Press Release                     

Release: Immediate
Contact: Stacey Ober
703-684-2815

National Society of Professional Engineers Names New Executive Director

ALEXANDRIA, VA (January 10, 2007) — The National Society of Professional Engineers is pleased to announce that Lawrence A. Jacobson has been named to serve as the Society's executive director by the NSPE Board of Directors at its meeting on January 6 in Jacksonville, Florida. Jacobson brings a wealth of leadership experience in association management and will lead the organization in its efforts to promote professional licensure and the engineering profession.

"The engineering profession is one of the cornerstones of our global society, with professional engineers constantly looking for innovative and cost-effective ways to maintain and secure the public's health, safety, and welfare," said Jacobson. "I look forward to growing NSPE's efforts and success in meeting the needs of its members, the engineering community, and the public."

Jacobson most recently served as the executive director of the MATHCOUNTS Foundation, which increases enthusiasm for and enhances achievement in middle school mathematics throughout the U.S. He brings more than 20 years of nonprofit management experience to NSPE, with a history of leading organizations through impressive periods of program and financial growth. Prior to MATHCOUNTS, Jacobson served as executive director of the Association of Specialists in Cleaning & Restoration, executive vice president for the National Association for Search and Rescue, and president of the Building Owners and Managers Institute.

"We've had the benefit of great executive directors for our entire 73-year history," said Robert S. Miller III, P.E., president of NSPE. "Larry will continue to raise our already high standards, and NSPE will take giant steps forward immediately and relentlessly. He is a consummate professional with a great work ethic, unique talents, and uncompromising principles."

Jacobson possesses an M.A. in history from the Wheaton College Graduate School in Wheaton, Illinois, and a J.D. from the John Marshall School of Law in Chicago. He is a member of the Illinois Bar, the American Society of Association Executives, and the American National Standards Institute.

The National Society of Professional Engineers is the national society for licensed professional engineers from all disciplines that promotes the ethical and competent practice of engineering, advocates licensure, and enhances the image and well-being of its members. Founded in 1934, NSPE serves more than 50,000 members and the public through 53 state and territorial societies and more than 500 chapters.

EDITOR'S NOTE: High-resolution photos of Jacobson are available in digital format.