The SEAOC year is rapidly progressing. Major goals for the year have included increased utilization of technology, developing a SEAOC Webinar series, public relations, and selection of an Executive Director.

SEAOC has utilized today’s technology to conduct many successful on-line meetings. The SEAOC February Board was conducted on-line with participants logging in from their homes and offices. Numerous state committees are also using the web based platform to increase communication while reducing operating costs. “Face time” meetings remain important and will continue to be conducted but less frequently.
Under the skillful direction of Webinar/Seminar Chair, Kelly Cobeen, SEAOC has initiated a series of webinars to provide continuing education to our members and beyond. The initial presentation “SEAOC Observations and Lessons Following the 22 February 2011 Christchurch Earthquake”, by SEAOC Post Disaster Performance Observation Committee members was excellent. Upcoming presentations will feature “Understanding and Design of Steel Concentric Braced Frames” on June 10 and Recommendations for Design: Reinforced Concrete Structures on July 8. I hope you will all log in.

Following major earthquakes around the world, our society has a heightened interest in seismic safety and what California should expect after a major earthquake. The SEAOC Public Relations Committee, under Chair Diane Gould’s direction, has been very prolific in providing media outlets releases on earthquake safety including: Lessons From the Japan Earthquake, Support for Hospital Safety Funding, California’s Public Schools, and What the National SE Exam Means to California’s Engineers, which were picked up by various news media. If you did not receive a copy of the articles, please contact the SEAOC office at dschinske@seaoc.org to update your email address in the State database.

Now is the time to discuss seismic safety issues with our public policy makers. I encourage each of you to contact your local City and County officials and ask “are we prepared for the next expected earthquake?” “Will our local government and local economy be resilient after such a seismic event?” “How long will it take for people to return to their homes and jobs?”

On a different note, after many years of service to SEAOC, our Executive Director, Lee Adler, will be retiring at the end of September. Lee has served as our Executive Director, Chief Operating Officer, and Government Relations Professional since 1999. During his tenure, Lee always provided a positive atmosphere of cooperation and communication between the four Member Organizations, industry partners, and national organizations. He moved SEAOC forward. Lee successfully placed SEAOC members on many state boards and commissions as well as being instrumental in working with our industry partners in a coalition to overturn the Building Standards Commission adoption of NFPA 5000 in 2003 and return California to the I-Codes in 2005 saving our state billions of dollars. We wish Lee all the best and safe travels when he leaves the Capitol jungle for a retirement trip to the Amazon jungle this fall. SEAOC will be issuing an RFP for Executive Office services in June. If you are aware of an interested and well qualified individual and/or organization, please forward their contact information to me.

Also, please don’t forget to “save the date” for our annual convention September 22 to 24 at the JW Marriott in Las Vegas. A robust technical program will be available for your continued education along with social activities including a behind the scenes tour of the Cirque du Soleil “O” before enjoying the show.

In closing I would like to thank the SEAOC Board, Committee members, and others who volunteer their time and energy to SEAOC activities. Together you are making a difference in our profession and a difference in California public safety. Thank you!

Respectfully submitted,
Stephen Pelham, SE, F.SEAOC
President, SEAOC