Nominations for PSPE State Office 2023-2024

On behalf of the 2023-24 PSPE Nominating Committee, I offer the following report. The committee discussed the nominated slate of officers for the 2023-24 PSPE year.

 

 

Participating in the conversations through the process were:

 

  • Northeast Region: Brian Palmiter, PE (Keystone NE Chapter)
  • Central Region: Ken McGinnis, PE (Lincoln Chapter)
  • Western Region: Brian Krul, PE (Pittsburgh Chapter)
  • Southeast Region: Tony Dougherty, PE (Valley Forge Chapter)

 

The Committee reviewed the nominations and noted that there was only one nomination received for each of the open positions. The following slate was put forth and unanimously approved by the Committee members.

 

Office                                                              Nominee

President Elect                                                  David K. Williams, PE (Beaver County Chapter)

Secretary                                                             Frank Falzone, PE (Valley Forge Chapter)

Treasurer                                                             Tom Friese, PE (Philadelphia Chapter)

 

Vice President Northeast Region                   Daniel P. Cook, PE (Anthracite Chapter)

Vice President Central Region                        James DiLouie, PE (Lincoln Chapter)

Vice President Southeast Region                    Fredric Plotnick, PhD, Esq, PE, PLS (Philadelphia Chapter)

Vice President Western Region                      Brian A. Krul, PE, PTOE (Pittsburgh Chapter)

 

Nicole C. Wilson, PE (Bucks County Chapter), will become President according to the PSPE Constitution and Bylaws.

 

Members interested in running for office may petition to be on the election ballot.

 

Nominations by petition signed by at least 25 eligible members must be delivered to the Secretary, including a picture and biography of the candidate, on or before June 14, 2023.

 

A copy of the petition and accompanying material shall be concurrently delivered to the Chair of the Nominating Committee.

 

Sincerely,

Jennifer Nolan-Kremm, PE

PSPE Nominating Committee Chair

New Year = New Opportunities

Hello and Happy New Year!

A quote attributed to Franklin D. Roosevelt states: a smooth sea never made a skillful sailor. We can say that our sailing skills have improved as we have all navigated, both personally and professionally, the rough seas caused by the COVID-19 pandemic over the past several years.   Learning how to interact remotely with clients, regulatory agencies, students, and each other is a skill we are all newly comfortable with.  As challenging as this was, we made it work.  We got the job done.  We made forward progress. Read the message>>

Nominations for PSPE State Office 2022-2023


On behalf of the 2022-2023 PSPE Nominating Committee, I offer the following report. The committee discussed the nominated slate of officers for the 2022-2023 PSPE year.

Participating in the conversations through the process were:

  • Northeast Region Representative: Amy Daiute (Keystone Northeast Chapter)
  • Central Region Representative: Ken McGinnis (Lincoln Chapter)
  • Western Region Representative: Brian Krul (Pittsburgh Chapter)
  • Southeast Region Representative: Abraham El (Philadelphia Chapter) (having replaced Frank Falzone during the deliberations)
  • Chair: Susan Best

The Committee reviewed the nominations and noted that there was only one nomination received for each of the open positions. The following slate was put forth and unanimously approved by the Committee members.

Office                                                              Nominee

President Elect                                                  Nicole C. Wilson, PE (Bucks County Chapter)
Secretary                                                            Frank Falzone, PE (Reading Chapter)
Treasurer                                                            Tom Friese, PE (Philadelphia Chapter)

Vice President Western Region                      David K. Williams, PE (Beaver County Chapter)
Vice President Northeast Region                   Daniel P. Cook, PE (Anthracite Chapter)
Vice President Central Region                       James DiLouie, PE (Lincoln Chapter)
Vice President Southeast Region                   Fredric Plotnick, PhD, Esq, PE (Philadelphia Chapter)

Marleen A. Troy, PhD, PE (Keystone Northeast), will become President according to the PSPE Constitution and Bylaws.

Petitions for additional candidates will be due no later than June 14, 2022.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me via email at contactpspe@pspe.org.

Sincerely,

Susan Best, PE, F.NSPE, Chair, 2022-23 PSPE Nominating Committee

Report of the PSPE Nominating Committee 2021

The 2021 Nominating Committee confirms the following slate of officer nominees for the PSPE 2021-2022 term of office.

Jennifer Nolan-Kremm, PE (Pittsburgh County Chapter) will become President according to the PSPE Constitution and Bylaws.

Nominees:

President Elect |  Marleen A. Troy, Ph.D., PE, BCEE (Keystone Northeast)

Secretary | David J. Briskey, PE (Pittsburgh Chapter)

Treasurer | Thomas J. Friese, PE (Philadelphia Chapter)

Vice President Southeast Region | Nicole C. Wilson, PE (Bucks County Chapter)

Vice President Western Region | David K. Williams, PE (Beaver County Chapter)

Vice President Northeast Region | Daniel Cook, PE (Anthracite Chapter)

Vice President Central Region | James DiLouie, PE (Lincoln Chapter)

For members wishing to add their name to the ballot, nominations by petition of at least 25 eligible members must be delivered (along with the candidate’s bio and photo) to the Chair of the Nomination Committee by May 1, 2021.

In the event of there being two (2) nominees for an office, an official ballot shall be prepared and delivered to each voting member in the region of the office. The Tellers Committee will tally the votes and determine the final outcome.

In the event of a single nominee in each position and with no petition candidates submitted, the Secretary shall be directed by the President to cast a single ballot for all nominees upon acceptance of the Nominating Committee’s report by the Board at the meeting on May 30, 2021.

PSPE will honor awardees and install officers in September 24, 2021. Additional information will be made available in August 2021.

Respectfully submitted,

Michael Basta, PE, F.NSPE
PSPE 2021-22 Nominating Committee Chair

Brian L. Schull, PE | PSPE 2020 Engineer of the Year

The Pennsylvania Society of Professional Engineers is proud to award Brian L. Schull, PE, PSPE 2020 Engineer of the Year. The PSPE State Engineer of the Year Award publicly recognizes outstanding engineers based on criteria including professional achievements, civic, political, engineering and educational contributions.

Brian is currently Assistant Department Manager in Construction Management with SAI Consulting Engineers in Pittsburgh, PA, where he has been employed for over 30 years.  Brian has both his Bachelor and Master of Science Degrees from the University of Pittsburgh.

Brian has managed construction projects for the PA Turnpike, PennDOT, Allegheny County Airport Authority, Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh, Allegheny County Sanitary Authority, and the Port Authority of Allegheny County, among others.  Before working at SAI, he was employed by PennDOT District 1-0, WS Mocha, and TW Consultants.

Notable Projects include Brookline Boulevard and Rehabilitation, ALCOSAN Customer Service and Training Facility, Summerset at Frick Park Nine Mile Run Land Development, North Baggage Handling System Building, Martin Luther King Jr. East Busway Extension, Pittsburgh International Airport, and Aircraft Rescue Fire Fighting/Training Center.

Brian has been very active with PSPE and the Pittsburgh Chapter.  He has held many Chapter positions:

  • 2006 to 2009 – Director
  • 2009 to 2010 – Vice-President
  • 2010 to 2011 – President Elect
  • 2011 to 2012 – President
  • 2012 to 2013 – Immediate Past-President
  • 2017 to Present – Executive Secretary

Brian has been involved with the Chapter’s Newsletter, MATHCOUNTS, and Awards Committee.  He has received the L.W. Hornfleck Dedicated Service Award and the Silvio Lorenzi President’s Gold Star Award.

Brian is a member of many other professional and technical societies, including Association for Bridge Construction and Design, American Society of Civil Engineers, American Society of Highway Engineers, SPEO, and the University of Pittsburgh Civil Engineering Alumni Club.

Brian is an Eagle Scout (Boy Scouts of America Troop 25), Order of the Arrow, a summer camp counselor and Leader.  Brian has also been involved with both the Rocky Grove Church of God and Rocky Grove High School choral, Orchestral, Choral, and Alumni Bands.

Michelle L. Hinds, PE | PSPE 2020 Young Engineer of the Year

PSPE is proud to recognize Michelle L. Hinds, PE, as Young Engineer of the Year. Criteria for selection as PSPE Young Engineer of the Year includes: Be age 35 or under as of January 1; be a Registered Professional Engineer or Engineer in Training; PSPE membership preferred but not required; Scholastic achievements; Technical society activities; Technical papers and patents; Professional society activities; Engineering experience and accomplishments; and Civic and humanitarian activities.

Michelle has a BS in Civil Engineering from the Pennsylvania State University and an MS in Engineering Management from Robert Morris University.  She is a registered Professional Engineer in Pennsylvania, Ohio and Florida.  Michelle is a Project Manager for Construction Services at SAI Consulting Engineers, Inc. in Pittsburgh, PA.  She has been with SAI for 14 years starting as a transportation construction inspector and now providing construction management for heavy highway and bridge projects ranging from $800,000 to $120,000,000.  Michelle has provided construction management and inspection services to many clients, including PennDOT, PA Turnpike, Allegheny County Department of Public Works, The Sports and Exhibition Authority, the Allegheny County Airport Authority, Washington County Planning Commission, Westmoreland County Department of Public Works, City of Pittsburgh, and various other local municipalities.

Notable projects Michelle has worked on include the SR 19-A63 project, which involved the SPMT move of the Shaler Street Bridge (she served as scheduler); the SR 601 bridge over the PA Turnpike in Somerset (served as Project Manager); the Lower Hill Redevelopment (former Civic Arena Site) where she served as Project Manager; the South 10th Street Bridge Rehabilitation and the Hulton Bridge Replacement. Michelle also works in conjunction with SAI’s design department building pre-bid construction schedules and performing constructability reviews.  Michelle is an active member of WTS Pittsburgh Chapter and the Chartiers Valley Hockey Club.

PSPE will celebrate Michelle’s award with her on Friday evening, September 25, 2020, as part of the PSPE 2020 Conference (virtual).

ACEC-PA, AIA-PA and NSPE-PA Apply for Waiver

ACEC-PA, AIA-PA, and NSPE-PA Apply for Waiver

Knowing that licensed design professionals play a critical role in life-sustaining businesses, we reached out to both the Governor and DCED seeking an exemption to Governor Wolf’s Order mandating closure of businesses not considered life-sustaining.

Individual firms have applied through DCED for their specific situations as well. Some received clarification that they are already exempt; some have received no response to date. As of Friday, March 27, over 25,000 applications had been received and were in the review process.

If we get official word that architectural and engineering businesses are exempt, we will certainly share.

View a copy of the letter.

Report of the PSPE Nominating Committee 2020

The 2020 Nominating Committee confirms the following slate of officer nominees for the PSPE 2020-2021 term of office.

Susan L. Best, PE (Delaware County Chapter) will become President according to the PSPE Constitution and Bylaws.

Nominees:

President Elect | Jennifer Nolan-Kremm, PE (Pittsburgh Chapter)

Secretary | David J. Briskey, PE (Pittsburgh Chapter)

Treasurer | Thomas J. Friese, PE (Philadelphia Chapter)

Vice President Northeast Region | Marleen A. Troy, Ph.D., PE, BCEE (Keystone Northeast)

Vice President Southeast Region | Nicole C. Wilson, PE (Bucks County Chapter)

Vice President Western Region | Kirk L. Thompson, PE (Pittsburgh Chapter)

Vice President Central Region | Michael C. Poletti, PE (Lincoln Chapter)

For members wishing to add their name to the ballot, nominations by petition of at least 25 eligible members must be delivered (along with the candidate’s bio and photo) to the Chair of the Nomination Committee by May 1, 2020.

In the event of there being two (2) nominees for an office, an official ballot shall be prepared and delivered to each voting member in the region of the office. The Tellers Committee will tally the votes and determine the final outcome.

In the event of a single nominee in each position and with no petition candidates submitted, the Secretary shall be directed by the President to cast a single ballot for all nominees upon acceptance of the Nominating Committee’s report by the Board at the meeting on May 30, 2020.

PSPE officers will be installed at the 2020 Professional Engineers Conference, August 12–16, in Philadelphia. This year’s conference is a partnership between NSPE and Pennsylvania Society of Professional Engineers. Both organizations will honor awardees and install officers on Friday evening, August 14, at the Sheraton Philadelphia Downtown.

Respectfully submitted,
Steven J. Novotny, PE
PSPE 2020-21 Nominating Committee Chair

John R. Ackerman, PE | PSPE 2019 Engineer of the Year

John R. Ackerman, PE
PSPE 2019 Engineer of the Year

The Pennsylvania Society of Professional Engineers is proud to award John R. Ackerman, PE as PSPE 2019 Engineer of the Year. The PSPE State Engineer of the Year Award publically recognizes outstanding engineers based on criteria including professional achievements, civic, political, engineering and educational contributions. 

John Ackerman is a proven leader in multiple disciplines focused on water and wastewater treatment.  He wears two hats, managing principal at Twin Oaks Consulting, LLC., and president at his start-up, Twin Oaks Water Systems, Inc. where he hopes to provide a sustainable method to supply water to the world’s population.

Mr. Ackerman has extensive experience in water and wastewater treatment designing numerous treatment facilities and troubleshooting treatment process as well as the remediation of hazardous wastes ranging from development of air stripping technology to site remediation of BTEX and metals contaminated groundwater at multiple SUPERFUND sites and AMD treatment facilities.  He holds two patents for treatment equipment.

He serves and has served on numerous advisory commissions and boards, both locally and statewide, including serving as chairman of PADEP’s Certification Program Advisory Committee for the first 16 years of its 19-year existence.

In addition to holding multiple leadership positions culminating in PSPE President, 2000-01, and Penn-Anthracite Chairman, 5 terms, awards and recognitions have followed Mr. Ackerman throughout his career. Starting with Young EOY (SME/AIME 1983 and PSPE 1986); EOY (Luzerne Chapter, PSPE, 1993-94; Keystone Northeast Chapter, PSPE, 2018-19),  being named “Diplomate” (AAEE, 1989), Fellow (NSPE, 2005), awarded “Best Value in Green Engineering” for his innovative RainMaker water harvester (ASCE’s Innovation Contest, 2017) and receiving the 2018 EOY from the Lehigh Valley Section, ASCE.

Mr. Ackerman received his bachelor’s degree in The Earth Sciences (Geology), 1975 from The Pennsylvania State University and is a licensed Professional Engineer and Professional Geologist in Pennsylvania.

John and Margi are the proud parents of their two successful children, Matthew and Rachel.

Brian Palmiter, Jr., EIT, LEED Green Associate | 2019 PSPE State Young Engineer of the Year

Brian Palmiter, Jr. EIT

PSPE 2019 Young Engineer of the Year

PSPE is proud to recognize Brian Palmiter, Jr., EIT, as PSPE 2019 Young Engineer of the Year. Criteria for selection as PSPE Young Engineer of the Year includes: Be age 35 or under as of January 1, 2017; be a Registered Professional Engineer or Engineer in Training; PSPE membership preferred but not required; Scholastic achievements; Technical society activities; Technical papers and patents; Professional society activities; Engineering experience and accomplishments; and Civic and humanitarian activities.

Mr. Palmiter is a Civil Designer and Project Manager with Borton-Lawson (BL), an engineering and architecture firm headquartered in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. Brian has been with BL for over 5 years, where he has worked in both the Water/Municipal and Land Planning & Design Groups. This has put him in a diverse role to perform design and more recently project management services for a variety of clients, including municipalities, colleges/universities, and other public and private entities. He is well-versed in the land development and municipal sphere, having design experience in stormwater, roadway paving, Best Management Practice (BMP), parks/recreation, and building/parking expansion-related projects.

He is currently the Project Manager for approximately 50 municipal projects, including paving and stormwater projects, subdivision and land development reviews, and Municipal Separate Storm Sewer (MS4) permitting. Most recently, Brian was a key contributor in obtaining a new client, which has allowed BL to become the Program Manager for a stormwater authority that is implementing a MS4 Pollution Reduction Plan (PRP) across the Authority’s 32-municipality service area. The project also includes collaboration with the client and 7 other engineering firms, BMP project scope and service order execution, design, bidding, and construction services. Some of Brian’s other professional experience includes site layout, Erosion & Sedimentation Pollution Control (E&SPC) design, National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permitting, Highway Occupancy Permits (HOPs), and construction inspection.

Brian is in the Keystone Northeast Chapter of PSPE, where he currently serves as the Secretary of the Chapter. Brian’s role with the Chapter is ever-growing, as he plans and coordinates many of the Chapter events and assists in the development of future engineers through mentoring and networking with the Wilkes University Student Chapter of PSPE. He is the Chair of the Young Engineers Committee and received the Robert P. Eble PE, PLS Memorial Distinguished Service Award in 2015. Within the last few years, he has elevated his involvement with PSPE at the State level, serving on the Membership, Nominating, and Conference Planning Committees. Brian has also been involved with State MATHCOUNTS since 2014, where he has moved up from a volunteer, to Facilities Coordinator, to Assistant Coordinator, and is currently the State Coordinator, which he will be through March 2021.

In 2013, Brian graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Environmental Engineering with a minor in Geology from Wilkes University. While at Wilkes, he assisted in the creation of the Wilkes Student Chapter and volunteered with many other University clubs. He still maintains his involvement with his alma mater, as he is on the Wilkes University Alumni Association Board of Directors, of which he was elected to in early 2017. Brian is also a volunteering member with the Wyoming Valley United Way Young Professionals and is a guitarist with the St. Gregory’s Music Ministry in Clarks Summit, PA. In his free time, Brian enjoys spending time with his family, friends, church community, and beautiful puppy “Luna.” He plays in several soccer leagues and is a diehard fan of the Denver Broncos and Boston Red Sox.