Christopher J. Wiernicki, SEAS M.S. '83.
By Kristen Mitchell
George Washington University School of Engineering and Applied Science alumnus
Christopher J. Wiernicki, M.S. ‘83, has been elected to the National Academy of Engineering for innovations in the design, engineering and operation of ships and offshore structures.
Mr. Wiernicki is chairman, president and CEO of Houston-based American Bureau of Shipping and also serves as chair of ABS Group of Companies, a global risk consulting and technical services company.
“As an engineer leading a global organization committed to excellence in all aspects of marine and offshore operations, it is a tremendous and humbling honor to be recognized for innovation,” Mr. Wiernicki said. “Engineering plays a pivotal role in the ABS mission to make the oceans safer and in the significant industry advances we have delivered.”
Election to the National Academy of Engineering is among the highest professional distinctions accorded to an engineer. Membership recognizes individuals who have made outstanding contributions to engineering research, practice or education. It also honors the pioneering of new and developing fields of technology, making major advancements in traditional fields of engineering and developing or implementing innovative approaches to engineering education.
Mr. Wiernicki was inducted into the GW Engineering Hall of Fame in 2013. He also sits on the SEAS National Advisory Council, which meets regularly with the dean to provide advice and resources to help enhance the educational programs and opportunities available to SEAS students.
“My GW degree has been instrumental in shaping my professional career as it continues to show me the importance of engineering in the world,” Mr. Wiernicki said. “From our nation’s capital to more than 70 nations globally, my GW experience inspired me to continue learning and propelled me to heights I never could have imagined.”
Mr. Wiernicki spoke to members of the GW community in November as part of the annual Frank Howard Distinguished Lecture. As the keynote speaker, he talked about how COVID-19 poses a severe threat to health and safety around the world but has also acted as a “catalyst and accelerator,” reshaping every industry’s commercial, safety and security trends.
