PSPE News

Pennsylvania Engineering Foundation and Pennsylvania Society of Professional Engineers Awarded Grant to Promote Licensure and Address Engineer Shortage

Harrisburg, Pennsylvania – June 21, 2024 – The Pennsylvania Engineering Foundation (PEF), the Pennsylvania Society of Professional Engineers (PSPE) and Wanner Associates, Inc., in a collaborative effort, have been awarded a significant Industry Partnership Grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry (L&I). This grant will fund a comprehensive initiative to promote awareness of the importance of the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) Exam among engineering students and encourage them to take the exam before graduation.

“We are thrilled to receive this grant from the PA Department of Labor & Industry,” said Jennifer Summers, Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Engineering Foundation. “This funding will allow us to make a real difference in addressing the critical shortage of licensed engineers in the Commonwealth. By encouraging engineering students to take the FE Exam before graduation, we can help ensure a smooth transition into the workforce and accelerate their path to becoming licensed Professional Engineers.”

The FE Exam is the first step towards becoming a licensed Professional Engineer (PE). Passing the exam demonstrates a fundamental understanding of engineering principles and prepares graduates for the demands of the profession. The grant will enable PEF and PSPE to develop and implement a multi-faceted campaign that includes:

• Awareness outreach programs for engineering students and faculty at Pennsylvania universities.
• Video sessions, college engineering seniors will get first-hand advice on the FE exam and career paths through one-on-one interviews and a roundtable discussion with experienced licensed professional engineers.
• A subsidy program to help defray the cost of study materials and taking the FE Exam.
• Development of online resources specifically tailored to Pennsylvania engineering students.

“This initiative aligns perfectly with PSPE’s mission to support and promote the engineering profession in Pennsylvania,” said Jennifer Summers, Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Engineering Foundation. “By working together with PSPE and the PA Department of Labor & Industry, we can ensure a strong and qualified engineering workforce for the future of the Commonwealth.”

The grant program is a critical component of the PA Department of Labor & Industry’s ongoing efforts to address workforce shortages in key industries. Pennsylvania, like many states nationwide, faces a growing demand for licensed engineers across various sectors. This initiative aims to bridge the gap by encouraging a new generation of engineers to pursue licensure and contribute their skills to the state’s economy.

 

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About the Pennsylvania Engineering Foundation (PEF)

The Pennsylvania Engineering Foundation (PEF) is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and supporting the engineering profession in Pennsylvania. PEF works to inspire future engineers, enhance the professional development of practicing engineers, and advocate for public policies that support a strong and vibrant engineering community.

About the Pennsylvania Society of Professional Engineers (PSPE)

The Pennsylvania Society of Professional Engineers (PSPE) is the largest engineering society in Pennsylvania, representing over 17,000 licensed engineers and engineering students. PSPE provides its members with professional development opportunities, advocacy on legislative issues impacting the profession, and a network of colleagues across the state.

About the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry (L&I)

The Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry (L&I) is committed to ensuring a safe and healthy work environment for all Pennsylvanians. L&I also works to connect employers with a skilled workforce and promote economic development throughout the Commonwealth.

Contact:

Jennifer Summers, Executive Director, jennifer@wannerassoc.com, 717-441-6051

 

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

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>>

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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

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

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.

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 10^th 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

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.

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

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.