The National Academy of Forensic Engineers (NAFE) kicked off its winter meeting on Friday, Jan. 10 in Charleston, S.C. Held at the Renaissance Charleston Historical District Hotel, forensic engineers from across the country and the world gathered together for educational seminars, networking and a board meeting. EC&M Managing Editor Ellen Parson was on hand to sit in on the board of directors meeting, attend the educational presentations, and network with forensic engineers.
On Friday, the first day of the conference, the day began with committee meetings regarding the website, admissions & applications, continuing professional development, and education. After lunch, the board of directors held its regular meeting, followed by an ASTM E58 committee meeting. That evening, members gathered for a reception followed by a formal dinner, at which time the board honored retiring Executive Director Marvin M. Specter, P.E., L.S., who has served the association in this position for decades. In addition to a slide show presentation of Specter's professional and personal achievements, several members presented short speeches on the significant impact Specter has had on the forensic profession as one of the founding members of the association and highlighted what an integral figure he has been in the recognition, development, and education of forensic engineering over the years. The group also presented him with a laptop computer and other special gifts to wish him well in his retirement.