabel & ASDSO

Building the Future of Dam Safety

Schnabel Engineering’s Commitment through ASDSO Involvement

The future of dam safety depends on the development of the next generation of professionals who will lead, innovate, and sustain the industry. At Schnabel Engineering, we believe in supporting the next generation through mentorship, outreach, and professional development—which is why we encourage active participation in organizations like the Association of State Dam Safety Officials (ASDSO).

ASDSO’s Role in Shaping the Industry

ASDSO’s mission to improve dam safety through education, communication, and collaboration closely aligns with Schnabel’s commitment to stewardship—both in advancing the profession and in giving back to the industry. With a vision of “a future where all dams are safe,” ASDSO focuses on strengthening state dam safety programs, expanding the technical expertise of dam owners and safety practitioners, and fostering a cohesive, collaborative community dedicated to dam and levee safety. The organization also works to raise public awareness about the role and risks of dams, while actively engaging lawmakers to support the policies, funding, and programs needed to protect public safety and improve dam infrastructure across the country.

A Brief History of ASDSO

The Association was officially formed in 1983, but its origins go back to the tragic Kelly Barnes Dam failure in Toccoa Falls, Georgia, in 1977, which killed 39 people. The disaster prompted President Jimmy Carter to launch a nationwide inspection program of non-federal dams, revealing widespread deficiencies and underscoring the urgent need for action.

In the early 1980s, federal studies by FEMA and the National Academy of Engineering concluded that state dam safety laws and programs were inadequate and recommended the creation of an interstate forum. Organizational meetings in 1983, supported by the Council of State Governments, led to the formation of ASDSO. The first national conference in 1984 attracted nearly 300 participants and saw 34 states adopt the organization’s constitution and by-laws.

Since then, ASDSO has grown into a vital resource for more than 3,500 members, including state, federal, and local officials, consultants, dam owners, academics, and others committed to dam safety.

Schnabel’s Involvement Through the CCDSO

The Committee on Career Development and Student Outreach (CCDSO) plays a key role in ASDSO’s mission by inspiring and equipping students and early-career engineers with the knowledge, support, and opportunities they need to succeed and play a role in advancing dam safety.

We’re proud to highlight several Schnabel employee-owners who are all actively involved in ASDSO’s CCDSO, contributing their time and expertise to help shape the future of dam safety through mentorship, outreach, and industry engagement.

Ben Webster: Leading with Passion and Purpose

Ben Webster, Senior Associate at Schnabel, has been involved with ASDSO for many years and has served as Chair of the CCDSO from 2019 to present. His leadership helped shape and expand the committee’s scope to better support both students and early-career professionals.

“I remember being a graduating student and wondering what to specialize in,” he said. “Had it not been for my post-graduate research and a few mentors early in my career, I may never have considered dam safety. I want to give others the same chance I had.”

Under Ben’s leadership, the committee evolved from its original focus on student outreach to include professional development initiatives for early-career engineers. The name was updated from the Committee on Education Outreach to the Committee on Career Development and Student Outreach, reflecting this broader mission. Ben also helped oversee the creation and management of subcommittees dedicated to:

• Student dam model competitions
• Student paper and scholarship programs
• Lesson plan development for K-12 outreach
• The podcast A Dam Conversation With…
• Mentorship initiatives and professional development resources

“There’s no better way to give back than to help grow awareness and enthusiasm for careers in dam safety,” Ben adds.

Brianna Crotty: Amplifying Voices Through Podcasting and Outreach

Brianna Crotty, Project Engineer at Schnabel, contributes to the CCDSO through both strategic planning and creative communication. She co-hosts the committee’s podcast, A Dam Conversation With…, which releases new episodes monthly, where she interviews industry leaders about topics like career growth, networking, and mentorship.

“I joined the committee because I’ve seen firsthand how important mentorship and support are in shaping confident, capable professionals,” Brianna said. “I wanted to give back by highlighting the many ways students and young engineers can find fulfilling careers in this field.”

Brianna also helps design and promote student programs, free ASDSO memberships for students, and campus outreach efforts. She’s passionate about creating access to resources that might otherwise go unnoticed.

“This work is about more than just outreach,” she said. “We’re creating real connections that build stronger, more resilient teams for the future.”

Her involvement supports Schnabel’s culture of mentorship and continuous learning by keeping the firm engaged in national conversations and connected to up-and-coming talent.

Check out recent episodes of A Dam Conversation With… here.

Travis Shoemaker: From Scholarship Recipient to Committee Chair

Travis Shoemaker, Project Engineer at Schnabel, has a personal connection to ASDSO that spans his entire professional journey. As an undergraduate student, he applied for and received an ASDSO scholarship—an opportunity that changed the course of his career.

“As part of the scholarship, I was invited to attend the national Dam Safety conference,” Travis explained. “While attending the conference, I met several engineers from Schnabel, including Nate Young, who encouraged me to apply for a position with Schnabel’s Dam and Levee group.”

That connection eventually led Travis to join Schnabel’s dam engineering team. Years later, Travis was invited by former Scholarship Subcommittee Chair John Moyle to join the committee that had once supported him. Today, he serves as its Chair.

Travis now helps manage the entire scholarship application process—from developing the program structure to soliciting and reviewing applications.

“My advice to students is simple: apply for the scholarship!” he said. “And more broadly, get involved with professional organizations. The things you’ll learn from conversations with practitioners—things not found in textbooks—are invaluable.”

ASDSO Membership and conference registration are free for students!

Become a member of ASDSO

Register for the Dam Safety 2025 conference | September 21 -25 | Cleveland, Ohio.

Shaping the Next Generation of Dam Safety Leaders

Together, Ben, Brianna, and Travis exemplify Schnabel’s ongoing commitment to professional development, industry service, and meaningful mentorship. Their work with ASDSO helps raise awareness of career opportunities in dam safety and provides tangible pathways for students and early-career professionals to succeed.

“Stay curious,” Ben advises students. “Don’t be afraid to raise your hand for committees and presentations. That’s where growth happens.”

“Don’t wait to get involved,” adds Brianna. “The dam safety community is full of people eager to help you find your path.”

“Students belong in organizations like ASDSO,” Travis emphasizes. “The next generation of dam safety professionals brings new ideas and perspectives essential to solving the dam safety challenges of today and tomorrow.”

By contributing time, knowledge, and mentorship, Schnabel’s employee-owners are helping ASDSO build a stronger, more connected future for dam safety—one student, one conversation, and one opportunity at a time.

Learn more about ASDSO’s mission and student outreach at www.damsafety.org.