Cathy T. Riley served as the Executive Secretary for the Structural Engineers Association of San Diego from 2005 to 2015. She demonstrated strong management skills and an engaging personality. As Executive Secretary, she quickly learned the organization's processes and history. Due to her success, she was later promoted to Executive Director to oversee all aspects of running the Association. The author highly recommends Cathy for executive positions with other organizations based on her strong work ethic and capabilities observed during her time with the Structural Engineers Association of San Diego.

1. July 7, 2015
RE: Cathy T. Riley, Letter of Recommendation
To Whom It May Concern:
This is to confirm that Cathy T. Riley served as Executive Secretary and later as Executive Director of
the Structural Engineers Association of San Diego since September 12, 2005. Cathy has been a
tremendous asset to our Association. We found Cathy to be technically competent, a self-starter and
motivated to integrate herself into an Association that had not previously employed an Executive
Secretary or Director. In addition to having solid management skills, Cathy has an engaging
personality that serves her well with our Board of Directors, our membership and our various vendors.
I was responsible for spearheading the Association’s effort to find an Executive Secretary during my
term as President (2004–2005). During this process, our Association interviewed a total of eight
viable candidates. We eventually narrowed the list down to four candidates. After meeting with each
of them individually and with the Board, Cathy was selected unanimously by the Board for the
position. It was while I served as Immediate Past President on the Board that Cathy served her first
year as our Executive Secretary. Thus, I was able to see firsthand her capabilities, her follow through
and how quickly she grasped our means and methods, our “lingo” and some of our history. As Cathy
fully integrated herself into the Association, a later Board elevated her to Executive Director to
assume full oversight and assist Board leadership on all aspects of running an Association.
I highly recommend Cathy to any Association that is considering hiring an Executive Secretary or
Director. If you would like to discuss her role with the Structural Engineers Association of San Diego
or have any other questions that you would like to ask about Cathy, please do not hesitate to contact
me.
Sincerely,
HOPE-AMUNDSON, INC.
James A. Amundson, S.E.
SEAOSD President, 2004-2005
c/o Hope-Amundson Structural Engineers
619.232.4673
JAA/am