This month’s message isn’t about the past election nor is it about how much we will miss all those wonderful political ads on television and radio. This message is about something much bigger than all of that. This message is about a longtime friend of the ACEC community, Mr. Marco Palilla. Many of you know, but some may not, that Marco is battling leukemia. He has been in the hospital for the past two weeks with two more to come, followed by a five-month stay at home. The hospital stay has been rough and exhausting for Marco but he was well enough to see the Giants win the World Series last week. His doctors are pleased with his progress and anticipate a positive long-term prognosis. Being the unassuming guy that he is, he would probably say, “don’t make a big deal out of this.” But it IS a big deal. So, Marco, consider this message a great big “Get Well Soon” card from all of us in the ACEC Sierra Chapter.
First of all, I want to make it clear that “Palilla” is spelled with three Ls. Not two, not four, but three. One at the beginning, two at the end. This is important to Marco, as many of you know!
As I started to write this, I began to think about all that Marco has done for the Sierra Chapter over the years. I enlisted the help of the many veterans of our Chapter to recollect and compile his extensive contributions. After dozens of emails back and forth from the multiple ACEC members who responded, I was flabbergasted by all that Marco has done for us. Official records only go back until 2001, when Marco was already a Chapter Director. Several recall his contribution back as far as 1999. He served as Chapter Director until the end of FY 2005-06, took a year break, and returned in FY 2006-07. Rumor has it, he resisted the pressure to “go through the chairs” for many years, finally giving in to that pressure in FY2008-09 when he was elected Secretary/Treasurer. He served as Chapter Vice President FY 2009-10 and President FY 2010-11. He served as State Director from 2010 until 2014. Earlier this year, as we were assembling the current directors for my term, I emailed Marco and begged him to come back to the Board because I needed his experience and leadership following a pretty large turnover from the previous year. My email was long winded and listed all the reasons why he should come back. I asked him to consider it over the following week and get back to me. His response three minutes later? “Absolutely! Glad to step back in and help out my consulting bro’s!” What a guy!
A few other of Marco contributions: the ACEC submittal during Marco’s tenure as president earned the Sierra Chapter the coveted Golden Chapter Award. He resurrected what was once termed “Founders Night”, and called it “Past Presidents Dinner” in 2011, now one of our best attended events of each year. He also created the Tim Fleming Memorial Scholarship, which provides scholarship money each year to well-deserving students. Each year, Marco is a driving force behind Legislative Visit Day.
Finally, it should be noted that Marco has also been very active in APWA and as an industry advisor to the Civil Engineering Department at Sacramento State.
There you have it: quite an exemplary ACEC resume! All of his contributions to our industry aside, many of us just appreciate his infectious smile, his willingness to lend a hand and get involved, and his overall positive outlook on life. So, Marco, when you read this, please know that all of us are sending our thoughts and prayers to you and your family during this ordeal and we wish you a speedy recovery. We can’t wait to have you back!
Cheers,
Tom
P.S. At this point, Marco is not allowed visitors. Please send cards instead. Our goal is that Marco will require a shovel to remove the cards from in front of his hospital room door when he leaves!
Cards can be sent to:
HDR, Inc.
Attention: Marco Palilla
c/o Jason Fanselau
2365 Iron Point Road, Suite 300
Folsom, CA 95630-8709
A flyer is included with this newsletter providing information on how you can donate blood in Marco’s name.
