News

Elizabeth Beckett Johnson, PE began her term as the 2025-26 National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) President during the annual NCEES meeting, held in August in New Orleans. Elizabeth is a resident of Fairbanks, and a past board member of the Alaska State Board of Registration for Architects, Engineers, and Land Surveyors.

Additionally, Colin Maynard, PE, SE, FNSPE was appointed by Elizabeth to serve as chair of the NCEES Committee on Uniform Procedures and Guidelines. This committee evaluates and proposes amendments to the NCEES Model Law and Rules.

The Career and Technical Education (CTE) program at the Anchorage School District has launched their 2025-2026 academic year program. CTE partners with local companies to facilitate 60-hour intern opportunities for high school-aged students, fostering mentorship and connection between Anchorage businesses & students. If your company is interested in being paired with an intern, please reach out to the CTE director, Bert Lord at the email address provided in the poster above.

The American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) Alaska, in partnership with the UAA Civil Engineering Advisory Board, is hosting an upcoming Education Session to prepare members to present in Anchorage School District (ASD) high schools during the 2025–2026 school year. This 1.5-hour session (noon – 1:30 PM) will highlight the importance of inspiring students to consider careers in engineering and provide practical tools to create engaging classroom presentations. Attendees to this education session will also gain background on ASD Freshman Academies Career Exploration, Engineering Academies programs, King Tech “Intro to Engineering,” and other opportunities where ACEC members can play a role. By the end of the session, participants will leave with strategies for making an impact in the classroom and the confidence to share their passion for civil engineering with the next generation.

Lunch: Provided!

Date: Tuesday, September 23

Time: noon to 1:30pm

Location: DOWL, 5015 Business Park Boulevard, Suite 4000

Jason Johnston, PE and Trevor Copple recently joined R&M Consultants, Inc. Jason is a Senior Project Engineer in the firm’s Surface Transportation Group, where he will provide planning, design, and construction administration services for civil and transportation infrastructure projects across Alaska. Trevor is an Environmental Geologist in the firm’s Geosciences Group, where he supports environmental and geotechnical investigations.

To read the full press release, please visit R&M’s website: Jason Johnston, PE & Trevor Copple.

Dave Whitfield joined R&M CONSULTANTS, INC. (R&M) as a Senior Planner in the firm’s newly established Land Development Group.

Dave brings more than 20 years of land use planning experience to R&M, most recently serving as the Planning and Zoning Manager and Platting Officer for the Municipality of Anchorage (MOA). His background includes expertise in land use planning, subdivision and platting, code analysis, private development, and code compliance and implementation for public and private sector projects. Dave also specializes in community and economic development through comprehensive review of local and regional projects, including site planning, subdivisions, conditional uses, variances and the dedication of public facilities such as new roadways. He is a regular presenter on development projects to agencies, community councils and stakeholder groups.

To read the full press release, click here.