Better Know a Board Member - Ellen Tiedemann

In this eNews edition, we are getting to better know Ellen Tiedemann, Project Engineer at Crawford and Associates, Inc.

Ellen grew up just near Lotus, California (just up the hill from Sacramento, outside Placerville!) and attended college at University of the Pacific in Stockton where she earned her bachelor’s degree in civil engineering while playing D1 water polo.

Ellen works at the geotechnical engineering firm Crawford and Associates, Inc. where she is an owner, project engineer, and assistant project manager. She thoroughly enjoys traveling throughout Central and Northern California to visit sites and complete subsurface explorations. Some projects take her to rural places she has previously never heard of. It is always an adventure! Ellen appreciates that geotechnical engineering allows her to work on a multitude of projects with a variety of engineering professionals while escaping to the field every now and then. These projects have included bridge, pavement, roadway, water/wastewater treatment facilities, and storm damage/slope stability projects.

Ellen is active in the civil engineering community, most notably in the American Public Works Association (APWA) Sacramento chapter where she has served as the Young Professional Director for two years and just started a two year term as Director. She has been an active member of WTS – attending the fashion show, awards banquet, and luncheon meetings – and recently stepped into WTS leadership by joining the WTS Hospitality Committee.

Ellen is passionate about the impact civil engineering and WTS impact our communities. From Ellen…

“I love seeing how civil engineering projects positively impact the public with providing a safe and resilient community. After working for a few years, I have a newfound appreciation of how civil engineering affects the public daily. I hope to connect with existing members within WTS and inspire other females (and others) to become involved. I have seen the difference WTS makes and am excited to become a part of it!”

In her free time, Ellen enjoys hiking/backpacking and recently became a certified scuba diver. During covid, she has also picked up home gardening and has propagated a massive number of plants she is now trying to keep alive. When she is not outdoors or tending her plants, she can found supporting a local brewery.



Thank you Ellen for your dedication to WTS and the transportation industry. We are excited to have you as a part of the leadership team!