A Message From FES President Dr. Charles Davis
Dear FES members,
After serving with dedication for a year, I come before you, fellow FES members, with a heart full of humility, optimism, and appreciation. Overseeing this incredible society, which I adore, has been the greatest honor of my life. I have seen your fortitude in the face of hardship, your kindness in times of need, and your steadfast dedication to the principles that define who we are. I implore you to keep these principles in mind as I get ready to leave office: our shared history, our shared goals, and our steadfast faith in the potential of FES’s vision and mission. Our mission is to enhance the knowledge, skills, and status of our members by providing opportunities for professional growth through education, licensure, and promoting ethical and competent engineering practices. Our vision is to advance public welfare, promote the professional, social, and economic interests of the engineering profession, and stimulate professional development through education and excellence in practice.
Reflecting on our time together, I envision a bright and optimistic future for the Florida Engineering Society. Challenges have been met, and the power and perseverance of our talented spirit have been proved repeatedly. Our principles are fulfilled and enjoyed via the dedication of public officials, heroism in community service, and unshakable commitment to the public.
America’s eternal promise, as well as its people’s ability to overcome hurdles and establish a better future, are believed in. As private life resumes, or shall I say as my next role as past president continues, the memories of the shared journey, as well as the hope that we as engineers will continue to work for a better, more just, and prosperous nation for everyone, thus, we will continue to strive for excellence.
Change in FBPE Digital Signing and Sealing language
Signature language changes
This recent update lifts the restrictions placed on Digital Signature requirements. See FA.C. Rule 61G15-23.004 Procedures for Digitally Signing and Sealing Electronically Transmitted Plans, Specifications, Reports or Other Documents.
F.A.C. Rule 61G15-23.004 now states: “This item has been digitally signed and sealed by [NAME] on the date adjacent to the seal. Signature must be verified on any electronic copies.”
As shown below, removing the portion, “Printed copies of this document are not considered signed and sealed.”
FES recently partnered with IdenTrust to provide a trusted vendor to our members for digital signatures. See our webpage on Engineering Seals for more information.
Friendly Reminders
- As we invest in the future of engineering, I ask you to consider supporting our FES Student Chapters. Your financial support will ensure that these student-led groups have the resources they need to thrive by helping to fund guest speakers and expert panels, organizing hands-on workshops and networking events, sponsoring industry site visits and real-world learning experiences, and supporting student-led research initiatives. As a donor, you will be recognized on our website, acknowledged at student chapter events, and receive a personalized thank-you letter from the students whose futures you are helping to shape. Learn more about one of our Student Chapters by clicking here.
- Additionally, we are seeking donations to support the Engineering School Alumni Receptions at the FES|ACEC Florida Annual Conference in July. These receptions provide a platform for universities and colleges across Florida to highlight their engineering programs, connect with industry leaders, and engage with alumni and students. We are seeking donations to help offset expenses for these engineering programs and ensure strong representation from all participating schools. Your support will also help bring faculty from all universities and colleges to these receptions, where they can promote their engineering programs and strengthen industry-academic partnerships.
- I hope to see all of you at our FES | ACEC Florida Annual Conference, taking place at the JW Marriott Marco Island from July 30 to August 2. This conference offers us the opportunity to meet with qualified engineers from across the state, learn about professional group gatherings, social networking, vendor contact, product reviews, and ongoing education. Educational sessions cover a range of topics, including technical advancements, project case studies, leadership, and professional development. Please register early and reserve your hotel room for the conference as soon as possible.
Thank you for this amazing opportunity to serve as your President. God bless you and the United States of America.
Sincerely,
Charles W. Davis, Ph.D., CSSGB | Associate Professor
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University | davisc14@erau.edu
