Myrissa Welch SSAB

Myrissa Welch Named Chair of the Short Span Steel Bridge Alliance

Topics: News

July 10, 2025

The Short Span Steel Bridge Alliance (SSSBA) is pleased to announce that Myrissa Welch, steel applications engineer at SSAB, has been named chair of the SSSBA. She succeeds David Stoddard, also of SSAB, who has served as Chair since 2016.

Welch brings a strong technical background and industry experience to the role. She earned her BS in Materials Science and Engineering from Virginia Tech and completed her MBA in Organizational Leadership at the University of Iowa.

Her expertise as a metallurgist and her practical experience working with steel applications make her well-suited to lead the SSSBA’s efforts to promote cost-effective, resilient and accelerated solutions for short span bridge projects.

“Myrissa brings valuable insight and energy to the role of chair of the SSSBA,” said Dan Snyder, vice president of construction at the American Iron and Steel Institute. “Her background in steel applications and industry leadership will help the SSSBA to support bridge owners and designers as they work to strengthen our nation’s infrastructure with resilient, modern steel bridge solutions.”

As chair, Welch will help guide the SSSBA’s ongoing work to provide design tools, research, and educational outreach to support local and state transportation agencies, engineers, and industry partners in delivering sustainable and durable steel bridge solutions.

Related Resources: News

press-brake tub girders steel bridge nelson bridge delta steel

Growing Momentum for Press-Brake Tub Girders in Short Span Bridge Construction

Growing fabrication capabilities and successful bridge installations are creating new opportunities for press-brake tub girders in short span bridge construction. Recent developments involving Nelson Bridge Systems and Delta Steel demonstrate how industry collaboration is helping expand the availability and use of this innovative technology.

Steel Bridge Durability: Weathering Steel and Corrosion Protection Resources

The SSSBA, with assistance from the National Steel Bridge Alliance (NSBA), has compiled technical resources on weathering steel performance and corrosion protection systems for steel bridges. These resources provide research findings, design guidance, and best practices to help bridge owners and engineers make informed decisions that support long-term bridge durability.

Thomas P. Murphy, Ph.D., P.E., S.E., senior vice president and chief technical officer of Modjeski and Masters, as the recipient of the 2026 Richard S. Fountain Award.

Steel Bridge Task Force Honors Thomas Murphy with 2026 Richard S. Fountain Award

The Steel Bridge Task Force honored Thomas P. Murphy of Modjeski and Masters with the 2026 Richard S. Fountain Award during its September 28 meeting in Anchorage, Alaska. The award recognizes Murphy’s outstanding leadership and contributions to advancing steel bridge design, research and AASHTO specifications.