The Thornton Tomasetti Foundation (TTF) Board of Governors announces that Raymond Daddazio, Eng.Sc.D., P.E., F.EMI, a senior consultant and former president at Thornton Tomasetti, has been named chairman of the nonprofit.
He succeeds Thornton Tomasetti Founding Principal Richard Tomasetti, P.E., NAE, Hon. AIA, who will assume the role of chairman emeritus.
Daddazio has been a member of the foundation’s board since 2015 and previously served as vice chairman. He played an integral role in the development of its fellowship program, which funds student research in building engineering, design or technology.
“New innovations and global challenges are bringing significant changes to the built environment,” Richard Tomasetti said. “With his extensive engineering background, and commitment to promoting and supporting the advancement of building design and technology fields, Ray is the ideal person to be leading TTF at this point in its history.”
TTF was established in 2008 by professional services firm Thornton Tomasetti Inc., and provides financial support to university students pursuing degrees in building engineering, design or technology and individuals and organizations involved in philanthropic activities in those sectors around the world.
Over its 14-year history, the Foundation has distributed nearly $1.5 million in grants and scholarships to approximately 40 students at more than 70 universities through such programs as the Thornton Tomasetti Foundation National Scholarship, Student Innovation and Technical Literary Fellowships. Past recipients have gone on to successful careers in academia, research, building design and related fields.
“TTF’s leadership is constantly looking for new opportunities to help deserving students and organizations while making a positive impact on the profession and our communities,” Daddazio said. “One of the ideas we are currently exploring, for example, is the creation of a research fellowship for innovation in climate adaptation and resilience in engineering.”
Tomasetti, one of the founders of TTF, has served as chairman since its inception. During his tenure, he has overseen the development of several initiatives, including the annual National Scholarship program for graduate students with a demonstrated interest in the integration of engineering and architecture.
In addition to supporting students, TTF has provided funds to more than 40 organizations for specific projects aimed at helping underserved communities. These include Bridges to Prosperity, Engineers in Action, the Marconi Society, Urban Assembly, GeoHazards International and Archive Global. It also funded the creation of a website and distribution of Those Amazing Professions book series, which seeks to introduce architecture, engineering and construction careers to upper elementary and middle school students.
About The Thornton Tomasetti Foundation
The Thornton Tomasetti Foundation, a tax-exempt, nonprofit organization established in February 2008, is focused on funding fellowships, scholarships and internships for undergraduate students and those planning to pursue graduate studies in building engineering, design or technology. It also provides financial support for individuals and organizations pursuing philanthropic activities related to building engineering, design or technology. Key elements of the program are college scholarships, traveling internships and grants to and partnerships with nonprofit organizations.
Contact
Great Ink Communications – 212-741-2977
Eric Gerard, egerard@greatink.com
Lindsay Church, lindsay@greatink.com
Francisco Miranda, francisco@greatink.com
Thornton Tomasetti – 917-661-7800
James M. Kent, JKent@ThorntonTomasetti.com