• DFI Europe
  • DFI India
  • DFI Trust

Distinguished Service Award

The Distinguished Service Award (DSA) was started in 1981 to recognize individuals who have made exceptionally valuable contributions to the advancement of the deep foundations industry.

From L to R: Michael Wysockey, Jerry A. DiMaggio (Award Recipient), and Silas Nichols

Jerry A. DiMaggio, P.E., D.GE, M.ASCE, senior principal engineer − associate at Applied Research Associates (ARA), is the 2022 recipient of DFI’s highest award bestowed to an individual, the Distinguished Service Award (DSA). This award recognizes individuals who have made exceptionally valuable contributions to the advancement of the deep foundations industry. The award is being presented at the Awards Banquet during DFI’s 47th Annual Conference on Deep Foundations, October 4-7 in National Harbor, Maryland.

“Jerry was selected for this honor because of his strong advocacy for the industry,” says Theresa Engler, DFI executive director. “He has had a distinguished career providing leadership in the development and implementation of numerous innovations over several decades; most notable among these has been his lead in the implementation of load and resistance factor design (LRFD) methods for geotechnical applications.”

DiMaggio has more than 45 years of experience in civil engineering and heavy construction. He is internationally recognized for his contributions to design, construction, forensic assessment, and dispute resolution and innovation deployment. At ARA, DiMaggio serves as project manager and technical subject matter expert on a diverse suite of projects. He has provided consulting services on approximately 1,000 civil construction and business-related projects in all 50 states, throughout the Americas, several Middle Eastern countries and Australia. He has presented hundreds of seminars and workshops. DiMaggio’s technical areas of specialty include structural foundations, earth retaining structures, ground improvement techniques, engineered earthworks, risk management, forensic engineering, dispute resolution for transportation, building and energy projects and programs. He has participated in over 25 dispute resolution projects ranging from dispute resolution boards, mediations, arbitrations, and bench and jury trials in federal and state proceedings.

DiMaggio has received numerous recognitions and awards including: the 2016 ASCE OPAL Award, the U.S. DOT Administrator Award, the International Geosynthetics Society Achievement Medal, and the Federal Highway Administration “Engineer for the Year.”  He has also received special recognition for his career contributions from the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), Transportation Research Board (TRB), Pile Driving Contractors Association (PDCA) and the International Association of Foundation Drilling (ADSC). He holds B.S. and M.S. degrees in civil engineering, is a professional engineer in several states and a board-certified geotechnical engineer.

Distinguished Service Award Honorees

2022
Jerry DiMaggioApplied Research Associates
2021
Dale BiggersBoh Bros. Construction
2020
Kalavacharla Sree (K.S.) Rama KrishnaDFI of India
2019
Tom RichardsNicholson Construction
2018
Garland E. Likins, Jr.Pile Dynamics Inc.
2017
George K. BurkeHayward Baker
2016
David (Dave) WeatherbySchnabel Foundation Company
2015
Bernie HertleinGEI Consultants
2014
Scot LitkeADSC
2013
Arturo L. Ressi Di CerviaKiewit Infrastructure Co.
2012
David ColemanUnderpinning & Foundations Skanska Inc.
2011
Dan BrownDan Brown and Associates PC
2010
Richard ShortRichard D. Short, Consulting Geotechnical Engineer
2009
Joel MoskowitzMueser Rutledge Consulting Engineers
2008
M. Byrl WilliamsFoundation Constructors Inc.
2007
Charles J. BerkelBerkel & Company Contractors Inc.
2006
Larry RayburnRichard Goettle Inc.
2005
John E. O’malleyCase Foundation Company
2004
Alexander J. VerstraetenFundex Piling Contractors
2003
Frank RauscheGrl Engineers Inc.
2002
Michael W. O’NeillUniversity of Houston
2001
Stanley MerjanUnderpinning & Foundation Constructors Inc.
2000
William F. LoftusWilliam F. Loftus Associates
1999
George J. TamaroMueser Rutledge Consulting Engineers
1998
Manuel A. FineBermingham Construction Limited & DFI Executive Director
1997
Jack DoughertyPileline Publishing
1996
Ben C. Gerwick, Jr.Ben C. Gerwick, Inc.
1995
George G. GoblePile Dynamics Inc.
1994
G. Robert Compton, Jr.MKT Geotechnical Systems Inc. &
DFI Executive Director
1993
Bengt FelleniusUniversity of Ottawa
1992
C. William BerminghamBermingham Construction Ltd.
1991
Richard J. Goettle IIIRichard Goettle, Inc.
1990
M. Tom DavissonM.T. Davisson Consulting Engineers
1989
Jorj O. OsterbergNorthwestern University
1988
Thomas E. CandlerThe Millgard Corporation
1987
Clyde N. Baker, Jr.STS Consultants, Ltd.
1986
Frank FullerRaymond International
1985
Patrick A. Eric O’NeillNew England Foundation Co.
1984
Ralph PeckUniversity of Illinois
1983
Elio D’AppoloniaD’Appolonia Holding Corp.
1982
Hal W. HuntAssociated Pile & Fitting Corp.
1981
Charles L. GuildGuild Drilling Co.