Tessa Drinnan leads forensic engineering firm after 20 years in the field

Tessa Drinnan, M.S., PE, NCEES, is being spotlighted for her work as senior forensic consultant and owner of TD Forensics LLC, where she has led investigations for nearly 12 years. Her profile highlights her engineering credentials, statewide licensure, community service and advocacy for women in a male-dominated field.

Why it matters: - Tessa Drinnan’s career shows how forensic engineering depends on both technical analysis and clear communication with insurers, attorneys, contractors and homeowners. - Her work sits at the intersection of structural safety, dispute resolution and catastrophe response, where findings can shape major financial and legal decisions. - Her profile also highlights the role women leaders can play in a profession that remains male-dominated.

What happened: - Influential Women published a profile on Tessa Drinnan, M.S., PE, NCEES, a senior forensic consultant and owner of TD Forensics LLC in Arvada, Colorado. - Drinnan has led TD Forensics LLC for nearly 12 years. - Drinnan has more than 20 years of experience in forensic engineering. - Her specialties include building failure analysis, structural integrity assessments, construction defect investigations, catastrophe response and expert witness testimony. - The profile says Drinnan has built her career around combining technical expertise with strong communication skills. - She works with clients and legal teams across the United States. - Learn more through Tessa Drinnan’s Influential Women profile.

The details: - Drinnan earned a Master of Science in Civil and Environmental Engineering from the Colorado School of Mines. - She earned a Bachelor of Science in Engineering from the University of Colorado. - Drinnan holds Professional Engineer licenses in nine states. - She continues to pursue ongoing education to stay current on engineering standards and industry changes. - Before engineering, Drinnan started in pre-med and later moved into forensic engineering after mentorship and academic guidance helped redirect her path. - Drinnan has also served as an adjunct professor and regularly presents to national industry organizations. - Her presentations focus on forensic investigations, engineering methods and professional best practices. - Drinnan is Program Director of Excalibur Outreach. - In that role, she leads community holiday events and annual turkey drives across Colorado. - Drinnan has been recognized as a “Badass Women Engineer of Arvada.”

Between the lines: - The profile frames Drinnan’s communication skills as a core business advantage, not just a soft skill. - Her experience suggests forensic engineering rewards professionals who can explain complex technical findings in plain language. - The profile also points to persistent gender bias, safety concerns and difficult site conditions as ongoing barriers for women in the field. - Drinnan’s comments to young women emphasize confidence, early expertise and professionalism as tools for breaking into the industry.

What’s next: - Drinnan says the field has room to grow through broader awareness of forensic engineering and stronger mentoring for new engineers. - Her ongoing work at TD Forensics LLC and Excalibur Outreach suggests continued focus on both professional impact and community service. - The profile positions Drinnan as an example of how technical leadership and public service can reinforce each other.

The bottom line: - Drinnan has turned deep technical experience, statewide credentials and strong communication into a career built on solving complex failures and supporting communities.