Daniel K. Steussy

M.S., University of Texas at Austin, 1980
B.S., University of Texas at Austin, 1978

Steussy graduated from the University of Texas at Austin in 1980 with a master’s degree in geotechnical engineering and a minor in business law, following the completion of his bachelor’s degree in civil engineering in 1978. He was extremely active at UT, serving as President of ASCE, on the Men’s Athletic Council, and on the National Championship-winning UT baseball team. After graduation, Steussy embarked on an illustrious geotechnical engineering career, including stints at Earth Technology Corp, Nekton, Inc, and Owen Consultants. In 1989, he founded Opterra, Inc. in San Diego, which he moved to Poway, CA, in 2003. Opterra provides geotechnical engineering services across the Southwest, focusing on forensic engineering. Steussy has served as an expert in over 200 court cases involving construction defect litigation.

Steussy's expertise extends beyond engineering to mediation and conflict resolution. As a credentialed mediator and board member with the National Conflict Resolution Center, Steussy has mediated over 100 disputes across various civil issues, including construction and business. He has held leadership roles in the Society for Professionals in Dispute Resolution and testified before the California Legislature on mediation certification. His contributions to mediation have included training courses, panel discussions, and developing credentialing procedures for mediators.

In addition to his professional achievements, Steussy is deeply involved in community and volunteer activities. He has served as a speaker, educator, mentor, and coach, and has worked on local road safety and political campaigns. Licensed to practice engineering in Arizona, California, Nevada, and New Mexico, Steussy is a member of several professional societies, including ASCE, ACI, ISSMGE, and NSPE. He and his wife, Valerie, have three grown children and have lived in California for almost 40 years.