DFI President James Johnson presented three President’s Awards during a special luncheon at the DFI 50th Annual Conference on Deep Foundations in Nashville on October 22.
Established in 2016, the President’s Awards are selected at the discretion of the DFI president to honor individuals whose exceptional contributions help advance DFI’s mission. This year’s honorees exemplify dedication, leadership and long-standing service to the deep foundations community.
John Anderson, Specrete-IP, was recognized for his extensive and sustained service to DFI. A current DFI trustee, Anderson serves as liaison to both DFI’s Structural Slurry Wall and Seepage Control and Sustainability committees, as well as the EFFC/DFI Sustainability Guide Task Group. He is a past chair of the DFI Manufacturers, Suppliers and Service Providers (MSSP) Committee; chair of SuperPile ’25; and a longtime sponsor and exhibitor at DFI events. He also contributes actively to the DFI Augered Cast-in-Place and Drilled Displacement Pile Committee and DFI’s Industry Awareness and Advancement Task Force.
Peter Kandaris, P.E., consultant, was honored for his vision and initiative in launching what began as the DFI Electric Power Systems Foundation Design and Construction Working Group — now the thriving Electric Power Systems Foundations Committee. His leadership and involvement, including contributions to DFI’s Industry Awareness and Advancement Task Force, continue to amplify DFI’s impact across the industry. Kandaris is also a frequent speaker, moderator and paper reviewer at DFI events and a contributor to the EFFC/DFI Task Group on the Nondestructive Testing (NDT) Guide.
Lorraine Engelman, Blue Ribbon Travel, received the award in recognition of her decades-long partnership with DFI as Travel Coordinator. Since the 1980s, Engelman has sourced venues for DFI events, negotiating favorable arrangements and ensuring seamless logistics. Her commitment extends well beyond her official role — supporting the DFI team onsite, assisting with registration and helping meet members’ travel needs.