Dear Members and Friends of VSPE:
As we conclude a transitional year for VSPE, we’re looking forward to continuing our work for the engineering community in the Commonwealth and enhancing our efforts in response to current and developing issues that impact our profession and its responsibilities to the public, our clients, and our colleagues. Many thanks to our immediate past president and board member, Rebecca Golden, for shepherding us through some critical organizational changes and for her continued support of our operations, and to members of our board and foundation serving in existing and new roles.
One need only glance at the headlines to see the variety of challenges faced by engineering professionals in today’s dynamic work environment. Professional engineers are continually adapting to innovations in technology, project delivery, and business organizations, while maintaining adherence to a code of conduct that designates protection of the public safety, health, and welfare as the primary professional obligation. The profession is also regularly confronted by issues such as the unlicensed practice of engineering, policy/legislative/regulatory initiatives that – directly or indirectly – impact engineers and public safety, the continued vitality of the “pipeline” for future members of the profession, and the need for enhanced public education on the role of engineering registration. The NSPE, through its national office and state chapters, provides an excellent forum for identification and discussion of these issues that impact the strength and viability of the engineering profession. State chapters, such as VSPE, also recruit and encourage future generations of engineers through K-12 and university outreach, events, and scholarship initiatives, and provide important networking opportunities to members as they navigate different phases of their careers.
During the coming months, we’ll be reaching out to engineers, engineering students, and those who interact with them on a regular basis for assistance in identifying priorities and focus areas, and for feedback on how we can best serve the needs of our membership. We encourage you to interact with us – through our web-site, social networks, and networking events – to explore how NSPE/VSPE can enhance your engineering practice and work life. Hope to see you soon!
Betsy Ennis Dulin, P.E., Esq.