COASTS, OCEANS, PORTS, & RIVERS INSTITUTE
About US
Our HISTORY
Created in 2000, the Coasts, Oceans, Ports, and Rivers Institute (COPRI) is a semi-autonomous institute of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), the country's oldest national engineering society. COPRI's services are designed to complement ASCE's traditional civil engineering base and to attract non-engineering allied professionals who seek to enhance their professional and technical development.
Our Mission
COPRI serves its membership and society by uniting the disciplines working to sustainably develop, protect and restore coasts, oceans, ports, waterways, rivers, and wetlands; integrating the key stakeholders into decision-making processes; advancing technological state of art and practice; and influencing public policy.
Our OBJECTIVES
Advancing the practice of coastal, ocean, port, waterways, riverine and wetlands engineering for the benefit of society.
Our VISION
COPRI serves as a multidisciplinary and international leader in improving knowledge, education, development and the practice of civil engineering and other disciplines in the sustainable management of coastal, ocean, port, waterways, riverine and wetlands resources for the benefit of society.
Meet the Board
EMI Co-Chair
Laura Rubio, AM.ASCE
SEI Co-Chair
Alvaro Martinez, P.E., AM.ASCE
G-I Co-Chair
Roberto Rodriguez, P.E., M.ASCE
EWRI Co-Chair
Ernesto Fernandez, P.E., M.ASCE
EMI Co-Chair
Grecia Rodriguez, AM.ASCE
UESI Chair
Amy Romeo-Garcia, AM.ASCE
T&DI Chair
Jessica Garcia, P.E., M.ASCE
SEI Co-Chair
Alexandra Ocampo, P.E., M.ASCE
G-I Co-Chair
Colin Henderson, P.E., M.ASCE
EWRI Co-Chair
Melanie Dorta, AM.ASCE
COPRI Chair
Vanessa Benzecry, Ph.D., P.E
CI Co-Chair
Ki-Ana Moody, A.M.ASCE
CI Co-Chair
Jose Rafael Castro, P.E., M.ASCE
AEI Chair
Kenneth Waller, AM.ASCE
Kenneth Waller Jr., a native of Hartford, CT, is a skilled civil engineer and construction management professional whose career began in 2014. He is proud to be the first and only STEM degree holder within his immediate and extended family, encompassing Millennials, Generation X, and Generation Alpha. Kenneth's academic journey includes an Associate's Degree in Engineering Science from CT State Community College, followed by a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering with a Minor in Engineering Management from Old Dominion University.
After launching his career in New England, Kenneth relocated to South Florida in 2022, where he now serves as Sr. Project Manager and Construction Manager within the Engineering & Construction Bureau at the South Florida Water Management District. In addition to his role at the district, Kenneth is the 2024 AEI Chair for the Miami-Dade Branch of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), actively contributing to the advancement of industry standards and supporting professional development in his community.
Dedicated to continuous professional growth, Kenneth is preparing to sit for his Professional Engineer (P.E.) license and is on track to earn his Certified Construction Manager (CCM) certification in early 2025, coinciding with his Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.
In addition to his professional endeavors, Kenneth founded KEWCOM & Associates, LLC, an engineering consulting firm focused on delivering premier infrastructure improvement solutions. KEWCOM specializes in Project and Construction Management, Inspection, Constructability Review, Cost Estimating, Scheduling, Document Controls, and Quality Assurance, providing client-centered services for both public and private sector projects.
Guided by the values of Keen Engineering with Construction Operations & Management, KEWCOM emphasizes precision, collaboration, and streamlined project execution. This diverse expertise and adaptability position KEWCOM as a trusted leader in infrastructure projects across multiple regions.
Kenneth’s dedication to his profession, family, and community continues to inspire others to pursue excellence in STEM fields. His achievements, leadership, and commitment to lifelong learning reflect his passion for making a positive impact, both personally and professionally, serving as a powerful example for future generations.
