News

The Missouri Society of Professional Engineers (MSPE) acknowledges and appreciates the recent action of the City of Joplin Charter Review Commission to retain the requirement that the City’s Public Works Director be a professional engineer licensed in the State of Missouri.

At a recent meeting, the Commission considered the question of whether the City Charter should be amended to remove the professional engineer requirement. A motion was made to leave the Charter unchanged. The motion passed unanimously, with a 9–0 vote.

In reaching its decision, the Commission cited input received during public hearings from stakeholders who provided multiple justifications for maintaining the existing provision. The Commission concluded that it is important for the City of Joplin to have a licensed professional engineer serving as Director of the Public Works Department, including for responsibilities such as reviewing contracts and supervising the work of other engineers.

Last fall, MSPE participated in the public process sharing why the professional engineer is necessary. MSPE appreciates the Commission’s consideration of stakeholder input and its recognition of the value that licensed engineers bring to public health, safety, and welfare. MSPE also thanks the members of the MSPE Southwest Chapter who helped advocate for the qualifications to remain unchanged.  

MSPE will continue to monitor similar policy proposals across Missouri and encourages members and communities to engage early when professional licensure requirements for public infrastructure leadership roles are under consideration. For additional information or to report similar issues in other communities, please contact info@mspe.org.

MSPE’s Educational Foundation is searching for members interested in assisting the Foundation’s philanthropic mission. The Nominating & Tellers Committee, chaired by Anika Careaga, P.E., is seeking three members interested in serving a three-year term. Applications will be accepted through February 28, 2026. The Educational Foundation is governed by a nine-member Board of Directors, comprised of members from across the state. Board meetings take place bi-monthly for an hour via zoom, with an in-person meeting at the MSPE Convention. Foundation activities are assisted by several committees and MSPE staff. The Board term lasts from July 1, 2026 - June 30, 2029. The Educational Foundation serves its mission by providing financial support to local STEM efforts, such as MATHCOUNTS and other chapter activities. The Foundation also administers the William and Mila Kimel Endowment Program that encourages professional licensure of engineering educators at the University of Missouri campuses. Objectives of the MSPE Educational Foundation: Study and improve the practice of professional engineering and promote the elevation of engineering standards. Promote the study of engineering and research. Improve relations between engineers and the public. Foster suitable standards of engineering education for the licensing of Professional Engineers. Please click this link to complete the application and submit to info@mspe.org by February 28, 2026.

Applications Being Accepted for President-Elect, Vice President, Treasurer & At-Large Representatives

APPLICATION DEADLINE: February 28, 2026

Pursuant to MSPE bylaws, the MSPE Nominating & Tellers Committee is soliciting interest in offices to serve on the Executive Committee and Board of Directors for the 2026-2027 administrative year. These annual elections include the President-elect, Vice President, Treasurer and two at-large representatives. In July, President-elect Charles Loughman, P.E. automatically becomes President.

Nominees must meet the membership requirements of a licensed three-tier member (NSPE, MSPE and local chapter) and be current in membership dues.

Interested applicants should click HERE to apply
Members of the Nominating and Tellers Committee will review submitted applications for Vice-President and President-Elect and interview prospects. Any applicant not selected for the official ballot, who wishes to pursue an office, may do so in accordance with MSPE Bylaws, Article VII, Section 4, Paragraph B.

View descriptions, requirements, and anticipated expectations for the positions HERE.

2025-2026 MSPE Nominating and Tellers Committee Roster

CHAIR

Anika Careaga, P.E. (Jefferson City Chapter)

MEMBERS

Kelsie Clark, P.E. (Western Chapter)

Rachel Goeke, P.E. (Ozark Chapter)

Andy Meyer, P.E. (Southeast Chapter)

John Riediger, P.E. (Southwest Chapter)

Get Involved with MSPE Advocacy!

MSPE is your voice for licensed professional engineers in Jefferson City, and your engagement strengthens our advocacy efforts! Stay informed with our weekly legislative updates emailed to members and make an impact by participating in these upcoming events:

• Engineering Day at the Capitol: Join us on Wednesday, February 5, to connect with lawmakers and showcase the importance of engineering in Missouri. Learn more and register here.
• MSPE Legislative Webinar: Don’t miss this opportunity on Wednesday, March 19, earn 1 PDH and hear updates on key issues affecting the profession as the session reaches its half-way point.  Details and registration here.

Your participation makes a difference. Thank you!

The Missouri Society of Professional Engineers is excited to announce Anika Careaga, P.E is serving as president of the association, effective July 1. Ms. Careaga, owner of EnviroProof, LLC in Jefferson City, was installed as president during the MSPE annual convention on June 6 in Kansas City.

Ms. Careaga succeeds Kelsie Clark, P.E., who served as president of the society since July 2023. Michael Buechter, P.E. of the St. Louis Chapter was installed as President-Elect, with Charles Loughman, P.E. of the Western Chapter as Vice President.  Tim Quinn, P.E., of the St. Louis Chapter, serves as Treasurer.

Ms. Careaga graduated with honors from the University of Missouri-Rolla (UMR, now MO S&T) in 1998 with a B.S. is Civil Engineering with an emphasis in environmental and has been a registered professional engineer in Missouri since 2005. She is a registered professional engineer in Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, Tennessee, Kentucky and Virginia.

Ms. Careaga started her own company EnviroProof, LLC in April 2024 that specializes in providing environmental compliance services for vertically integrated developers in the Midwest.  She was previously employed at Midwest Environmental Consultants (MEC) since 2002.

Anika and her husband Jacob, who is also a 1998 UMR graduate, live in Jefferson City. Jacob Careaga is the Chief Engineer for the Missouri Department of Conservation.

The Missouri Society of Professional Engineers is excited to announce that Breck Washam has been elected vice president of the National Society of Professional Engineers. Washam was elected by the NSPE House of Delegates on June 27. Washam’s term will begin this summer and be formally installed during the NSPE PECON event in Raleigh in August.

Breck Washam, P.E., F.NSPE served as president of MSPE from 2015-2016 and remains highly involved with the MSPE, NSPE and the St. Louis Chapter. Earlier this year, Washam submitted his interest to serve as vice president of NSPE, along with an endorsement by MSPE.

Washam’s membership dates back to 1991. Most recently at NSPE, Washam was elected as North Central Region director with a seat on the NSPE Board of Directors, in 2020. When his term ended in 2022, Washam was later named chair of the NSPE Membership Committee. 

In his professional career, Washam serves as senior vice president and general manager of the Midwest Region for Burns & McDonnell.

MSPE is excited for Washam’s leadership and Missouri’s continued representation at the national level. MSPE is grateful for the support across the NSPE federation.

MSPE Members,

The MSPE Nominating and Tellers Committee, chaired by Immediate Past President Rachel Goeke, P.E. (Ozark), with Past Presidents Ron Black, P.E. (St. Louis), Kurt Higgins, P.E. (Southwest), Mitch Krysa, P.E. (Western) and Michael Purol, P.E. (Northeast), met on April 4, 2024, to select the president-elect, vice president and treasurer nominee that will join the current slate of officers to lead MSPE in the 2024-2025 administrative year.

The nominees are:

President- Anika Careaga, P.E. (Jefferson City

President-Elect-Michael Buechter, P.E. (St. Louis)

Vice President-Charles Loughman, P.E. (Western)

Treasurer- Tim Quinn, P.E. (St. Louis)

Immediate Past President- Kelsie Clark, P.E. (Western)

In accordance with MSPE’s Bylaws, the president-elect automatically assumes the position of president. The positions of president-elect, vice president and treasurer were advertised and open for candidates, for one member applied for each role.

The election of the Slate of Officers presented by the Nominating and Tellers Committee will take place on Wednesday, June 5, 2024, during MSPE’s Annual Convention.

In accordance with MSPE’s Bylaws Article VII, Section 4: Election of Officers (B) additional nominations for the respective offices may be made by written petitions containing the signatures of at least ten members eligible to vote provided that not more than four of those signing any one nominating petition shall be members of the same local chapter, and provided further that any such nominating petition shall reach the Executive Director/Secretary no later than May 1, 2024. 

Interested in Serving on the Elevator Safety Board?

The MSPE Past Presidents Committee on Appointments is seeking volunteers who may be interested in serving on the Elevator Safety Board. Specifically, mechanical engineers.

Click here to visit the Elevator Safety Board website to learn more about the mission and function.

MSPE is collecting a list of volunteers who may be considered for recommendation by MSPE to the Governor’s office. To express interest or inquiries, please contact MSPE Staff at info@mspe.org as soon as possible.

Thank you!

MSPE Staff

MSPE Members,

The Nominating and Tellers Committee, chaired by Immediate Past President Mitch Krysa, P.E. (Western), with Past President Bob Becnel, P.E., F.NSPE, (St. Louis), Past President Neal Brady, P.E. (Ozark), Past President Kurt Higgins, P.E. (SW), Member Josh Hartsock, P.E. (Central) met on April 3, 2023 to select the president-elect, vice president and treasurer nominee that will join the current slate of officers to lead MSPE in 2023-2024.  

The nominees are:

Kelsie Clark, P.E. (Western), President

Anika Careaga, P.E. (Jefferson City), President-Elect

Michael Buechter, P.E. (St. Louis), Vice President

Charles Loughman, P.E. (Western), Treasurer

Rachel Goeke, P.E. (Ozark) President, who will continue as the Immediate Past President

In accordance with MSPE’s Bylaws, the president-elect automatically assumes the position of President. The positions of president-elect, vice president and treasurer were advertised and open for candidates, for one member applied for each role. 

The election of the Slate of Officers presented by the Nominating and Tellers Committee will take place on Wednesday, June 7, 2023 during MSPE’s Annual Convention. 

In accordance with MSPE’s Bylaws Article VII, Section 4: Election of Officers (B) additional nominations for the respective offices may be made by written petitions containing the signatures of at least ten members eligible to vote provided that not more than four of those signing any one nominating petition shall be members of the same local chapter, and provided further that any such nominating petition shall reach the Society's secretary not later than thirty-five days prior to the date of the annual election.

Interested in Becoming a MSPE Leader?

By Mitch Krysa, P.E.

2022-2023 Nominating and Tellers Committee Chair

The MSPE Nominating and Tellers Committee exists to submit recommendations to the MSPE BOD for the positions of President Elect, Vice President and Treasurer. 

Please click HERE for full pdf article.