Mary Ellen Bruce Large, P.E., BC.GE, president of Geotechnica, has been named the recipient of DFI’s Distinguished Service Award (DSA), the institute’s highest individual honor. Large is the first woman to receive the award since its establishment in 1981.
The DSA recognizes individuals who have made exceptionally valuable and lasting contributions to the advancement of the geotechnical industry. Large will receive the award at the DFI 51st Annual Conference, November 2–5 in Orlando, Florida.
“Mary Ellen has made an extraordinary and lasting contribution to the industry through her technical expertise, leadership, mentorship and tireless commitment to advancing our profession,” says Theresa Engler, DFI executive director. “Her work has strengthened the industry, fostered collaboration and helped develop the next generation of geotechnical professionals. Her selection as the first woman to receive DFI’s Distinguished Service Award marks another significant milestone in a career dedicated to advancing the industry and the people who make it possible.”
A Driving Force
Large is president of Geotechnica, a woman-owned consultancy providing technical, business development, strategic planning, education and project management services to the geotechnical engineering and construction industries. Her experience spans more than 35 years and includes geotechnical engineering, specialty geotechnical construction, professional society technical direction, team building, mentoring and program management.
“Mary Ellen has been a driving force within DFI and across the industry — from steering DFI’s technical activities to chairing committees and leading conference organization,” says Morgan NeSmith, P.E., BC.GE, Berkel & Company Contractors, and Secretary of the DFI Board of Trustees. “I worked closely with her during my time as chair of DFI’s Augered Cast-in-Place and Drilled Displacement Pile Committee, when she served as DFI director of technical activities. Her leadership has helped shape how our industry finds common ground on some of its toughest challenges.”
“Mary Ellen has demonstrated great leadership as a technical expert leading such developments as the FHWA Deep Mixing Manual, and in overseeing an evolution in the operations of DFI’s technical committees and activities. She is truly deserving of this recognition,” adds Silas Nichols, P.E., Federal Highway Association and DFI trustee.
Large holds a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from the University of Maryland and a master’s degree in geotechnical engineering from Cornell University. She is a licensed professional engineer in Pennsylvania and New York and a Board-Certified Geotechnical Engineer.
Large is active in numerous professional organizations, including DFI, the International Association of Foundation Drilling (ADSC), the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), Engineers Without Borders, the United States Society on Dams and the Association of State Dam Safety Officials. She is also a member of Chi Epsilon.
As an industry leader, Large has authored and co-authored technical papers and manuals on micropiles, deep mixing and ground anchors. She currently serves as executive director of the International Society for Micropiles and co-chair of DFI’s Structural Slurry Wall and Seepage Control Committee.
Her contributions have been recognized by several leading industry organizations. Her honors include ASCE’s Outstanding Projects and Leaders (OPAL) Award in 2023, DFI’s President’s Award in 2024 and the ADSC: International Association of Foundation Drilling Outstanding Women in Construction Award in 2025.
