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

What does it take to attract and inspire the next generation of engineers? Hear directly from two standout scholarship winners, Matthew Young and Isaiah Choma, as they share their journeys, motivations, and what they’re really looking for in an employer. From switching majors and navigating internships to the importance of work-life balance and company culture, this conversation is packed with honest insights and a few laughs along the way.

Highlights

• The winding path from biology to civil engineering
• How scholarship opportunities shape student decisions
• The real value of internships (and the “space to be incompetent”)
• What young engineers want from employers—beyond salary
• The role of company culture and growth opportunities
• Lightning round: favorite bars, movies, and dream travel destinations

Chapters

00:00 – Welcome and introductions at SMH Engineering in Manhattan, KS

01:00 – Meet Matthew Young: background, family, and early interests

03:00 – The journey to engineering: switching majors and finding a fit

08:30 – Why K State? College choices and COVID-era experiences

13:00 – Internships: from city government to Black & Veatch

22:50 – Landing a full-time offer and what matters most in a job

25:15 – Isaiah joins: biomedical engineering, film, and global ambitions

29:00 – What young engineers look for in employers and company culture

33:30 – Questions for employers: best days, worst days, and the future of work

41:00 – Lightning round: favorite bars, movies, and retirement dreams

53:20 – Final thoughts and thanks

Resources Mentioned

• ACEC Kansas Scholarship Program
  ACEC Kansas Scholarships
• Black & Veatch
  Black & Veatch Careers
• Kansas State University (K-State)
  K-State Engineering
• SMH Consultants
  SMH Consultants
• ASCE (American Society of Civil Engineers)
  ASCE
• AISC (American Institute of Steel Construction)
  AISC

Other Resources:
Learn more about ACEC Kansas

The QBS Express podcast welcomes House Minority Leader Brandon Woodard to the show. Join us as we discuss his journey from childhood through the world of volunteering with the campaigns of others, and finally to his election to the Kansas Legislature and quick rise to be House Minority Leader. Along the way we’ll discuss people, hobbies, and experiences which shaped his life and commitment to public service.

Have you ever wondered what drives someone to pursue a career in public service? Raised in Topeka, Kansas, Brandon shares his unique childhood experiences, from turning entrepreneurial at 13 with a lawn-mowing business to his vibrant involvement in theater and music. Learn how his early interest in policy was sparked by debates on same-sex marriage, leading him to active participation in student government at the University of Kansas, and finally, a career in politics. Discover the pivotal moments and key influences, including his mentors and the bipartisan relationships that have shaped his political stance. Plus, get a glimpse into his favorite dining spots, vacation destinations, and musical preferences. This episode is not just about policy but understanding the person behind the leadership role.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:45 Childhood Memories and Early Influences

02:16 Entrepreneurial Spirit and School Activities

03:49 Musical Pursuits and High School Decisions

08:17 Mentors and Inspirational Figures

12:07 Journey into Public Policy

14:27 College Activism and Early Political Involvement

18:40 Forming the Johnson County Young Democrats

21:09 Decision to Run for Office

24:06 The Moment of Decision

25:21 Journey to House Minority Leader

26:57 Navigating the State House

28:22 Leadership Roles and Responsibilities

30:35 Challenges and Triumphs

37:00 Building Bipartisan Relationships

42:47 Engaging with Constituents

46:30 Personal Favorites and Closing Thoughts

Other Resources:
Brandon Woodard

Learn more about ACEC Kansas