The National Academy of Forensic Engineers’ winter conference was held in January in San Antonio, Texas. Saturday was filled with technical presentations by our members on methodologies, tools and case studies related to a variety of forensic engineering practice subjects. Sunday presentations included practical aspects of Daubert challenges and ethics. Special thanks to the law firm of McCoy Leavitt Laskey for their informative and engaging presentation. The River Walk dining and entertainment amenities contributed to a memorable experience.
The 2023 Board of Directors was sworn in and began our work building on the progress of past boards. Special thanks to our 2022 President Sam Sudler and the Board of Directors. I am honored to be your 2023 President and promise to work diligently to serve the Academy and advance our Mission.
NAFE’s stated Mission affirms our commitment to serving the public, the jurisprudential system and academy members by:
- Advancing the ethical and professional practice of forensic engineering.
- Certifying individuals having achieved expertise in forensic engineering.
- Furthering the development of forensic engineers through education and the publication of peer-reviewed technical literature.
NAFE is a volunteer organization and accordingly our service commitment is achieved by volunteer dedication through the critical work our committees perform. On behalf of the Board, I sincerely thank the members generously giving their time working on committees.
NAFE is one of only two chartered affinity groups of the National Society of Professional Engineers and we continue to deepen our strong relationship with NSPE. NAFE is also a member of the Council of Engineering and Scientific Specialty Boards (CESB), and our Diplomate Forensic Engineer (DFE) certification program is accredited by the CESB.
The planning for our summer conference is well underway. We will be meeting in Kansas City, Missouri, on July 14 through 16, 2023, at the Sheraton KC Hotel at Crown Center. Details of the conference will be forthcoming. See you there!
NAFE, like most other organizations, was negatively impacted by the pandemic. We are recovering, and this challenge presents us with the opportunity to reexamine our operations to assure we are best serving our membership. Accordingly, I am pleased to announce NAFE is embarking on a strategic planning process to define our vision for the future and develop a roadmap to get there.
Finally, it is with a heavy heart that I report NAFE Fellow and past President Dr. Robert Anderson (402F) recently passed away. Bob specialized in materials engineering and sciences and published multiple papers in the Journal of the National Academy of Forensic Engineers. Bob’s many impressive accomplishments are too numerous to list here. We extend our sincere condolences to his family and especially his wife Dru. Bob will be missed.
Thank you all for your commitment to NAFE.
Joseph G. Leane, P.E., D.F.E.
2023 NAFE President