The Missouri Society of Professional Engineers held their Annual State Convention at Old Kinderhook Lodge at the Lake of the Ozarks June 7 – 9 this year. Western Chapter Membership can be proud of our involvement at the State level, as shown by having the largest chapter contingent in attendance for the convention, coupled with many serving on State Boards, committees, and being selected for individual achievement awards.

Those attending the State Convention were Joe Buchheit, Kelsie Clark, Naomi Daldalian, Sheryl Gallegher, Jim Guthrie, Dave Howe, Mitch Krysa, Tim Scott, Gary Strack and Ron Zitterkopf. Besides attending all the sessions, there were multiple networking opportunities and a good way to get to know other MSPE members from all the local chapters.

Leadership at the State level is evident with Kelsie Clark being installed as the State President of MSPE, Charles Loughman as the State Treasurer, Mitch Krysa as the Past President, Sheryl Gallegaher as Director At Large. Tim Scott also will serve as WC MSPE State Director. All of these are members of the MSPE Board of Directors. Kelsie and Charles are officers, and Kelsie, Charles and Sheryl serve on the MSPE Executive Committee. In addition, Ron Zitterkopf serves as a Director and member of the Board of Directors for the MSPE Education Foundation. Clearly we are involved in state activities.

Also, our own Lauren Pins will serve as the MSPE co-Chair of the 2024 State Convention which is a joint convention with KSPE and will be held downtown Kansas City at the Sheraton (Old Hyatt Regency). This is a big deal.

Tom Greer is serving as the Chairman of the Fall PDH days which provides several opportunities for our membership state wide to earn those required PDH’s which are required for continued registration as Professional Engineers. This Zoom meeting entails multiple days with many sessions, and has been attended by over 70 in the past couple of years. Another big deal!

Now when it comes to awards, WC Members were well recognized. Kelsie Clark was the recipient of the PEI (Professional Engineers in Industry – Distinguished Service Award, and Ron Zitterkopf and Mitch Krysa were presented co-recipients of the Presidents “Extra Mile” award.

Western Chapter members…here is your call to duty, and help us continue to supply leadership not only to Western Chapter, but to the State as well. Those mentioned above will be most happy to discuss and mentor any interested member. Look up the list of committees that are shown on the MSPE website and see if there is something that is in your wheelhouse and you are interested enough to throw your hat into the ring.

Congratulations to Western Chapter membership and the leadership provided not only at the Chapter level, but at the state level as well. You are commended for your efforts.

Mitch Krysa, P.E.

Proud Member of Western Chapter MSPE, MSPE and NSPE