The chief executive of a Rochester charity has been recognised with the highest grade of membership offered by the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE).
Sue Threader, who is Bridge Clerk for the Rochester Bridge Trust, has been named a fellow of the ICE, a recognition reserved for civil engineers who have made a big contribution to the profession.
Respected internationally, fellowship is the highest grade of ICE membership and a benchmark for those practising at the top level within the profession. Only those with a position of responsibility in the planning, design, construction, maintenance or management of important engineering work can be awarded this level of membership and add the letters “FICE” to their name.
Mrs Threader said: “It is an honour to become a fellow of the Institution of Civil Engineers, one of the highest accolades someone in my field of work can achieve.
“The ICE is a flagship organisation, ensuring civil engineers operate to the highest professional standards, which is something that is reflected in the Trust’s work to maintain the bridges over the Medway at Rochester.”
An international organisation, the ICE has around 86,000 members – 11 per cent of which are women. Of those holding a fellowship just two per cent are female.
As well as heading up the Rochester Bridge Trust, Mrs Threader runs the Kent and East Sussex Heritage Engineering Group and is responsible for implementing a range of educational initiatives for primary school children.
Mrs Threader added: “From a very young age I was fascinated by machines and structures – particularly bridges, what made them work and how they were constructed. Maths and physics were two of my favourite subjects at school and I was very lucky to have excellent A-level lecturers who encouraged me to apply for a civil engineering course at university.”
Suzanne Moroney, ICE South East England regional director, commented: “Gaining ICE fellowship is an exceptional achievement and I warmly congratulate Sue Threader on reaching the higher echelons of civil engineering. This highly-respected accolade recognises a significant contribution to the civil engineering profession and seniority in the industry.”
Mrs Threader was officially presented with her fellowship certificate by ICE Vice President, Professor Tim Broyd at a ceremony at the ICE’s headquarters in London on 11th February, 2016.