Kevin O’Connell Inducted into SEAOC College of Fellows as SGH Team Presents at Annual Convention

SEAOC Fellow: Kevin O’Connell

Kevin is a leading structural engineer and influential team builder based in SGH’s Southern California office. His experience includes designing new buildings; designing modifications to existing buildings, including seismic retrofits and historic preservation projects; and investigating existing building structures. He is especially passionate about seismic safety and has designed numerous seismic retrofits of non-ductile concrete buildings, brick masonry buildings, and welded steel moment frame buildings in Southern California to help make communities safer.

The honor recognizes SEAOC members who “have provided distinguished service to the association and made outstanding contributions in the field of structural engineering.” Kevin has been actively involved with SEAOC throughout his career and has served on the SEAOC Board of Directors and supported its convention planning. He has also held several leadership roles with the Structural Engineers Association of Southern California (SEAOSC), including President, President-Elect, Treasurer, Board Member, and Immediate Past-President. Kevin currently serves as Chairman of the Board for the SEAOSC Foundation and participates in several other professional organizations and technical committees.

Kevin and James.

SGH Chief Executive Officer James Parker shared introductory remarks as part of the induction, recognizing Kevin’s service, leadership, and lasting contributions to SEAOC and the structural engineering profession. “What stands out most is not simply the depth of technical expertise or the amazing extent of service, but the character he brings to both,” James said. “Kevin is thoughtful, steady, collaborative, and generous. He makes organizations stronger, projects better, and people more capable.”

Kevin joins several SGH professionals who were previously named to the College of Fellows, including Ronald Hamburger, Ronald Mayes, and David McCormick.

2026 SEAOC Convention Participation

SGH was also well represented throughout the 2026 SEAOC Annual Convention, with several team members attending, presenting, and authoring technical papers. SGH presenters and authors included:

Additional SGH attendees included Zachary Bettner, William Bruin, Peter Harijanto, Bryan Perez, Elyse Pollack, and Taylor Walsh.