Partner & Vice President, Engineering Mechanics and Infrastructure Group, Simpson Gumpertz & Heger (SGH) | Founder, upresilience
Nate Wittasek’s career in resilience began on the front lines—as a researcher and firefighter—before earning his professional engineering license in 2001. Today, as Partner and Vice President at SGH, he leads within the Engineering Mechanics and Infrastructure Group, bringing a practical, science-based approach to fire protection engineering, wildfire mitigation, failure analysis, and code consulting across a wide spectrum of projects in North America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.
Nate’s perspective is rooted in translating complex risk into actionable, verifiable solutions. He has deep experience in both prescriptive and performance-based design, and specializes in helping clients and communities navigate the challenges of climate hazards, insurance pressures, and regulatory change. As founder of upresilience, Nate champions data-driven innovation, integrated risk analytics, and cross-sector partnerships to deliver holistic solutions—moving beyond single products to smart materials, bundled systems, and new business models like resilience-as-a-service.
Nate is a leader in national fire and resilience standards development, serving as Chair of the NFPA 101 and 5000 Technical Committees on Fire Protection Features, and as a committee member for NFPA 1140 (Wildland Fire Protection). Licensed in ten states, a Certified Access Specialist (CASp), LEED Accredited Professional, and Certified Fire & Explosions Investigator, he is also an educator, technical author, and active participant in organizations such as NFPA, SFPE, and the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat. He believes resilience is not just a feature, but a foundational strategy—empowering owners, designers, and communities to thrive in the face of evolving hazards.