News

Former BRPELS Executive Director, George Twiss, PLS, passed away Monday, April 6, 2026. George served in that position from 1997 until his retirement in the Spring of 2015, although his employment with the Board began in 1986 as a staff investigator. He was the first executive director to be a professional land surveyor.

George was first licensed in Washington in 1978. He attended the Oregon Institute of Technology and had a land surveyor license in Oregon and Washington. In 1996, he received the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) Meritorious…

BRPELS Director Ken Fuller, PE, took part in a panel discussion yesterday for engineering students at the University of Washington, Tacoma. The panel included 3 other local professional engineers, Robb Gries, PE, Meaghan Owens, PE and Tom Szymoniak, PE.

The group spoke with about a dozen of UW Tacoma’s Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam review class. Topics included professional development, exam preparation for the FE and what makes earning a professional engineering license so important.

BRPELS Board Member, Dave Peden, PE, SE, presented to two student engineering groups yesterday at Washington State University, Pullman. He spoke to a total of about 60 students, on the importance of getting licensed, becoming a professional engineer, professional development and engineering ethics. The first group was a senior “Integrated Capstone” class and the second was the American Society of Civil Engineers student chapter. 

At a ceremony yesterday at the Washington State Capitol, Governor Bob Ferguson signed House Bill 2229 into law, regarding the Board of Registration for Professional Engineers & Land Surveyors.

House Bill 2229 in the 2025-26 Washington Legislative Session, concerns the Professional Engineers' Registration Act, aimed at updating regulations, modifying board account names and removing certain mandatory registration suspensions.

National Surveyors Week, March 15-21, 2026, is a time to both celebrate and recognize the important role that surveyors play in our society. It's a chance to honor their hard work and dedication in accurately measuring and mapping the land around us. By highlighting their contributions, we can raise awareness about the crucial role that surveyors play in various industries, from construction to urban planning to environmental conservation. The week serves as an opportunity to show appreciation for the specialized skills and expertise that surveyors bring to their work.

For those…

BRPELS Pro-Tem Board Member Walt Dale, PLS, was presented with a service award from Deputy Director Kristina Horton, PLS and Board Member Matt Rasmussen, PLS, PE. Walt is retiring as a pro-tem, after serving since 2023. Pro-Tem Board members typically assist with case management and fill-in when needed as a Board member. The recognition happened February 26, 2026, during the annual LSAW Conference, this year in Spokane. 

“Walt has been indispensable in helping with case management,” said Ken Fuller, BRPELS Director. “We greatly appreciate his professional survey…

BRPELS had four presentations and an exhibit booth this year, at the 2026 Land Surveyors Association of Washington’s (LSAW) Annual Conference. This year’s event was in Spokane, at the Davenport Grand Hotel, February 25 - 27. About 400 attendees were at this year’s conference.

BRPELS had four presentations, including:

Presenters included Board members Matt Rasmussen, PLS, PE, Jon Warren, PLS and Deputy Director, Kristina…

As societies grapple with widening inequalities, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI), social science, Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) and finance emerges as a four-pillar approach to accelerate inclusive and sustainable development.

https://www.un.org/en/observances/women-and-girls-in-science-day

About 550 people recently attended the 2026 “Septic-Con” at the Greater Tacoma Convention Center, bringing together professionals, policymakers, researchers and stakeholders regarding sustainable and efficient decentralized wastewater solutions.

BRPELS and WOSSA held an update for about 65 attendees, on Friday, January 23. Presenters included Ken Fuller, PE, BRPELS Director, Leigh McIntire WOSSA Executive Director, Ric Wilkerson, BRPELS On-Site Committee Member and Designer, Bob Suggs, Tacoma Pierce County Health Department Regulator and On…

BRPELS recently spoke with the Society of American Military Engineers, Mount Tacoma Post.  Internal Control Manager, Kevin Ballard presented to the group’s monthly meeting, regarding BRPELS mission, proposed WAC language and future license decoupling. He also highlighted several process improvements BRPELS accomplished in 2025, to exceed the requirements of Executive Order 25-03 (Transparency and Efficiency) and 25-06 (Customer Service). Kevin also addressed the importance of public safety, by getting…