Meeting/Event Information

Please join us for our February CPCU lunch meeting on Thursday February 19, 2026 at 11:30am! 

Our speaker will be Joel C. Howard, P.E. who will speak on the relationship between duration of moisture exposure and the decay of wood building materials.

Joel C. Howard, P.E. is a Principal Engineer and Regional Manager with U.S. Forensic, LLC, where he leads the firm’s structural engineering operations across North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, and Tennessee. He holds both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Civil Engineering from North Carolina State University and has more than 20 years of experience in structural design and forensic engineering.

U.S. Forensic provides insurance carriers with structural and mechanical engineering, fire investigation, and insurance appraisal services, supporting the evaluation and resolution of complex residential and commercial property losses. Mr. Howard’s forensic practice includes moisture intrusion and decay of wood building materials, storm and roof damage, construction defects, and flood-related losses.

Mr. Howard’s background includes extensive design experience with wood and engineered wood systems, steel, concrete, and masonry structures, as well as experience providing expert testimony, technical peer reviews, and claims-focused engineering analysis. He previously served as an instructor for the Materials of Construction Laboratory at North Carolina State University.

The presentation will be preceded by a catered lunch, and there will be door prizes! We hope to see you there!

Please note this event is free for all dues-paying members of the Eastern NC CPCU Chapter (must be current at the time of the meeting), but we still need you to register.