Member News 2.4.20

Strand Associates announces the retirement of Mike Felker, PE. Read the full press release below:

'It is with the warmest appreciation and best wishes for the future that we announce the retirement of COO Michael C. Felker, P.E., effective February 3, 2020. It is difficult to summarize the many achievements Mike has had and the contributions he has made since joining the firm in 1978 as a structural engineer. For the past 40 years, Mike has served in many leadership roles that have been instrumental in carrying out the firm’s mission and values and contributing to the firm’s stability and growth from one office in 1980 to 11 offices now. As the lead structural engineer based in the Madison, Wisconsin, office, Mike led the design for more than 30 water and wastewater treatment plants throughout the Midwest. Mike also led the structural design for Sub-Zero and Wolf’s Westye F. Bakke Training Center, Capitol Bank in Madison, and the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Porter Boathouse and Goodman Softball Complex.

Mike also led the development of Strand’s portfolio of 11 offices. He worked on all four expansions of the corporate office in Madison and most recently led the design and construction for Strand’s newest office in Brenham, Texas.

Mike was a member of the Wingra B.U.I.L.D. committee that helped shape the development of the Park Street, Fish Hatchery Road, and Wingra Drive triangle, and has been serving on the SSM Health Steering Committee for SSMH’s new Fish Hatchery Road clinic.

Mike led the structural discipline starting in 1986. From 2001 to 2008, he served as the leader of both the structural discipline and construction group. Promoted to Vice President in 2004, he took on the role of Director of Operations for the 190-person corporate Madison office. In 2008, his responsibilities expanded further, as he also assisted in various operational aspects for all offices across the firm. In 2017, Mike was promoted to Senior Vice President, and in 2019, he was promoted to Chief Operating Officer. Mike’s warmth, integrity, and evenhandedness made him a mentor and resource for many developing leaders in the firm over the years.

“I am very fortunate and thankful to have worked my entire career at a top tier engineering firm,” said Mike. “My coworkers are an amazing group of people and I am confident they will continue Strand’s tradition of providing quality engineering services while maintaining a wonderful family culture.”

“We thank Mike for his dedicated service over the past 40 years. We will sorely miss him, but he leaves an everlasting impact on our firm. Please join me in wishing the best for Mike, as he goes on to enjoy this well-deserved next chapter with his wife, children, and grandchildren,” said Matthew S. Richards, P.E., President and CEO of Strand.

A La Crosse, Wisconsin, native, Mike graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville with a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering. He went on to earn his Master of Science degree in Civil Engineering at the University of Illinois-Champaign. He is a licensed professional engineer in Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and South Carolina.'