Page 8 - CEGE Spring 2023

accomplished, engaged, team-aware leader shaping the future of transportation
NANCY DAUBENBERGER
(MSCE 1997)
Commissioner of Transportation, State of Minnesota
(about 5,100 MnDOT employees)
On a guiding philosophy...
I was an Assistant State Bridge Engineer when the I-35W bridge collapsed.
One thing that has come from that experience is that it puts the day-to-day challenges that we face in perspective. Oftentimes I will think to myself, well, this isn’t a bridge collapse, this isn’t figuring out how to have almost half your staff suddenly working from home due to
a pandemic. This is just a day-to-day challenge.”
On leading Minnesota...
It is very much a privilege and an honor to lead MnDOT and serve in this role, especially seeing how in this role I can affect policy and shape the future of transportation and the Department of Transportation in the state of Minnesota.
smart, energetic leader who is passionate about clean water
KATRINA KESSLER
(MSEnvE 2001)
Commissioner of the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (about 900 employees)
I will be in this role for four years. After that, I don’t know. My team is really focused on what we can do in four years that gets us further along on the journey. We need to be strategic about the time and energy we have, and we also want to set everyone up to do better so the work can continue when we are gone.
As an undergraduate, I went on a Semester at Sea and traveled to
13 countries. I was able to see the difference that wastewater and water treatment make in quality of life, opportunities, life expectancy, and
creative, strategic risk taker, and strong advocate for Minnesota businesses and emerging leaders
BRET WEISS, P.E.
(BCE 1987)
President and CEO of WSB, and Past-Chair of the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce
(about 700 employees)
I’ve always tried to stay true to myself, remain authentic and take a bold approach to my work. Some people look for an immediate return on time
or an investment. I’ve tried to put my energy into what I believe in and let
the rest take care of itself. I say yes to almost everything because it opens up my world. I have grown so much just by being willing to be vulnerable and willing to show up.
I have always been a “homer.” I believe strongly in the state of Minnesota. The combination of our Minnesotan work- ethic, smarts, and dedication positions our companies and our people for success. My philosophy has been to
8 CEGE | CSE.UMN.EDU/CEGE
ALUMNIPROFILE
The Lead[ing] Engineer: Three on Top
Three alumni who have risen to statewide leadership roles share their thoughts on leadership, engineers, and students.