The Structural Engineers Association of California has selected Jeff Ellis, S.E., director of strengthening at Simpson Strong-Tie, to join its prestigious College of Fellows. Ellis, the nominee this year from the Structural Engineers Association of Southern California, was inducted on Sept. 5 during the annual SEAOC Convention in Portland, Oregon.

The SEAOC College of Fellows represents the organization’s highest honor, recognizing members for their distinguished service and outstanding contributions to structural engineering. Nominees are evaluated based on their professional achievements, contributions to the industry through publications and presentations, and active involvement in SEAOC and other professional engineering organizations.

Ellis began his career in the 1990s as a design engineer, working on a variety of commercial, institutional, residential and forensic projects. He joined Simpson Strong-Tie at the end of 2000 as a southwest regional office branch engineer, later becoming the branch engineering director. Ellis led the company’s codes and compliance efforts and currently serves as the director of strengthening. Over his two decades with the company, he has made significant contributions to product development, research, compliance and educational efforts.

Throughout his career, Ellis has been actively involved in industry associations, including serving as president of the Cold-Formed Steel Engineers Institute, chair of the American Iron and Steel Institute’s Lateral Design Subcommittee, chair of the SEAOSC Strengthening Our Cities Summit, and as a board member and president of SEAOSC. He has authored or contributed to several important industry publications, including a CFSEI design guide and examples for the SEAOC Structural Seismic Design Manual, and has delivered numerous presentations. His dedication to the profession has been recognized with several awards, including the CFSEI Distinguished Service Award in 2008, SEAOSC Engineer of the Year in 2014 and SEAOSC SB Barnes Research Award in 2017.

“Jeff is a talented engineer and leader who has made significant contributions to both Simpson Strong-Tie and the broader structural engineering community,” said Guy Anderson, vice president of engineering at Simpson Strong-Tie. “His dedication to organizations like SEAOC, SEAOSC and others has helped advance efforts to improve understanding and enhance the safety and performance of buildings in California and beyond. He is well-deserving of this recognition.”

“I’ve always held SEAOC in high regard for its commitment to advancing the built environment and the engineering profession,” Ellis said. “It’s an honor to be chosen for the College of Fellows. I’m fortunate to work with such a talented and passionate team at Simpson Strong-Tie, a company that values industry engagement and giving back to the community. It’s humbling to join the College of Fellows and to know I’ve been able to contribute to an organization that has such a positive impact.”

Simpson Strong-Tie remains committed to supporting industry organizations, like SEAOC, that strive to improve building practices and contribute to safer, more resilient communities.