Meet the SDSPLS Board of Directors Dana Salonen, President Chadwick Martinson, President Elect Paul Letsche, Past President
My name is Paul Letsche, and I am a Sioux Falls native graduating from Washington High School in 1995. After working a few years in construction after high school I was looking for something more fulfilling and heard about land surveying through a friend who worked with a surveyor. After enrolling in the Civil Engineering Technology program at Southeast Technical Institute in 2002 I knew from day one that surveying was for me. I graduated in 2004 with an Associate of Applied Sciences Degree in Civil Engineering Technology. Starting out working for the engineering firm Howard R. Green Company after graduation I then moved to a position with Midwest Land Surveying in 2006. In 2010 I started with East River Electric in Madison SD where I am currently employed as a Land survey Coordinator. I have been a registered Land Surveyor in South Dakota since 2015 and hold an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. It is a privilege to have the opportunity to serve the SDSPLS membership as a board member and representative. Andrew Kangas, Secretary
Andrew, as Vice President, serves as a project engineer and land surveyor. After completing his bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, Andrew obtained his PE license in 2011 and LS certification in 2016, making him a versatile asset to the Civil Design team. He has a comprehensive understanding of standards for design elements and demonstrates strong project coordination abilities. In addition to overseeing all of CDI’s field data collection, drafting, construction staking, and survey crews; Andrew designs, drafts, and plans for road, railroad, drainage, utilities, and various other projects. Education: Licensed professional land surveyor in SD since 2016 Licensed professional engineer in SD since 2011 BS, Civil Engineering, South Dakota State University, 2006 Professional Involvement: Member, South Dakota Society of Professional Land Surveyors Member, Big Sioux Chapter of SDSPLS Member, American Society of Civil Engineers Member, Golden Key National Honour Society Member, Connect 2140 Cory Biegler, Treasurer
Cory Biegler is currently serving as a Registered Land Surveyor, Construction Administrator, and UAS Coordinator with SPN-Helms and Associates. He serves the SPN-Helms team by removing obstacles and ensuring the team is in a position to be successful. Cory grew up as an “Army Brat” and completed his own enlistment in the United States Army (1994) and South Dakota National Guard (1999). He is a Veteran Advocate with many affiliations. Upon completion of his U.S. Army service, he earned a Bachelor of Science for Industrial Management from Northern State University in Aberdeen, SD (1997). Cory believes he has been very fortunate to have the opportunity to learn and practice his craft with SPN-Helms and Associates (starting in 1996). He hopes to follow in the footsteps of the talented surveyors that came before him and to celebrate those footsteps with our industry's future. Cory currently serves as a board member for the South Dakota Board of Technical Professions and as a Member Board Member for NCEES. Nathan Nielson, NSPS Director Linda Foster, NSPS President Elect
Linda Foster oversees Esri’s worldwide strategic vision for land records, cadastre, surveying, and land administration. Long recognized as a champion for bringing GIS and geospatial technologies to unique and challenging situations, she has also spent much of her career improving the outcomes of timeless, lands-based challenges. A leader in professional organizations, she is currently serving on the National Society of Professional Surveyors (NSPS) board of directors, has served as a mentor in the URISA mentorship network, and led statewide design of low distortion projections for inclusion in the National Geodetic Survey’s (NGS) upcoming datum updates. Foster is a registered professional land surveyor and certified GIS professional. She also holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Geological Engineering, and a Master’s degree in GIS from Penn State University. Adam Thompson, West River Chapter
I moved to the Black Hills in 2015. I am work at Interstate Engineering as the Survey Group Leader. My wife Kristin and I have 4 children and enjoy going to all their activities. I attended North Dakota State College of Science in Wahpeton, ND and have an Associate of Applied Science degree in Civil Engineering and Land Surveying. I am a Professional Land Surveyor in South Dakota, Montana, North Dakota, Wyoming and Colorado as well as being a Certified Federal Surveyor (CFedS). Before moving to South Dakota I was on the Board of Directors for MARLS (Montana Associated of Registered Land Surveyors) and look forward to being involved in SDSPLS and the future of our great profession. Jon Geffre, Young Surveyors Chapter President 2022 COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSONS |
