Degenkolb Engineers is proud to congratulate Robert (Bob) Pekelnicky, Senior Principal and Director of Technical Advancement, on receiving two prestigious industry honors: the James M. Delahay Memorial Award from the National Council of Structural Engineers Associations (NCSEA) and the Fellow designation from the Structural Engineers Association of Northern California (SEAONC).
Both recognitions celebrate Bob’s longstanding commitment to advancing structural engineering through technical excellence, leadership, mentorship, and service to the profession.
NCSEA James M. Delahay Memorial Award
The James M. Delahay Memorial Award recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the development of building codes and standards.
Throughout his 24-year career at Degenkolb, Bob has become a leading voice in seismic evaluation, retrofit, and performance-based design. His technical leadership has helped shape numerous codes, standards, and guidelines, including ASCE/SEI 41, ASCE 7, the NEHRP Provisions, AISC standards, and the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s (NIST) Community Resilience Planning Guide.
Degenkolb Senior Principal and past Delahay Award recipient Jim Malley shared:
“It was such a pleasure to learn that Bob Pekelnicky was awarded the NCSEA Delahay award for all his contributions to the development of structural standards. Bob’s commitment to the advancement of ASCE 7 and 41, AISC 342, and the NEHRP Provisions is truly remarkable. And, I have no doubt that this will continue for years to come. Congrats Bob, on this well-deserved recognition!”
SEAONC Fellow Designation
Bob was also named a SEAONC Fellow, a distinguished honor recognizing outstanding service and lasting contributions to the structural engineering profession. With fewer than 50 individuals having received this designation, the recognition reflects Bob’s dedication to advancing the industry and supporting the next generation of structural engineers.
Bob joins Loring Wyllie and Jim Malley as Degenkolb’s current SEAONC Fellows, continuing a legacy of technical leadership and service within the firm and the broader profession.
Making the occasion especially meaningful, Bob was introduced by retired Degenkolb engineer David Bonneville, himself a Fellow of both SEAONC and the Structural Engineers Association of California (SEAOC).
These two honors recognize the impact of Bob’s technical contributions and his ongoing dedication to improving building safety, advancing industry standards, and strengthening the structural engineering profession.
These honors reflect Bob’s lasting impact on structural engineering and his continued commitment to advancing the profession through technical leadership, innovation, and service.
