Through curated education, experiential learning and peer-to-peer networking, the Emerging Leaders program aims to strengthen leadership and ensure a strong future for the industry.
Since its launch in the fall of 2020, the Emerging Leaders Program has been dedicated to cultivating the next generation of professionals in the wall and ceiling industry. The program was designed to engage contractors, manufacturers and suppliers who aspire to lead and make a lasting impact.
The Emerging Leaders Committee was formed with a clear purpose: to strengthen membership and leadership within the Association of the Wall and Ceiling Industry (AWCI). “The Emerging Leaders Program has become an essential part of AWCI’s strategy to ensure a strong future for our association and the industry as a whole,” says AWCI CEO Michael Stark, CAE.
What started as a committee quickly grew into a purposeful, multi-faceted program aimed at developing well-rounded leaders. The results have been impressive, with each graduating class showing increased participation on AWCI committees.
A Comprehensive Approach to Leadership Development
While drive and hard work can get you promoted, true leadership requires a different set of abilities—the interpersonal skills needed to empower others. The Emerging Leaders Program provides a unique, curated experience that goes beyond what a professional might learn at their own company.
“It’s been inspiring to see the incredible caliber of leaders emerging from this program,” says AWCI President Jeff Dreisewerd (T.J. Wies Contracting, Inc.). “Their dedication and fresh perspectives are exactly what our industry needs to thrive in a rapidly changing world.”
The program’s 18-month curriculum blends three key components:
- Curated Education: Combining soft-skill development with technical training.
- Experiential Learning: Participants visit jobsites, supplier operations, and manufacturing organizations, where current leaders share insights on business management, company culture, and core values.
- Peer-to-Peer Networking: Participants build a lasting network of peers and confidants, fostering connections that will support them throughout their careers.
The program is a living model that is constantly refined based on feedback from each graduating class. For instance, the Class of 2026 officially kicked off in Tampa, Florida, with a two-day session that included team-building activities, open discussions on leadership challenges, and an introduction to a 13-week personal development and leadership course from Stagen.
The Stagen course is designed to help leaders develop crucial cognitive, psychological and interpersonal skills through a practice-based, peer-supported approach. It aims to equip leaders with the tools for greater awareness, choice and responsibility, enabling them to create lasting impact by fostering personal transformation and sustainable growth in their organizations and communities.
Insights from Leaders and Alumni
The passion behind the program is clear when you hear from those who built it and those who have benefited from it.
Mike Garcia (Trim-Tex, Inc., Chief Revenue Officer), Co-Chair of the AWCI Emerging Leaders Committee
“Our industry is evolving quickly—every year we welcome more young talent, embrace innovative technology, and challenge traditional ways of building. We need leaders who know how to guide that change as previous generations step back.
This program is designed specifically for our industry, bringing together contractors, manufacturers, and suppliers in one space. That mix helps participants recognize the common threads that connect us all. It’s an opportunity not just to sharpen your leadership skills, but to expand your network and your perspective on the role you play in shaping the future of this industry.”
Travis Vap, (South Valley, CEO), Co-Chair of the AWCI Emerging Leaders Committee, AWCI Past President (2022–2023)
“Developing people is the number one thing we must do as leaders. We owe it to our industry to give back and help others, just as we were guided and mentored. What sets this program apart is its design. Each 14-month class doesn’t just graduate with new skills; they walk away with a lifelong peer group they can trust. We curate immersive opportunities such as site visits to mega projects, testing labs, and advanced manufacturing facilities. The result is not just education, but transformation.”
Phil Humphrey (Georgia-Pacific Gypsum, Building Envelope Manager), Class of 2024
“What makes the Emerging Leaders Program exceptional is the people. It brings together professionals from across the country, each with diverse backgrounds but a shared focus on the industry. The program provides a unique opportunity to form meaningful connections and build a strong, pre-established network among like-minded peers.”
Dan Schnippert, (MAREK, Procurement Director), Class of 2023, AWCI Board Member
“The curated content and experiences were tailored for our industry, and the relationships I formed with the manufacturers, distributors, and other contractors in the class continue to be a reason to return to association events. There is no substitute for experiencing learning and development in an environment where the entire group can relate to the everyday leadership challenges we face.”
Kerri MacAlpine, (Mac-Lad Corporation, Senior Vice President), Class of 2023
“The Emerging Leader program made the transition to more involvement into AWCI so much easier because it taught me how the organization works and how I can best serve the organization.
It was really intimidating to attend AWCI before, but the program gave me a lot of familiar faces, and I’ve met a lot of people I would not have otherwise. Being part of the program allowed me to grow within the AWCI organization. As a distributor, I was able to be in the room with both my customers and vendors, gaining invaluable market insight and a deeper understanding of how the industry works.”
Courtney Spies, (ClarkDietrich, Director of Sales–Northeast), Class of 2024
“The AWCI Emerging Leaders Program was a truly transformative experience for me. It helped me expand my professional network from a regional to a national level, which has benefited both my organization and me personally. The program also deepened my understanding of the AWCI’s pivotal role in the construction industry and helped me refine my professional perspective. I’m committed to staying involved as a board member for the Emerging Leaders Committee to help strengthen the program for future leaders.”
Join the Next Generation of Leaders
The AWCI Emerging Leaders Program is an intentionally selective, once-in-a-career experience. The current class of participants will graduate at BUILD26: AWCI’s Annual Convention + Expo, March 15–18, 2026, in New Orleans.
The application period for the class of 2028 opens in May 2026.
- The program is exclusively for AWCI members.
- A task force of program alumni reviews all applications.
- The employing company must approve the employee’s eligibility and support the relate expense and time commitment associated with the program’s required five to six in-person events.
- Class size is limited to 18–22 people to ensure an immersive experience.
Are you ready to accelerate your career and help shape the future of the wall and ceiling industry? Contact Annemarie Selvitelli at [email protected]. CD
Annemarie Selvitelli is the director of education and member services for AWCI. She also is the executive director for the Foundation of the Wall and Ceiling Industry.
