Donald Huling is a Principal Geotechnical Engineer at HWA Geosciences Inc. with 20 years of experience delivering geotechnical solutions for complex public works projects across Washington State. He has a passion for design and construction of complex bridge projects, having provided geotechnical recommendations for 73 regional bridges over his tenure. In addition to his design experience, he has focused on the professional development of his colleagues and industry partners through intentional mentorship and teamwork.
Huling’s passion for public works is deeply rooted in his unconventional upbringing. For a large portion of his childhood, he was raised in a single-room shack with no power or running water. As a young child, he was tasked with collecting water from a local spring that his family used to wash dishes and water the livestock. Despite the challenge of growing up without modern conveniences, it gave him an early appreciation for the importance of clean water, indoor plumbing, reliable electricity, and sewage treatment. Although he wouldn’t change his childhood experience for anything, experiencing life without the services provided by public works resulted in Huling dedicating his life and career to ensuring that others have the services he lived without.
Since 2011, Huling has been an active member of the Washington chapter of APWA. He has held nearly every leadership position in the Washington State Chapter during his tenure. As president, Huling safely guided the chapter through the Covid pandemic and executed a successful, seamless, and safe return to in-person events. He has continued to provide his leadership skills at the national level while serving as the Washington State representative at the Council of Chapters and various other national committees.