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Kansas Professional Engineer eNews

April 2009, Issue 3

In this Issue:

• Summer is Time for Growth

• Preview 2009-2010 Officer Nomin

Summer is Time for Growth 

By Ron Gaches, Executive Director

Spring is barely here, the crab apple trees are blooming and my lawn needs a trim, but I’m already thinking about summer.  For some, summer represents a time to kick back, take some vacation and relax with family and friends.  These are noble pursuits to be sure; there’s nothing like a little down time to make you feel refreshed and a new tan always makes me feel younger.

But summer is also a great time to sharpen your skills, broaden your perspective and increase your problem solving capabilities as a Professional Engineer.  This summer, NSPE and KSPE bring you two excellent opportunities to seize these opportunities.

The 2009 KSPE Annual Conference will be held June 10-12 in Overland Park at the recently remodeled Marriott Hotel.  The theme and program content reflects the tumultuous times in which we live – “Engineering: Responding to Change, Shaping the Future.” Major forces are impacting engineering, the economy and our lives. This year’s conference features outstanding speakers with the latest insights on your profession and career.  See the conference feature elsewhere in this issue or on the KSPE website at www.kansasengineer.org for additional details.

In a similar fashion, the NSPE Conference in St. Louis, July 15-20,  offers additional resources for personal and professional growth.  In my decade working with KSPE, the NSPE Conference has never been more convenient or accessible for our Kansas members, and I strongly encourage you to attend.  The format of this conference has continued to evolve, thanks to members like you offering constructive input for content and format.  The conference is loaded with great programs and is more impactful than ever before.

This year the conference will have a special “Kansas” emphasis, as our recently enacted Associate Member program has come under close scrutiny by NSPE.  The NSPE House of Delegates and Board of Directors are expected to have in depth discussions about the Kansas state-and-chapter-only membership option.  While the format of all sessions is not totally set yet, you can expect to have a voice in the discussion about this and other membership issues.  Conference details can be found at www.nspe.org.

Change is always happening.  You can let it overwhelm you or you can take advantage of it.  Participating in thought provoking conferences like these make summer the perfect time for professional and personal growth.  I look forward to seeing many of you in Overland Park and St. Louis.  There will still be time to work on that tan. 

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PREVIEW 2009-2010 OFFICER NOMINEES

by Ron Gaches, Executive Director 

One of the continuing strengths of KSPE is the high quality individuals who have given so generously of their time and energy to help lead the State Society.  Below for your review are the nominations for the 2009-2010 officers of KSPE.  Mark Williams of Eastern Chapter has been nominated to join the Executive Committee, as Chris Price of Eastern Chapter rotates off following his term as past president.  The continuing members of the Executive Committee are all proposed to be in new roles as Doug Danaher moves from president elect to president and others make corresponding moves.

The Executive Committee is diverse in their geographic representation of the state and in their professional interests.  At least three members, Tom Roberts, Doug Danaher and Keith Beatty, have been members of more than one chapter of KSPE and have very broad personal networks within the Society.  All are former chapter leaders.

Each year, the Nominating Committee is led by the out-going past president of the Society.  Prior to reaching the membership, the officer nominations are reviewed and approved by the Executive Committee and Board of Directors.  Your official 2009-2010 KSPE officer ballot will be sent electronically in just a couple of weeks.  Please complete and return your ballot promptly.

Officer Nominations

President – Douglas Danaher, P.E. (Eastern, PEPP)

Doug has been employed by Wilson & Company, Inc., Engineers and Architects in Kansas City and Salina as a Civil Engineer since January 1995.  He graduated Kansas State University in December 1994 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering.  His KSPE activities include:  KSPE President Elect, KSPE 1st Vice President, 2nd Vice President, Secretary, KSPE Treasurer (2003 –2005), KSPE Budget Committee Chair (2000 – 03), Smoky Valley Chapter Board of Directors (1998 – 2004), Smoky Valley Chapter MATHCOUNTS Chair (1998 – 2001).  Doug currently serves as KSPE President Elect.  Doug and his wife, Jenny, have two children and live in Johnson County.

President Elect – Brian Armstrong, P.E. (Topeka, PEPP)

Brian received his undergraduate degree in Civil Engineering from Kansas State University and his Masters degree in Civil Engineering from Kansas University.  He is employed at Bartlett & West Engineers where he is a Senior Project Manager.  Active with KSPE and his local chapter, Brian served as Chapter President in 2004-2005, has served on the KSPE Board as State Director for the Topeka Chapter, and also as Treasurer, Secretary, 2nd Vice President, and currently serves as 1st Vice President.  In addition, he has volunteered with several KSPE membership recruitment activities.  He and his wife, Angie, have two children and live in Topeka.

1st Vice President – Glenn Knak, P.E. (Smoky Valley, PEPP)

Glenn is a graduate of Kansas Technical Institute (now Kansas State University – Salina) with an Associates degree in Engineering Technology.  He currently serves as Vice President Transportation Planning for Bucher, Willis and Ratliff Consulting Engineers.  In addition to going through the leadership chairs of the Smoky Valley Chapter, Glenn is a former chair of the KSPE Awards Committee, served on the KSPE Strategic Planning Task Force and has been a member of the KSPE Board as the Smoky Valley State Director for five years. Glenn has also served as Secretary and currently holds the 2nd Vice President position on the Board. He and his wife, Jeanne, have three sons and live in Salina.

2nd Vice President – Edward Sexe, P.E. (Topeka, PEC)

Ed received his BS Degree in Civil Engineering from North Dakota State University and is the General Manager for Cretex Concrete Products Midwest.  Ed has been active with the Missouri/Kansas Concrete Pipe Association and the Kansas Contractors’ Association, where he serves on the legislative committee.  In addition to his volunteer efforts with KSPE membership recruitment activities, Ed is a Past President of the Topeka Chapter, has served as Treasurer and has held the PEC Representative position on the KSPE Board. He is currently completing his term as Secretary on the Board.  Ed and his wife, Kendra, live in Topeka with their two children.

Secretary – Keith D. Beatty, P.E. (Tri-Valley, PEPP)

Keith received his BS Degree in Civil Engineering from Kansas State University and began his professional career with Kaw Valley Engineering in 1997.  He joined the City of Emporia in 2000 and served as City Engineer for two years.  Keith has returned to Kaw Valley Engineering as the Senior Project Manager and Manager of Civil Design Services.  He has previously served in all the leadership chairs of the Topeka Chapter and has been very active in recent years organizing KSPE professional Development Programs.  Keith is finishing up his current term as Treasurer on the KSPE Board. He was recognized as EIT of the year by KSPE in 2002.  Keith and his wife, Shari, have three children: Kati (11), Baylee (9) and Skyler (7).

Treasurer – Mark Williams, P.E. (Eastern)

Mark Williams, P.E. graduated from Kansas State University in 1992 with a BS in Civil Engineering.  He is currently employed by HNTB Corporation in Overland Park as an Associate Vice President. Mark joined KSPE in 1999.  He has served the Eastern Chapter in every officer position, beginning in 2002 as Treasurer and ending in 2006 as President.  He is currently serving a two-year term as State Director. Mark has volunteered with MATHCOUNTS, Model Bridge Building, and has visited several elementary, middle and high schools to discuss engineering and encourage children to become interested in math and science. He is also serving on the Annual Conference Planning Committee. Mark and his wife, Denise, have two children.

Past President – Tom Roberts, P.E., CMC (Tri-Valley, PEHE)

Tom Roberts has more than 30 years industry experience in planning, organizational development, and leadership development programs. Tom is a certified management consultant, a licensed professional engineer, has a master’s degree in nuclear engineering from Kansas State University, where he currently serves as Assistant Dean, Recruitment & Leadership Development for the College of Engineering at Kansas State University.  A former Tri-Valley Chapter President, Tom has been active in promoting professional licensure among young engineers and developed the most recent KSPE leadership development programs.  He is currently finishing his term as President of the KSPE Board. Tom and his wife, Karen, have two sons and three grandchildren.

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2009 Spring Conference a Success

The 2009 KSPE Spring Conference experienced a great turnout this year with over 50 people attending. The Conference was held at the Farm Credit Bank Building in Wichita on April 2nd. The theme of this year’s conference was Accelerating Project Delivery. Attendees enjoyed a dynamic line up of topics and knowledgeable speakers. In addition, attendees had the opportunity to obtain Five Professional Development Hours from the conference.

Session topics included:

Accelerating Project Completion and Issues

Jim Kowach, PE (KDOT)

Practical Improvements

Amy Rockers, PE (KDOT)

Economic Recovery Plan-Kansas Impact

Dan Scherschligt, PE (KDOT)

Chris Herrick, PE (KDOT)

Ron Seitz, PE (KDOT)

Transportation Innovation Through Design-Build
Jennifer Benefield (MoDOT)

Jim Shipley, PE (MoDOT)

Brainstorming: How Can We Shorten Delivery?   

Freddie Simmons, PE (KDOT)

Many thanks to our great speakers!

"The partnership between KDOT and KSPE has continued to grow and flourish in the two years since we’ve been partnering on these Spring Conferences. I know I, as well as other members of KSPE, appreciate that KDOT has taken the time and effort to help facilitate this working relationship.” Keith Beatty, PE, KSPE Secretary.

Below: Speakers address the audience on various topics.

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plan to attend The 2009 Kspe annual conference

The Kansas Society of Professional Engineers will be holding their 2009 Annual Conference June 10-12 in Overland Park. You may register online at www.kansasengineer.org or visit our website to print off a registration brochure. Please see the itinerary below for event festivities. We hope to see you there!

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NSPE OFfers special website feature for students

NSPE continues to focus on the future. The NSPE Web site now features a section especially designed for students. You'll find it in the site's main navigation or you can reach it directly by visiting http://www.nspe.org/Students/index.html. Today's students are the future of the engineering profession and will be tomorrow's problem solvers who help turn ideas into reality. These pages provide resources for students seeking information about engineering and tips on starting down the path to a rewarding career. This new section provides information on licensing, career development, student chapters and scholarships.

The "Getting your PE" page includes information and links to important documents on licensure, the FE and PE exam schedule, products for students and young engineers, and even free videos and seminars on the importance of becoming a professional engineer and the licensure that goes hand-in-hand with it. The "Career Development" page includes links to job boards, mentoring programs, and employment guidelines for selecting the right company to develop your career. The "Student Chapters" page outlines specific guidelines and procedures for students  interested in possibly starting their own student chapter (this page includes handbooks, resources, and leadership tips). Students interested in engineering scholarships, NSPE membership, and fellowships, should visit the "Resources" page for more information.

All four pages include free videos and seminars to help students prepare for their future. If you are a mentor, parent with a child interested in engineering or just know a student who is pursuing engineering, encourage him or her to visit the website today!

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Welcome New members!

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Mark Your Calendar

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