President’s Message:
Welcome to the ASCE Gainesville Branch! As your President for 2024-2025, I'm excited to connect with you and share the many benefits of membership. This year, my focus is on empowering engineers in North Central Florida through professional development, networking, and a renewed commitment to community engagement. I have three key priorities for the year:
- Growing our Community: We're aiming to increase our membership numbers and, more importantly, the active involvement of our members. A stronger, more engaged membership means more opportunities for learning, networking, and making a real difference in our region. We'll be exploring new ways to connect with engineers in the area and create even more valuable programs and events.
- Reconnecting with our Community: Reviving our community outreach and involvement is a top priority. We believe in giving back to the community we serve, and we'll be organizing more volunteer opportunities and partnering with local organizations to make a positive impact. Look out for upcoming projects where we can use our skills and expertise to benefit North Central Florida.
- Strengthening our Leadership: A strong Board of Directors is essential for a thriving branch. I'm committed to deepening the relationships within our board and strengthening our leadership pipeline. This means fostering mentorship opportunities, providing leadership training, and encouraging members to get involved at all levels.
We offer a range of opportunities to enhance your technical skills, stay up-to-date on industry trends, and build valuable relationships with fellow professionals. From our monthly meetings (typically the third Thursday of the month, offering PDHs) to specialized workshops and networking events, we strive to provide resources that support your career growth. And, of course, this year, we'll be adding more community-focused events to the mix!
Serving Alachua and the surrounding eleven counties (Bradford, Columbia, Dixie, Gilchrist, Hamilton, Lafayette, Levy, Marion, Putnam, Suwanee, and Union), we're part of the Florida Section and Region 5 of ASCE. Our collaborations with AWWA, FES, and the UF Student Chapter provide even more avenues for learning and connection.
I encourage you to explore our website and social media platforms, check our calendar for upcoming events, and reach out to our team. We're here to support your professional journey, build a stronger engineering community, and make a real difference together.
Sincerely,
John Omarlie, PE,
Gainesville Branch President ’24-‘25