The Deep Foundations Institute (DFI) has awarded its Distinguished Service Award (DSA) to Geotechnica president Mary Ellen Bruce Large.
The award – the institute’s highest individual honour – recognises those who have made exceptionally valuable and lasting contributions to the advancement of the geotechnical industry. Large is the first woman to receive the award since it was established in 1981.
The presentation will be made at the DFI 51st Annual Conference, in Orlando, Florida in November.
DFI executive director Theresa Engler said Large had made “an extraordinary and lasting contribution” to the industry through her technical expertise, leadership, mentorship and tireless commitment to advancing the profession.
“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,” she said.
Large is president of Geotechnica, a consultancy providing technical, business development, strategic planning, education and project management services to the geotechnical engineering and construction industries.
DFI secretary Morgan NeSmith said Large had been a driving force in DFI and across the industry – from steering DFI’s technical activities to chairing committees and leading conference organisation.
Large, who is a licensed professional engineer in Pennsylvania and New York and a board-certified geotechnical engineer, is active in several professional organisations, 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 industry honours 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.
