Suzanne Townsen: Academy of Distinguished Engineers - 2009

Upon obtaining her bachelor’s degree at OSU in civil engineering, Suzanne Townsen took a Project Engineer/Line Manager position at the Folger Coffee Company. After a year of work, she returned to OSU as a teacher’s assistant and then began work at HGE as a junior engineer. Townsen then spent 10 years with CH2M Hill, Inc. as a civil engineer and project manager, during this time obtained her master’s degree at OSU, also in civil engineering. Following graduation, she spent six years teaching at Mount Hood Community College instructing classes in surveying, soils, concrete mix design, hydraulics, statics, and strength of materials.

While teaching, she started her own consulting and surveying company, Crane and Merseth Engineering. As president, she is responsible for hiring, human resources, employee training, business development, and negotiating contracts with clients and sub-consultants. Townsen is a licensed Professional Engineer, Professional Land Surveyor, and a Certified Water Rights Examiner. She served for many years on the Oregon State Board of Engineering Examiners (OSBEELS) including a term as president.