Past President Letter

Words of Appreciation, Wisdom, and Encouragement from PSLS Past President

Thank you, President Amy Hopkins, PLS, for honoring me with the President's Award at the Annual Membership Meeting of PSLS last month.

The Society faced some extreme challenges due to the pandemic last year. We met those challenges and are better as a result. We pivoted from our traditional conference to a series of virtual educational seminars. We accomplished some legislative goals, are on the verge of finalizing an update to the PSLS Standards of Practice and our membership numbers are improving. None of this happened without the support and dedication of our Executive Committee, Board of Directors, Committee chairs, volunteers, members, and, of course, our friends at Wanner Associates. I am constantly impressed by our leaders, group dynamic and commitment from everyone involved.

I had to resign as President when I became a member of the PA Registration Board for Engineers, Land Surveyors and Geologists last September. I want you to know that I continue to vigorously support the Land Surveying profession in my new role, as much or more than I have over the past 35 years as a member of PSLS.

In addition to the activities of reviewing and approving budgets, making decisions about examinations and professional development, and reviewing applications for licensure, Board members also respond to complaints and take enforcement action when necessary. I find that fellow Board Members are wellinformed about the differences and commonalities of the three professions and are willing to act when a licensed professional oversteps their boundaries (pun intended).

In addition to our monthly webinars, PSLS still has several, day-long virtual education events on the schedule. Make sure you register for these events. I am sure you will see the value, not just in terms of the cost, but also for your own personal professional improvement and advancement. Your Pennsylvania license renews in September. I believe the largest number of enforcement actions by the Registration Board are taken against professionals who forget to renew their license while continuing to practice their profession!

Please consider donating to the PSLS PAC to support legislative initiatives for Pennsylvania Land Surveyors. Download the donation form at https://www.psls.org/PAC

It's a great time to be a Land Surveyor!! I wish you good health and continued prosperity in the year ahead.

Jonathan J. Tabas, PE, PLS Board Member, PA Registration Board for Engineers, Land Surveyors and Geologists