In the Room Where It Happens: ACEC Kansas Past and Present Presidents Share Their Stories

The QBS Express was joined recently by ACEC KS President Brian Armstrong and Past President Agnes Otto. Take a listen as we look back at 2025 and look ahead to 2026. It’s not only a great review of ACEC Kansas activity, but also a chance to learn much more about our fearless leaders as they share their experiences and some nuggets of wisdom!Episode #35 of the QBS Express is available now!Highlights• 2025 legislative session successfully stopped transportation fund sweeps and advanced water infrastructure priorities• The governor's new water task force mirrors the successful transportation planning model that led to the IKE program• ACEC Kansas maintains formal partnering committees with KDOT, Army Corps of Engineers, State Board of Regents, and others• Qualifications-based selection (QBS) remains the organization's top advocacy priority, protecting the engineering procurement process• The Emerging Leaders Program, now in its 19th year, continues developing future industry leaders• City and County Public Improvement Awards provide unique PR opportunities at statewide conferences• Economic Lifelines partnership strengthens transportation funding advocacy at the state level• Building relationships—with legislators, agency leaders, and fellow engineers—drives the most tangible ROI for board membersChapters0:00 – Welcome and Introductions4:10 – 2025 Legislative Session Wins10:26 – Water Task Force and Infrastructure Priorities13:42 – Formal Partnering Committees Overview29:51 – KSPE Partnership and Collaboration34:06 – City and County Public Improvement Awards38:37 – Economic Lifelines and Transportation Advocacy45:52 – Scholarship Program and National Success51:19 – Fall Membership Lunches Across Kansas56:11 – ACEC-KDOT Partnering Conference Highlights1:02:08 – Water Quality Seminar and Rural Development Events1:04:13 – Qualifications-Based Selection (QBS) Advocacy1:09:47 – Emerging Leaders Program Deep Dive1:17:41 – Personal Board Journeys: Agnes Otto1:20:59 – Personal Board Journeys: Brian Armstrong1:24:04 – Why Serve on the ACEC Kansas Board?1:31:56 – Looking Ahead: Infrastructure Funding and AI Challenges1:37:44 – Past Presidents Dinner and Legacy1:40:01 – Lightning Round Questions1:44:13 – Final Thanks and Wrap-UpResources Mentioned• KDOT (Kansas Department of Transportation) – Multiple partnering committees including leadership liaison, road design, and bridge design• KDHE (Kansas Department of Health and Environment) – Informal quarterly partnering meetings• US Army Corps of Engineers - Kansas City District – Joint partnering committee shared with Missouri ACEC• OFPM (Office of Facilities and Property Management) – State design partnering committee member• League of Kansas Municipalities – Host of annual City Managers Conference where city improvement awards are presented• Kansas Association of Counties – Host of annual conference where county improvement awards are presentedOther Resources:Learn more about ACEC Kansas