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 members Chapters 0:00 – Welcome and Introductions 4:10 – 2025 Legislative Session Wins 10:26 – Water Task Force and Infrastructure Priorities 13:42 – Formal Partnering Committees Overview 29:51 – KSPE Partnership and Collaboration 34:06 – City and County Public Improvement Awards 38:37 – Economic Lifelines and Transportation Advocacy 45:52 – Scholarship Program and National Success 51:19 – Fall Membership Lunches Across Kansas 56:11 – ACEC-KDOT Partnering Conference Highlights 1:02:08 – Water Quality Seminar and Rural Development Events 1:04:13 – Qualifications-Based Selection (QBS) Advocacy 1:09:47 – Emerging Leaders Program Deep Dive 1:17:41 – Personal Board Journeys: Agnes Otto 1:20:59 – Personal Board Journeys: Brian Armstrong 1:24:04 – Why Serve on the ACEC Kansas Board? 1:31:56 – Looking Ahead: Infrastructure Funding and AI Challenges 1:37:44 – Past Presidents Dinner and Legacy 1:40:01 – Lightning Round Questions 1:44:13 – Final Thanks and Wrap-Up Resources 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 presented Other Resources: Learn more about ACEC Kansas