This award recognizes a key industry member’s unparalleled contributions to structural engineering and innovation.
James Fisher, Ph.D., P.E, Dist.M.ASCE,
Tim Holtermann, Vice President, Engineering & Drafting at Canam Steel Corporation and SJI President
Florence, S.C., May 28, 2024 — The honor of the Golden Joist Award, presented to James M. Fisher, Ph.D., P.E, Dist.M.ASCE, during the organization’s annual spring board meeting in Sea Island, Georgia, is the highest recognition given by the Steel Joist Institute (SJI). In its nearly 100-year history, the accolade has been awarded to only 13 distinguished members, now including Fisher.
Fisher currently serves as the consulting engineer for SJI, where his expertise in structural engineering has significantly influenced the field. He has authored and co-authored 16 books and numerous technical publications and has led many seminars and short courses through the American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC) and SJI. Alongside earning the Golden Joist Award this year, Fisher has garnered many other awards in recognition of his contributions to the steel industry such as:
- T.R. Higgins Award (AISC)
- Lifetime Achievement Award (AISC)
- J. Lloyd Kimbrough Award (AISC)
- Industry Leadership Award (American Iron and Steel Institute)
- Distinguished Member (American Society of Civil Engineers)
- 2024 Dr. Duane S. Ellifritt Research Award (Metal Building Manufacturers Association)
“Fisher’s contributions to the field of structural engineering have been nothing short of transformative,” said Ken Charles, managing director of SJI. “His dedication to advancing steel joist construction and his extensive research have set new standards in the industry. The Golden Joist Award is a testament to his remarkable career and the lasting impact he has made on our community and beyond.”
Fisher has been associated with CSD Structural Engineers since 1968, and he became a principal of the firm in 1974. Prior to that, Fisher received his Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from the University of Wisconsin in 1962. Following two years of service as a lieutenant in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, he pursued further education at the University of Illinois, earning his master’s degree and a doctorate in structural engineering in 1965 and 1968, respectively.
Specializing in structural steel research and development, Fisher has devoted much of his career to exploring building systems and economical structural framing systems. He is a recognized authority on the performance and design of light gauge steel structures.