Meet the SDSPLS Board of Directors Dana Salonen , President
Dana Salonen is a licensed land surveyor with over 30 years of experience in civil engineering and surveying, currently serving as a Survey Professional at HDR Engineering in Sioux Falls. He began his career with the South Dakota Department of Transportation in 1994, where his interest in land surveying was sparked through hands-on experience in construction inspection and fieldwork. In 1999, Dana joined Clark Engineering before transitioning to HDR Engineering in 2005, where he has contributed for nearly two decades. His professional qualifications include an Associate of Applied Sciences Degree in Civil Engineering Technology, a South Dakota Land Surveyor license obtained in 2007, and an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate earned in 2021. Dana is passionate about the problem-solving, creative, and exploratory aspects of land surveying—especially the opportunities it gives him to work outdoors. Outside of work, he enjoys woodworking, strumming his guitar, and tending to his acreage in Harrisburg. Paul Letsche, Past-President
Paul Letsche is a Sioux Falls native graduating from Washington High School in 1995. After working a few years in construction after high school, he 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, he knew from day one that surveying was for him. Paul graduated in 2004 with an Associate of Applied Sciences Degree in Civil Engineering Technology. Starting out working for the engineering firm of Howard R. Green Company after graduation, Paul then moved to a position with Midwest Land Surveying in 2006. In 2010, he began working with East River Electric in Madison, SD, where he was employed as a Land Survey Coordinator until 2023, when he decided to share his passion and knowledge of the profession with aspiring land surveyors at Southeast Technical College in Sioux Falls, SD, where Paul is currently the Land Surveying Science Instructor. Paul has been a registered Land Surveyor in South Dakota since 2015 and holds an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. He considers it a privilege to have the opportunity to serve the SDSPLS membership as a Board Member and representative. Paul also chairs the SDSPLS Education Committee. Chadwick Martinson, President Elect
Chadwick Martinson of Tea, SD, has been a Land Surveyor with Banner Associates for 19 years, following some time in construction, farming, and the military. Like many South Dakota based professionals, Chadwick holds an Associate of Applied Sciences Degree in Civil Engineering Technology from Southeast Technical Institute in Sioux Falls, SD. He achieved his FS in 2015 and PLS in 2022, and thinks the best part of land surveying is the variety it offers on a day-to-day basis. When asked how he became interested in surveying, Chadwick can't point to one particular thing that turned him to the profession originally, but has extended his desire to continually grow the profession to being an Adjunct Instructor at what is now Southeast Technical College. We also thank Chadwick for his service of 21 years in the Army Reserve, from which he retired in 2020. Chadwick also chairs the SDSPLS Nominating Committee Andrew Kangas, Secretary
As Vice President of Civil Design, Inc., Andrew serves as a project engineer and land surveyor. After completing his Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering at South Dakota State University in 2006, 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. In addition to being and active SDSPLS and Big Sioux Chapter member, Andrew is also a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers, the Golden Key Honor Society, and Connect 2140. Cory Biegler, Treasurer
Cory Biegler currently serving as a Registered Land Surveyor, Construction Administrator and UAS Coordinator with SPN-Helms and Associates. He serves the team by removing obstacles and ensuring that they are in a position to be successful. Cory grew up as a self proclaimed “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 considers himself very fortunate to have had 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 have come before him and to celebrate those footsteps with our industries future. Cory also 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 Jon Geffre, Young Surveyor Chapter Andy Scott, West River Chapter Mike Severson, Big Sioux Chapter 2022 COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSONS |
