The Steel Bridge Task Force – comprised of the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI), the National Steel Bridge Alliance (NSBA) and the American Association of State and Highway Transportation Officials Steel and Metals Technical Committee – has named Francesco “Frank” Russo the recipient of the 2025 Richard S. Fountain Award.
[Above photo by AISI]
Named for the founder of the Steel Bridge Task Force, the Fountain Award – established in 2001 – recognizes leadership in steel bridge research and outstanding efforts to advance AASHTO specifications.
“Frank’s contributions to steel bridge engineering have been nothing short of extraordinary,” said Dan Snyder, AISI’s vice president of construction, in a statement.
“His advancements in forensic investigations, design provisions and girder standards have improved the way we approach bridge design and construction,” Snyder added. “Just as importantly, his dedication to education and mentorship – through the development of curricula and his extensive teaching of National Highway Institute courses – has strengthened the knowledge base of the industry and shaped countless engineers.”
Since 1995, Russo – who holds a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science degree from Temple University and a Doctorate from Iowa State University – has worked as a full-time bridge engineer. He is currently the principal of Russo Structural Services, an engineering consulting firm he founded in 2021.
Russo’s career includes work as a design engineer with the Iowa Department of Transportation, which laid the foundation for his deep understanding of bridge performance, safety, and resilience.
He has also lectured on bridge design, structural analysis, and engineering principles at leading institutions – teaching over 150 NHI courses to help shape the next generation of bridge engineers.
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