We’re proud to welcome Shahen Akelyan, SE, to the SEAOSC Board of Directors!

With over 25 years of service at the City of Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety (LADBS), Shahen currently oversees Structural Counter operations and has previously led the City’s High-Rise and Seismic Retrofit Programs. A licensed Structural and Civil Engineer, he also holds credentials as a Certified Building Official, Fire Marshal, Access Specialist, and LEED Green Associate.

In addition to his role at LADBS, Shahen has a long record of professional service, including as Past President of the Los Angeles Basin Chapter of International Code Conference and current member of the LA Tall Buildings Seismic Design Council, while also serving in the Code Advisory Committee with the Building Standards Commission for Structural Design/Lateral Forces and as a Commissioner on the City of Glendale’s Building and Fire Board of Appeals.

When asked about his advice for the next generation of engineers, Shahen said, "Cultivate curiosity at work. Actively embrace a mindset of continuous learning and exploration. Seek out new information, challenge assumptions, and engage in open-minded discussions with your colleagues. By embracing curiosity, you can enhance your problem-solving skills, improve communication, and foster a more innovative and engaging workplace environment."

He shared what stands out most about SEAOSC: “The SEAOSC community is valued for its collaborative spirit and sharing of information among members. It fosters a platform for discussion of challenges and collective problem-solving. Additionally, the SEAOSC community enhances the public perception of structural engineering and supports professional development.”

We’re excited to welcome Shahen’s leadership and deep expertise to the SEAOSC Board!