Habitat for Humanity East Bay/Silicon Valley has announced Annie Kao, Simpson Strong-Tie Vice President of Engineering, to its Board of Directors for the term of July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2024. As a board member, Kao will contribute her expertise to advocate for the building of safe and sustainable housing. 

Kao is a California state-licensed professional engineer and received her MS in structural engineering from the University of California, Berkeley and her BS in engineering from Harvey Mudd College. She joined Simpson Strong-Tie in 2006 as a branch engineer at the company’s Riverside, California location. She was promoted to Vice President of Engineering in 2019. 

Kao’s responsibilities include:

• Leading the research and development of new technologies and products
• Operating university-grade test labs and developing advanced research test programs
• Creating technical resources such as literature and technology tools to support design professionals
• Providing engineering design services and submittal packages for product lines
• Supporting manufacturing to ensure high-quality products

In addition to her work at Simpson Strong-Tie, Kao is active in her professional and local communities. She is a former director for the Structural Engineers Association of Southern California (SEAOSC), a founding member of the SEAOSC Women in Structural Engineering Committee, and has served on the Board of Trustees for Harvey Mudd College. In 2019 Kao received the Barc Simpson Community Hero Award, which recognizes outstanding volunteer contributions by Simpson Strong-Tie employees in their communities.

“Habitat is so fortunate to welcome Ms. Kao to our Board of Directors,” said Janice Jensen, President & CEO of Habitat East Bay/Silicon Valley. “Her belief in affordable homeownership, commitment to equity, and passion for community engagement are all vital to our governance – and a wonderful way to augment our long, rich partnership with Simpson Strong-Tie.”

“I am honored to have the opportunity to work alongside professional and dedicated board members who are committed to Habitat’s vision of a world where everyone has a decent place to live,” said Kao. “Habitat’s work aligns perfectly with the Simpson Strong-Tie principle of giving back, and our mission of helping provide safe, strong and resilient housing.”