Steel Bridge Task Force Announces Frank Russo as Recipient of the 2025 Richard S. Fountain Award
Washington, DC– The Steel Bridge Task Force, comprised of the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI), the National Steel Bridge Alliance (NSBA) and the American Association of State and Highway Transportation Officials (AASHTO) Steel and Metals Technical Committee, has named Frank Russo, Ph.D., P.E. at Russo Structural Services, as the recipient of the 2025 Richard S. Fountain Award.
Named for the founder of the Steel Bridge Task Force, the Richard S. Fountain Award was established in 2001 to recognize leadership in steel bridge research and outstanding efforts to advance AASHTO specifications. Russo received the award at the Steel Bridge Task Force meeting on January 29, in Tampa.
“Frank’s contributions to steel bridge engineering have been nothing short of extraordinary,” said Dan Snyder, vice president of construction for AISI. “His advancements in forensic investigations, design provisions and girder standards have improved the way we approach bridge design and construction. Just as importantly, his dedication to education and mentorship—through the development of curricula and his extensive teaching of NHI courses—has strengthened the knowledge base of the industry and shaped countless engineers. He has provided a lasting legacy that will continue to influence the future of steel bridge design for years to come.”
Since 1995, Dr. Russo has worked as a full-time bridge engineer, with industry experience dating back to 1990. His career includes leadership roles in major consulting firms since 2000, where he has managed projects, led multidisciplinary teams and provided oversight on complex structural designs. His early experience as a design engineer with the Iowa Department of Transportation laid the foundation for his deep understanding of bridge performance, safety, and resilience. He has lectured on bridge design, structural analysis, and engineering principles at leading institutions and has taught over 150 National Highway Institute (NHI) courses, shaping the next generation of bridge engineers.
He received a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science degree from Temple University and a Doctorate from Iowa State University.
AISI serves as the voice of the American steel industry in the public policy arena and advances the case for steel in the marketplace as the preferred material of choice. AISI’s membership is comprised of integrated and electric arc furnace (EAF) steelmakers, steel pipe and tube manufacturers and steel processors and fabricators, reflecting the production and distribution of both carbon and stainless steels. These steels are critical to America’s national and economic security, including roads and bridges, buildings, the electrical grid, cars and trucks and all clean energy technologies. AISI also represents associate members who are suppliers to or customers of the steel industry. For more news about steel and its applications, view AISI’s website at www.steel.org. Follow AISI on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter (@AISISteel) or Instagram.
