Trust:
The fact that so many members are engaged, asking questions, and seeking more clarity on Board priorities reflects how deeply this community cares about CSI, and that itself is a form of trust worth acknowledging and a foundation to build on. That trust was built over more than 75 years through the work of CSI volunteers coming together to create the standards that guide our profession, our educational offerings that enable the credentials that advance careers, and the networking offered by chapters that connect practitioners across the country.
This year, that trust was tested when the CSI Dynamic Standards (CDS) rollout was not communicated well at the start. The CEO acknowledged that publicly, and the Board has held him accountable to address the issues that remain and build better clarity and understanding of CDS going forward. The Board is listening to concerns from across the membership, and the specifier community specifically, and has tasked the CEO and a subgroup of the Board to explore options.
Another Board meeting topic was technology issues, ranging from login problems to renewal issues and beyond, that have frustrated members since early 2025. Technology service improvements are in development, with rollouts expected this fall. Increased friction and inaccurate information when interacting with CSI’s website also erodes trust, which is why this is a Board-level priority.
The board also heard directly from current and former volunteer leaders about a wide range of issues, notably leadership. Improving trust means being candid where we've fallen short: the spring nominations and elections process followed CSI's bylaws and governing policies correctly, but it wasn't well understood and members weren't satisfied. The Governance Committee is reviewing both the nominations and elections process and how we communicate it.
Value:
CSI's value extends far beyond any single program or product, and while we have work to do, the foundation is strong. Data from 2026 tells us that three out of four members say CSI is an essential resource for their professional development through education, certifications, chapter engagement, networking, and career-long learning. At the same time, we hear what members are asking for: stronger operational systems and chapter support, and practical resources for day-to-day work including AI-enabled tools.
The Board is committed to delivering on this through new educational offerings like online pilot courses for fundamentals of specifications and updated CDT study content rolling out soon. A member pricing survey focused on these courses, and in support of chapter-level education, is also launching in the coming weeks.
We also know it's our responsibility to make clear that CSI standards and formats are a critical part of the broader CSI value proposition and are important to delivering our commitment to the industry. This means keeping MasterFormat, UniFormat, and OmniClass current, authoritative, and relevant inside today's digital design and construction environment. The Board is committed to supporting and recognizing the volunteer efforts that contribute to these standards while it also looks for contemporary ways to deliver the standards.
Communication:
We are proud that CSI has strong communications channels in place that members and the industry at large value. We reach more than 30,000 people through The Weekly and nearly 6,500 professionals are active on CSI Connect. But we know this reach alone is just one piece of our communication commitments.
With the changes and challenges we faced this year, the volume of individual member questions and comments addressed to CSI and the Board has been significant. We will continue to consolidate new questions and respond publicly and systematically through multiple CSI channels, including the CSI blog and CSI Connect, so the entire membership benefits. We're also developing shareable materials for chapters and regions to distribute through their own networks, meeting members where conversations are already happening.
We'll also continue to share good news across the organization — most recently, the CSI Foundation Board of Trustees is now officially seated. The Foundation expands access to education, certifications, and career development for students and emerging professionals in our industry. This newly seated Board will drive that work forward, and we look forward to sharing the results of their efforts and impact on our industry. Expect to see more stories of the work CSI does to advance our profession and lift the next generation.
Future:
CSI has been the authoritative voice of project documentation, organization, and communication throughout our profession, and that role has never mattered more. The industry is changing rapidly with AI, digital tools, and new workflows, while well-established workflows are also still valuable to some members. The Board's priority is ensuring CSI leads that change rather than following it. That means keeping MasterFormat, UniFormat, and OmniClass current and useful, both as stand-alone standards and when embedded within the tools the industry already uses. It also means investing in the next generation of specifiers and giving members a clear path to grow their skills over a career — work grounded in CSI's founding purpose of fostering the interests of everyone who relies on specifications in the construction and allied industries.
What’s Next:
These four priorities will each have a clear owner and a plan, and I'll update you as that work moves forward. This is a pivotal moment for CSI, one that calls for honesty about where we are and confidence in what we can accomplish when this community is working together.
I'd genuinely welcome the chance to hear your thoughts directly — reach me anytime at BoardChair@csinet.org. And mark your calendars for CSI's Annual Conference in Phoenix, October 7–9 — registration is open at csinationalconference.org.
CSI's enduring value lives in the credentials that advance careers, the education that builds expertise, the chapters that connect practitioners, and the professional peer network that holds this industry together. Our purpose hasn't changed. We are on a journey heading in the right direction even as work remains, and we are committed to doing that work together with this community.
Jarrod Mann, P.E., FCSI, CCCA, CDT
Board Chair, Construction Specifications Institute