A Message From FES President David Keough, PE
Fellow FES members,
What an incredible time we had at our recent FES | ACEC Florida Annual Conference on Marco Island! The energy, the educational sessions, and the networking opportunities were second to none. It was a resounding success, and I want to extend my deepest gratitude to the dedicated Conference Committee and our exceptional staff. Their meticulous planning and flawless execution created a truly memorable event for all who attended. Building on that momentum, I’m excited to share that plans are already taking shape for next year’s conference, which will be held in Cape Coral, Florida.
I’d like to take a moment to talk about change. Now, I’m not referring to the spare change you get back from a purchase, the need to change soiled clothes, the color of the leaves in the fall, or even the urgent task of changing a baby’s diaper. I’m talking about real, transformational change—the kind that reshapes our attitudes and strengthens our organization from the inside out. Sometimes, though, even the slightest unexpected change can be difficult to handle.
Recently, my wife and I were at a fast-casual restaurant, where I placed a takeout order for a house salad and warm yeast rolls. The ordering process went smoothly, but the delivery came with an unexpected twist. The salad, which I’ve always received in a square-shaped container, was handed to me in a clear, rectangular one. It was a minor detail, but it was totally unexpected. Unfortunately, I shared my disappointment about this small change with my wife. Let’s just say the conversation that followed was a valuable learning experience on how to better deal with unexpected change.
This brings me to the significant and positive changes underway within the Florida Engineering Society. First, as you are aware, the headquarters building sale was officially completed; the funds are in the bank. Our staff planned and executed a seamless move to an interim location without any interruption to member services or conference planning—a testament to their professionalism and dedication.
The second major change on the horizon for our organization is the selection of a new Executive Director. The search is well underway. While the advertisement has only been public for a couple of weeks and will close on September 26, we have already received well over 35 submittals. The selection committee is cautiously optimistic that a shortlist can be created, interviews conducted, and a final candidate with a contract prepared for presentation to the Board at our upcoming November board meeting.
There are also some behind-the-scenes changes being made to procedures, budgeting, and accounting that will benefit the organization for the long term.
These are exciting times for FES. Change is not just happening; it is propelling us forward. I am confident that these transformations will position us for an even brighter and more successful future.
Sincerely,
David Keough, PEÂ
President, Florida Engineering Society
