When I came into this role, I set out to focus on three things: building up our people, building up the profession, and building better projects. I am proud of the progress we've made on all three fronts, and I am grateful to every board member, staff member, and volunteer who made that possible.
What I did not fully anticipate was how much the ground would shift beneath us in two years. AI went from a topic on the horizon to a tool reshaping how our profession works, practically overnight. The way firms write specifications, coordinate across disciplines, and access the standards they rely on is changing faster than anyone predicted. Keeping CSI relevant, useful, and ahead of those changes — while also protecting what makes this organization worth belonging to — has been the defining challenge of this board's work. I'm proud of how we rose to meet it.
I know the last several months have not been easy. The board has heard your feedback, both positive and negative, and I want you to know it has been taken seriously. I know Jarrod will update you on what came out of this weekend's meeting, but I can tell you the entire board came together on key priorities to help move the organization forward in a way that is responsive to member input.
Jarrod is someone I have come to know and deeply respect over the past several years. He is highly ethical, fiercely committed to CSI, and will lead with class and dignity. I have full confidence in where he will take this organization.
To my fellow board members: thank you. To our staff: you keep the ship sailing, and I am grateful for your tireless dedication. And to our members: you are some of the best in the AECO industry. Keep building.
With respect and gratitude,
William Sundquist, FCSI
Outgoing Board Chair, CSI
2024–2026