Breck R. Washam Takes the Lead as NSPE President

The National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE) officially welcomed Breck R. Washam, P.E., F.NSPE, as its 2026-2027 president on July 1, 2026. A formal installation ceremony was held during the Society's annual Professional Engineers Conference in New York City on August 6, 2026. He will lead NSPE in advancing its mission to support licensed professional engineers in service to society.

With more than 35 years of engineering and corporate leadership experience, Washam brings valuable strategic vision and insight to the role. He is a senior vice president at Burns & McDonnell, an employee-owned engineering, construction and consulting firm. He began his career with the firm in 1990 as a mechanical engineer and has held positions of increasing responsibility, grounding his executive leadership in direct project and team experience.

As NSPE president, Washam will work with leaders and members across the country to advance the Society's strategic priorities. His leadership will focus on elevating recognition of the impact of licensed professional engineers on public safety, guiding the profession on the ethical implications of emerging technologies, and mentoring the next generation of licensed professional engineers.

"It is an immense honor and privilege to lead an organization dedicated to the ethical practice of engineering and the protection of public health, safety and welfare," Washam said. "We are at a critical crossroads where emerging technologies and artificial intelligence are directly intersecting with our ethical obligations. It is vital to raise public awareness of the role licensed professional engineers play overall and in navigating this landscape. A key priority will be to inform and equip our members to lead the conversation on the ethical use of these new tools, so innovation serves society responsibly."

A Collaborative Leader
Throughout his career, Washam has been recognized for his collaborative leadership and commitment to advancing the engineering profession. His service to professional societies, educational institutions and community organizations reflects his dedication to developing engineers, strengthening the profession, and supporting the communities in which he lives and works.

A longtime member of NSPE and the Missouri Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE-MO), Washam began his volunteer service at the chapter level before holding numerous leadership positions at the state and national levels. He served as president of MSPE, where he worked alongside fellow leaders to promote the value of licensure. His national service includes roles on the NSPE Board of Directors, including the North Central Region director, and as chair of the Society's Membership Committee. He was named an NSPE Fellow in recognition of his significant contributions to the profession.

Washam is also deeply committed to engineering education and community service. He earned a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from Missouri University of Science and Technology (Missouri S&T) in 1990. He currently serves on the Missouri S&T Board of Trustees and is chair of Missouri S&T's Order of the Golden Shillelagh. A dedicated community leader in St. Louis, he also serves on the boards of several civic, educational, STEM-focused, and youth-focused organizations.