A civil engineer from Hartlepool has been elected as a Fellow of the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE), the oldest professional engineering association in the world.
Ian Hodge works as the deputy director of flood and coastal risk management at the Environment Agency.
Commenting on his fellowship, Ian said: “I am delighted to be invited to become a Fellow of the Institution of Civil Engineers.
“I have enjoyed an incredible career with the Environment Agency and its predecessors spanning more than 27years in a variety of roles focused on reducing the risk of flooding and coastal erosion across England. Becoming a chartered civil engineer and now being invited to become a fellow, the highest level of membership, is a humbling experience and a highlight of my career so far.
“There is no better career choice than to become an engineer tackling some of society’s greatest challenges, whether this is about future clean energy, smart infrastructure or tackling climate change and increasing flood and coastal erosion risk. A career in civil engineering is incredibly rewarding and helps shape our society for the benefit of future generations.”
ICE represents over 92,000 civil engineers and technicians across the world who design, build and maintain transport, water, energy, waste and flood infrastructure.
Penny Marshall, ICE North East regional director, said: “Respected internationally, ICE Fellowship is our highest grade of membership and a benchmark for those practising at the top level within the profession.
“Gaining ICE Fellowship is an exceptional achievement and I congratulate Ian on his success. We are proud to celebrate the contribution he has made to civil engineering.”