Frank Russo Named Recipient of 2025 Fountain Award

Frank Russo with previous Richard S. Fountain Award winners from the Steel Bridge Task Force members (L-R): Ed Wasserman, Modjeski and Masters; Heather Gilmer, Pennoni; Donald White, Georgia Institute of Technology; Mike Grubb, M A Grubb & Associates; Frank Russo, Russo Structural Services; Todd Helwig, University of Texas at Austin; Ronald Medlock, High Steel Structures, Inc; and Rob Connor, Purdue University.

The Steel Bridge Task Force, comprised of the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI), the National Steel Bridge Alliance (NSBA) and the American Association of State and Highway Transportation Officials (AASHTO) Steel and Metals Technical Committee, has named Frank Russo, Ph.D., P.E. at Russo Structural Services, as the recipient of the 2025 Richard S. Fountain Award.

Named for the founder of the Steel Bridge Task Force, the Richard S. Fountain Award was established in 2001 to recognize leadership in steel bridge research and outstanding efforts to advance AASHTO specifications.

Dr. Russo received the award at the Steel Bridge Task Force meeting on January 29, 2025 in Tampa, Florida.

Frank Russo received the Richard S. Fountain Award at the Steel Bridge Task Force meeting on January 29, 2025 in Tampa, Florida.

“Frank’s contributions to steel bridge engineering have been nothing short of extraordinary,” said Dan Snyder, vice president of construction for AISI. “His advancements in forensic investigations, design provisions and girder standards have improved the way we approach bridge design and construction. Just as importantly, his dedication to education and mentorship—through the development of curricula and his extensive teaching of NHI courses—has strengthened the knowledge base of the industry and shaped countless engineers. He has provided a lasting legacy that will continue to influence the future of steel bridge design for years to come.”

On January 29, 2025, Mike Grubb, M A Grubb & Associates, presented the Richard S. Fountain Award to Frank Russo, Russo Structural Services, at the Steel Bridge Task Force meeting in Tampa, FL.

Career Accomplishments

Since 1995, Dr. Russo has worked as a full-time bridge engineer, with industry experience dating back to 1990. His career includes leadership roles in major consulting firms since 2000, where he has managed projects, led multidisciplinary teams, and provided oversight on complex structural designs. His early experience as a design engineer with the Iowa Department of Transportation laid the foundation for his deep understanding of bridge performance, safety, and resilience.

A passionate educator, Dr. Russo has an extensive teaching background in both academia and professional development. He has lectured on bridge design, structural analysis, and engineering principles at leading institutions and has taught over 150 National Highway Institute (NHI) courses, shaping the next generation of bridge engineers. His ability to translate complex engineering concepts into practical applications has made him a sought-after instructor and mentor in the industry.

Dr. Russo holds a Ph.D. in Civil Engineering from Iowa State University, where he conducted research on bridge column performance and retrofitting for seismic loading, as well as the impact resistance of beam bridges. He earned his B.S. and M.S. in Civil Engineering from Temple University, further refining his expertise in structural mechanics and bridge design.

Previous Award Recipients

• Justin Ocel, FHWA (2024)
• Heather Gilmer, Pennoni (2023)
• Todd Helwig, University of Texas at Austin (2022)
• Robert Connor, Purdue University (2020)
• Ed Wasserman, Modjeski and Masters (2019)
• Alexander Wilson, ArcelorMittal (2014)
• Ronald Medlock, High Steel Structures, Inc. (2013)
• Yoni Adonyi, LeTourneau University (2012)
• Ahmad Itani, University of Nevada, Reno (2011)
• John Kulicki, Modjeski and Masters, Inc. (2009)
• William Wright, Federal Highway Administration (2008)
• Donald White, Georgia Institute of Technology (2007)
• Dean Krouse, Independent Consultant (2006)
• Dennis Mertz, University of Delaware (2005)
• Camille Rubeiz, American Iron and Steel Institute (2003)
• Karl Frank, University of Texas at Austin (2002)
• Mike Grubb, BSDI Ltd. (2001)