President’s Message: November 2025
ACEC Florida President Richard G. Acree, PE
To the ACEC Florida Community,
As we approach the end of the year, I would like to begin by thanking our member firms for their participation and engagement throughout 2025. Your involvement in committees, events, advocacy efforts, and regional activities has strengthened our association and advanced the collective voice of engineering in Florida. ACEC Florida is successful because of the commitment of its members, and I am grateful for the time and expertise you continue to contribute.
Our Board of Directors will meet on November 19. To update you, the search for our next Executive Director is progressing well. We have wrapped up the virtual interviews, and in-person interviews are scheduled for early December. We remain optimistic that we will reach a final decision by the end of the year. I appreciate the thoughtful involvement of the search committee and the patience of our members during this transition.
This Board meeting will help set the tone for the start of 2026 as we prepare for the upcoming legislative session, which begins on January 13. Member feedback gathered throughout the fall has been helpful, and I look forward to productive discussions as we finalize our priorities for the year ahead.
Our Legislative Committee Week Calls continue to move smoothly. Participation remains strong, and these conversations are building the foundation for effective advocacy as we prepare to represent the interests of engineering firms across the state during the 2026 Legislative Session.
Speaking of which, registration is now open for the 2026 PE Legislative Days, scheduled for January 20-21 in Tallahassee. This event consistently serves as one of the most important opportunities for our members to speak directly with lawmakers about the issues affecting our profession. I strongly encourage you to participate. Engineers who attend consistently mention how valuable the experience is for both themselves and their firms.
Many of our regions are also hosting their own meetings and events over the next several months. These gatherings are an excellent way to stay connected, share updates, and build stronger relationships at the local level. Details for all regional events can be found on our Community Calendar, so please take a moment to see what is happening near you.
Looking ahead to early 2026, preparations are well underway for the Engineering Excellence Awards Banquet on February 13. This event celebrates the outstanding work being done by engineering firms throughout Florida. It is always one of the most memorable evenings of the year for our community. I encourage firms to consider sponsoring the banquet. Sponsorship not only supports the event itself but also highlights your firm’s commitment to excellence in our industry.
Planning also continues for the GMEC Conference, which will be held April 8 through 10, 2026. We are still seeking presentations as well as vendors and exhibitors interested in showcasing products or services. The GMEC Conference remains a valuable gathering for the geotechnical and materials engineering community, providing an ideal opportunity for firms to participate in shaping the program.
As we head into the final stretch of the year, I want to thank each of you once again for your continued dedication to ACEC Florida. Your involvement strengthens the association and helps ensure that engineering in our state continues to grow, adapt, and lead with integrity. I look forward to seeing many of you at upcoming events and continuing our shared work as we prepare for 2026.
Best regards,
Rick Acree, PE
Terracon, Director of Florida Transportation and Infrastructure
Senior Principal – Vice President
