PENC Committees & Volunteer Opportunities

PENC committees are the heart of our organization. To get involved in a committee listed below, please fill out our Volunteer Survey.

Legislative Response Committee
The Legislative Response Committee (LRC) has been established to provide expert engineering insights and support in response to legislative matters that affect the engineering community and the public. The LRC will ensure that engineering perspectives are appropriately represented in legislative discussions and documents. Learn More!
Chair: John Adams, PE, Lochner

Membership Committee
The PENC Membership Committee furthers the mission of PENC by increasing effectiveness, unity, and inclusiveness of efforts by national and state leaders (volunteer and staff) in achieving the goals of the new membership business model: to offer a compelling value proposition for integrated membership, expand membership at all levels, and support the revenue needs of the state society. The Membership Committee is responsible for overseeing all aspects related to membership within PENC.
Chair: Scarlett Kitts, PE, Black & Veatch

Achievement Awards Committee
The PENC Achievement Awards recognize member engineers and outstanding engineering firms that have performed exceptional services for the public, the profession, and for the organization.
Chair: Brian Johnson, PE, Wooten (PENC Immediate Past Chair)

Summer Conference and Seminar Planning Committees
Assist in the planning of the annual summer conference, or regional seminars. Help make decisions on venue, budget, social events, recruitment of speakers and sponsors.
2025 Charlotte Seminar Planning Committee Chair: Susan Habina-Woolard, PE, Town of Matthews
2025 Wilmington Seminar Planning Committee Chair: Paul Shivers, PE, Highfill
2025 Raleigh Seminar Planning Committee Chair: Eric Berger, PE, VHB
2026 Summer Conference Planning Committee Chair: Justin Plaisted, PE, Terracon (PENC President-Elect)

To get involved, email [email protected]

Leadership Institute Planning Committee
Designed specifically for engineers, this program develops leadership skills like setting direction, delegating and dealing with conflict. Classes generally run September-December, with a final culmination project presentation at the annual summer conference.
Chair: Sean Gleason, PE, McAdams

University Outreach
The PENC University Outreach Committee fosters meaningful connections between the professional engineering community and future engineers by promoting licensure awareness, supporting student engagement, and strengthening educational partnerships. Through collaboration with the PENC Educational Foundation, academic institutions, and local chapters, the committee aims to inspire and guide students on their path to becoming licensed professional engineers.
Chair: Aaron Layne, PE, Terracon

Engineers Week
Help plan events and outreach during Engineers Week to support engineering education. Engineers Week is in February each year. Learn more.
Chair: Mary Jo Lee

Joint PENC/ACECNC Environmental and Energy Committee
This committee works jointly with ACEC/NC to interact with departments and state agencies the are involved in environmental activities. This committee works to develop relationships with agency representatives and assist in promoting environmental policies. 
PENC Co-Chair: Brandon Finch, PE, McAdams
PENC Board of Governors Liaison: Monica Fulkerson, PE, Jacobs
ACEC/NC Co-Chair: Lauren Triebert, VHB Engineering
ACEC Board Liaison: Jenny Fleming, VHB Engineering

Young Members Group
This committee aims to offer members aged 35 and younger a place to network, socialize and give back through service projects.
Chair: Amanda Privette, PE, McKim & Creed

Order of the Engineer
The Order of the Engineer was created to foster a spirit of pride and responsibility in the engineering profession. PENC offers Order of the Engineer ceremonies at the Summer Conference.
Chair: Tommy Sherard, PE