Francisco J. Aragon, P.E., F.ASCE, a leader in construction delivery of innovative, technologically advanced projects in the Los Angeles area for over 20 years, has been named a fellow by the ASCE Board of Direction.
His professional experience was formed in the geotechnical engineering field working for Van Beveren & Butelo, where he worked on technically demanding projects throughout L.A. such as the Broad Contemporary Art Museum, where excavations had to work around tar sands and fossil remains of the La Brea Tar Pits.
Aragon transitioned to the field of program/construction management, leading successful teams working in delivery of building projects, heavy civil, rail, and sea ports. As a deputy chief harbor engineer with the Port of Long Beach, he oversaw the construction of Phase 2 of the $1.5 billion Capital Investment Middle Harbor Program, including new buildings, rail and wharf improvements, fill material consolidation, and container yard development. This program was built while maintaining one of the most productive terminal operators fully functional.
Aragon was instrumental in incorporating innovative phasing to stage the construction, incorporating the delivery of new equipment cranes tied to milestones, accelerating consolidating of fill materials, and resolving construction issues with the implementation of new technology never used in other American ports (such as self-driving automatic guided vehicles). He also oversaw the construction delivery of the new Port of Long Beach Headquarters, part of the new Long Beach Civic Center. This project was the first time the Port and City of Long Beach utilized a public-private partnership model. Aragon is currently overseeing the construction phase of the $1.56 million Pier B On-Dock Rail Support Facility Program, which doubles the size of the existing rail yard and triples the volume of on-dock rail cargo the Port can handle annually.
He has been engaged with ASCE, having served as vice president of the Cal State LA Student Chapter, president of ASCE Los Angeles Younger Member Forum, and president of the Metropolitan Los Angeles Branch. He is also an active member of the Construction Management Association.
Aragon understands that civil engineers can contribute greatly to society by developing strong teams, embracing innovative project solutions, and considering alternative delivery methods, all while giving back through professional associations and through volunteering.
