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The National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE) officially welcomed Julia M. Harrod, P.E., F.NSPE, as its 2025 – 2026 president on July 1, 2025. A formal installation ceremony was held during NSPE’s annual Professional Engineers Conference in Kansas City, Missouri, on August 7, 2025.

With over two decades of leadership and engineering experience, Harrod brings a unique interdisciplinary perspective to the role—combining backgrounds in architecture, civil engineering, and business strategy. She leads MWM DesignGroup as its President and CEO. The Texas-based firm provides integrated services in architecture, landscape architecture, civil engineering, land surveying, and permitting.

“It’s a tremendous honor to lead NSPE and help advance the mission of fostering licensed professional engineers in service to society,” Harrod said. “We have an opportunity to expand our reach in advancing ethical leadership, innovation, and inclusion in engineering – and that starts with engaging and supporting the next generation of PEs.”  

Harrod holds a degree in architecture from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and a master’s degree in engineering from the University of Texas at Austin. After earning her PE license in Texas, she quickly emerged as a dedicated leader and passionate advocate for the profession. She began her service with NSPE and the Texas Society of Professional Engineers in 2001 as a volunteer with the Travis Chapter in Austin. Since then, she has held numerous leadership roles, championing ethical standards and professional excellence across the engineering community. She was named an NSPE Fellow in recognition of her significant contributions to the profession.

Beyond her leadership at NSPE, Harrod has chaired the Academy of Distinguished Alumni at UT Austin’s Department of Civil, Architectural, and Environmental Engineering and served for many years on the board of the Thinkery, advancing STEM education in Central Texas. Julia was also profiled by the Zweig Group for her trailblazing leadership in the AEC industry. She is a dedicated advocate for elevating the profession through leadership development and expanding access to STEM education—particularly for underrepresented communities.

Throughout her career, Harrod has embraced the principals of  servant leadership. At MWM DesignGroup, she has helped lead strategic growth while reinforcing a culture that values collaboration, mentorship, and excellence. She is known for championing cross-functional approaches to problem-solving and for empowering young professionals to pursue licensure and leadership roles early in their careers.