Celebrating Dedication, Expanding Reach and Securing the Future

As I reflect on 2025, several significant milestones come to mind, both personal and professional. This year marked my 25th anniversary representing construction contractors, manufacturers, suppliers and design professionals across four national trade associations—and it marked my six years with AWCI. It truly dawned on me that, having just turned 50, this represents half of my life dedicated to this industry. On a personal note, I sent one child off to college, and the other is now starting to look at schools. The clock, it seems, is moving faster each year.

Turning to AWCI, I am both proud and impressed by the team’s accomplishments and the crucial work our members do. This 2025 annual report details many of these activities, but I’d like to highlight a few that stand out.

To enhance global collaboration, 2025–2026 AWCI President Jeff Dreisewerd and I traveled to London. We spoke at a conference for the Finishes and Interiors Sector (FIS)—an organization similar to AWCI in the United Kingdom—and toured two impressive construction projects. We also celebrated our members’ excellence closer to home, attending project awards banquets for the Architectural Contractors Trade Association and the Drywall and Interior Systems Contractors Association in New Jersey.

Jeff and his wife Kim also spent several days at the AWCI office in Falls Church, Virginia. Jeff took time to meet with each team member, learning about their roles and commitment to the organization—a visit the team truly appreciated.

Another highlight was participating in the AWCI Peer Safety Review at Valley Interior Systems in Nashville. Although we facilitate these reviews twice a year, this was my first chance to attend. It was inspiring to witness the collaboration between the Valley team and volunteer safety leaders from several AWCI member companies, all working toward the common goal of continuous improvement in health and safety.

We also updated the AWCI 2025–2027 Strategic Plan to ensure our continued focus on the present and future of the industry.

The Foundation has significantly expanded its support through further promoting AWCI CARES, continuing industry research with FMI, and committing to a new initiative: financially contributing to worthwhile construction-related programs at the host cities for BUILD and the Industry Leaders Conference.

Our Emerging Leaders program continues to excel. Having spent time with the current class of professionals, I can confidently say that the program is strong, and the future of our industry is in good hands.

It was a privilege to honor Mike Taylor, Liddle Brothers Contractors Inc., with the AWCI Pinnacle Award and Pete Wilhelms, Negwar Materials Inc., with the AWCI Distinguished Service Award. Both are highly deserving for their long, successful careers and years of dedication to AWCI.

The AWCI team worked hard, as always, but also came together for essential life-safety CPR/AED/Heimlich training, a visit to a data center under construction, and some fun at a baseball game, holiday party, lunches, happy hours and, of course, working together at BUILD25 in Charlotte and the Industry Leaders Conference in Louisville.

AWCI will remain aggressive in bringing people together, enhancing knowledge and representing the contractors, manufacturers and suppliers throughout the wall and ceiling industry. This is your association. Get involved. Get your colleagues and employees involved. Show up and speak up. The benefits to yourself, your company and your profession will surprise you.

“Champions are rare. Everybody has some chance, some opportunity to change and improve, but not everybody takes advantage. Be somebody who does.” – Nick Saban