David A. Fanella was born in Chicago and has resided there his entire life. He attended the University of Illinois at Chicago and recently taught structural engineering courses in the Civil Engineering Department. He also served on its Civil Engineering Professional Advisory Council. David works full time as Senior Director of Engineering at the Concrete Reinforcing Steel Institute in Schaumburg, IL, where he is responsible for the production of technical publications and webinars. David enjoys working on activities related to the Structural Engineers Association of Illinois where he is past-president and a former board member.