Marsha Anderson Bomar is not new to ASCE.
She’s been involved with the Society for nearly 40 years – at the local level in Georgia, leading the Transportation and Development Institute in many different roles, including as president in 2010, and on the ASCE Board of Direction as a technical region director.
So, if you’re reading this, odds are you have met her at an ASCE event in recent years.
But you probably never asked her what her favorite song was or turned the conversation in a way that would let you know her favorite pizza topping.
Marsha Anderson Bomar So, as Anderson Bomar begins her year as ASCE’s new president-elect, Civil Engineering Source asked the tough questions – like favorite song or preferred pizza topping – so you won’t have to.
Get to know your ASCE 2025 president-elect Marsha Anderson Bomar, Ph.D., AICP, ENV SP, F.ITE, F.ASCE:
Civil Engineering Source: What are you most proud of in your career?
Anderson Bomar: Starting and growing a company in an environment that was not friendly to women in leadership – and setting the rules to be family and life-friendly. A close second place is being elected president of ITE (Institute of Transportation Engineers) – the first woman!
Source: Favorite book?
Anderson Bomar: Biography of Eleanor Roosevelt.
Source: Are you a cat person or a dog person?
Anderson Bomar: Mostly a small, cuddly, not-too-barky dog person!
Source: Favorite food?
Anderson Bomar:#ASCEeats. As a foodie and world traveler, that is really hard to answer. If I had to pick a cuisine, I’d say Japanese, French, and Mediterranean food rank high.
Source: Favorite sports team?
Anderson Bomar: I grew up in Brooklyn. The New York Mets became a team when I was a child and won their first World Series when I was a college freshman, so they will always hold a special place in my heart. I was secretly in love with Eddie Kranepool.
Source: What was your hometown like?
Anderson Bomar: I grew up in Bensonhurst (Brooklyn, New York), where great movies like The French Connection and Saturday Night Fever were filmed. I lived in a fourth-floor walk-up apartment with my mom, dad, and sister, directly across the street from my elementary school.
We played stickball and stoopball, and we roller-skated and bicycled all around the neighborhood. Everyone in the neighborhood looked out for each other, and many of us stayed close throughout the years. Actually, I had my 55th high school reunion this fall.
Source: Do you play any musical instruments?
Anderson Bomar: As a child, I played the clarinet. As an adult, I took piano lessons and even had one recital! I lived vicariously through my children who play every percussion instrument and many stringed instruments.
Source: When you were younger, what did you want to be when you grew up?
Anderson Bomar: A mathematician or an engineer!
Source: What initially sparked your interest in civil engineering?
Anderson Bomar: I was looking for a way to channel my interest in math, not really wanting to go into teaching or accounting. I heard a little bit about engineering when my dad started working for the New York State Department of Transportation in the Right-of-Way Division. He was working on the EIS [environmental impact statement] for the replacement of the West Side Highway (which had a truck fall through the deck).
Source: At the end of a long workday, how do you relax?
Anderson Bomar: I love to cook! Crocheting is also great therapy!
Source: What was the last movie you watched?
Anderson Bomar: Wild Robot. Loved it!!
Source: What is your favorite civil engineering landmark?
Anderson Bomar: The Brooklyn Bridge. I’ve taken lots of walks across the bridge, including during more than one all-city blackout. I also love the role that Emily Roebling played in getting it finished.
Source: Go-to pizza topping?
Anderson Bomar: Ricotta, spicy sausage and fresh basil.
Source: Ideal vacation spot?
Anderson Bomar: Anywhere in the world I have not yet visited.
Source: If you could only keep one streaming service subscription, what would it be?
Anderson Bomar:Disney. So I have both shows for grownups and some for my grandchildren.
Source: What’s your favorite time of day?
Anderson Bomar: Early morning – great time for a walk.
Source: One thing ASCE members would be surprised to learn about you?
Anderson Bomar: That I have owned a chocolate shop, two restaurants and a bar!
A second thing they would be surprised to learn is that I served on my city council for 16 years.
Source: What was your first car?
Anderson Bomar: Baby blue convertible Volkswagen Karmann Ghia.
Source: What is one thing on your bucket list?
Anderson Bomar:I want to travel to an island where I can sleep outside with warm breezes and water gently slapping.
Source: Favorite song?
Anderson Bomar: “All I Ask of You” from Phantom of the Opera. My son and niece sang it to us at our wedding.
Source: When you spend time with family, what do you all like doing?
Anderson Bomar: It doesn't matter as long as we are together.
Source: What is the most challenging project you have ever worked on?
Anderson Bomar: The creation of Centennial Olympic Park in downtown Atlanta (for the 1996 Olympics).
Source: If they made a movie about your life, what actress would play you?
Anderson Bomar: The Norma Rae version of Sally Field.
Source: What is the quality you admire most in someone?
Anderson Bomar: Honesty.
