DSA Awarded to George K. Burke, P.E., D.GE George K. Burke, P.E., D.GE, is this year’s recipient of DFI’s highest award bestowed to an individual, the Distinguished Service Award (DSA). The DSA recognizes individuals who have made exceptionally valuable contributions to the advancement of the deep foundations industry. Anyone who has worked or conversed with Burke, or has read the numerous technical publications authored by him would agree that he personifies these criteria and merits distinction. Prior to semi-retiring in 2015, Burke worked for Hayward Baker (HBI) in the corporate office in Odenton/Hanover, Md., for 30 years, where he served HBI in many capacities — project engineer for special projects, manager of the jet grouting division, and V.P. HBI Environmental — and as senior vice president of engineering for 20 of those years. Prior to joining HBI, he worked for a heavy civil A&E/constructor for 9 years as a designer and builder on power projects. During his tenure at HBI, Burke’s dedication, engineering prowess and ingenuity rewarded him with greater executive responsibilities and more challenging endeavors. He began his career at HBI in special projects, where he learned about the many diverse aspects of ground improvement technologies (e.g., vibro techniques, dynamic compaction, compaction grouting, etc.). Burke was then tasked with developing the jet grouting technology for the company with support from its sister Keller companies in Europe. Next, he managed its environmental division, learning aspects of containment and developing soil mixing for solidification and stabilization for use throughout HBI. In 1995, Burke was promoted to senior vice president and was made a member of the executive board, positions he served until his semi-retirement. Since 1995, Burke managed the growth of design-build construction and developed strategies for risk management for HBI. Additionally, he oversaw the development and deployment of training programs for new and seasoned engineers, developed strategies for career development within the organization, and steered research activities within the company. Burke has been a longstanding member of DFI, ASCE and ADSC, and was an active member on DFI’s Soil Mixing Committee. He remains an active participant on the ASCE Grouting Committee, and was a member of the Jet Grouting Subcommittee st that developed the 1 edition of the Jet Grouting Guidelines. Burke received B.S. and M.S. degrees in civil (geotechnical) engineering from Drexel University. In 2009, he was confirmed as a Diplomate of the Academy of Geo-Professionals, and was presented with the 2010 Wallace Hayward Baker Award from the Geo-Institute of ASCE for the development of jet grouting and soil mixing technologies. In 2012, Burke delivered a keynote presentation at the Mixing Conference. He co-authored the jet grouting chapter in the 3 edition of Ground Improvement, which was edited by Kirsch and Bell and published in 2013. During his career, Burke has published over 50 peer reviewed technical papers and magazine and journal articles, and he is often asked to give lectures at technical seminars. DFI-ICOG 2012 International Conference on Grouting and Deep rd Burke has been married 41 years to his high school sweetheart, Jane, and has two daughters and 6 grandchildren. He currently resides on the Carolina coast in Hampstead, N.C. As is written in the rules and guidelines to be eligible for the DSA – “Consideration is given to duration of career in industry, industry leadership, technological leadership, technological innovation, strength of curriculum vitae, character, DFI contributions and accomplishments, and contributions to the advancement of the deep foundations industry.” Undoubtedly, George Burke clearly embodies the essence of the award. Editor’s ruminations: Back when I was younger (and had hair), I first met George in 1997 or 1998 at a soil improvement technical committee meeting at an ASCE conference. From the first introduction, George treated this young kid recently out of college with little experience in the profession as if I had known him for some time. Whoever stopped to greet him, George would introduce me, as if I were running for some elected office. Each time I saw him thereafter, he would always inquire how I was, how work was going, was I having fun, what was I learning, and could he help me in any way. To an unknown kid from the Northeast, George’s welcoming nature and friendliness, in addition to his engineering presence, really stood out to me. Long before it became a business world buzzword, George’s emotional engagement made me want to continue being involved and to give back whenever I could. I really hope that he finally has found some time to enjoy boating and sailing! DEEP FOUNDATIONS • SEPT/OCT 2017 • 27
