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Purpose

The Pennsylvania Association of State Floodplain Managers is a statewide organization of floodplain managers, engineers, planners, local, state and federal officials, and water resource professionals whose purpose is to:

  • Promote public awareness of integrated floodplain management;
  • Promote a liaison and to encourage the exchange of ideas and information among individuals and groups concerned with floodplain management, and to keep those individuals and groups well informed through educational and professional seminars
  • Inform concerned individuals and groups of pending floodplain management legislation, regulation, and related matters in order to advance the effective implementation of floodplain management

History

PAFPM began to evolve in 2006 when the PA Mapping and Geographic Information Consortium (PaMAGIC) partnered with the PA Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to promote and develop a more coordinated and active approach to FEMA’s Flood Map Modernization (MapMod) in the Commonwealth. The core of individuals involved with MapMod in Pennsylvania met 3-4 times per year and expanded to include state and federal agencies, county representatives, large and small private entities (primarily engineering), and non-profit groups interested in the natural function and management of floodplains. That group was able to accomplish the following:2017 Annual Conference-State College
  • Increasing information flow from state agencies to support MapMod (now Risk MAP) activities,
  • Effective support for completion of LiDAR-based topography and prioritization of PAMAP production in areas needed for MapMod production,
  • Initiation of interagency flood mitigation coordination among state agencies,
  • Discussions and the development of documents leading to Executive support for investment in infrastructure related to flood mitigation,
  • Increased orientation of DCED community outreach to counties for efficiency in flood map ordinance adoption at the municipal level,
  • Mutual education and increased communications among participating individuals,
  • A natural outgrowth of improved flood maps as the promotion of flood plain management.
In 2008/2009 Pennsylvania began developing its own affiliate of the Association of Floodplain Managers (ASFPM). PAFPM adopted by-laws and  formally elected officers to the board in 2009. The group began to establish itself independent of PaMAGIC and committees and monthly board meetings were formalized. The Annual Meeting, now known as the Annual Conference was identified as a top priority. Past conferences have been each year since in the following locations:

 YearLocation 
 2009 Enola
 2010 Williamsport
 2011 Johnstown
 2012 Wilkes-Barre
 2013 Erie
 2014 Philadelphia
 2015 Harrisburg
 2016 Villanova and Pittsburgh
 2017 State College
 2018 Harrisburg
 2019 Harrisburg

PAFPM is a member driven organization. Members are welcomed and encouraged to participate in committees and attend our annual meeting, annual conference, and various outreach and training events. 

Board of Directors

The PAFPM Board of Directors is made up of five Officers and four Committee Chairs.  Officers' positions are held for one (1) year and Committee Chairs are appointed.  The primary purpose of the Board is to carry out the organization's by-laws and constitution.  The Board may also establish and/or abolish committees as needed.

Officers

Chair:  Daniel Distler, CFM, Beaver County

Vice-Chair:                       Josh Lippert, APA, ASLA, CFM, City of Philadelphia

Secretary: Doniele Russell, CFM, Lawrence County

Treasurer: William Bradfield, CFM, PEMA

Immediate Past-Chair:     Taryn Murray, CFM, Michael Baker International

Committee Chairs


Education and Outreach:  Josh Lippert, APA, ASLA, CFM, City of Philadelphia

Mapping and Technical: Cleighton Smith, PE, CFM, Taylor Wiseman & Taylor

Membership: Chelsea Blair, CFM, Lycoming County

Policy and Legislative Co-Chairs: Kerry Wilson, CFM, PAFPM and Eric Jespersen, CFM,  JMT


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