As a regular reader of Concrete Facts, I hope you recall the article announcing the retirement of our long-time staff member, Janette Barr (Concrete Facts 29-2, winter 2022, p. 23). As we published that article, I was considering the impact of employment transitions I have been experiencing through the witness of so many of our members over the past decade. When you have worked in an industry for 30 years, as I have, you are most certainly going to recognize the voids left by leaders retiring, some untimely passing from this earth, and many more casualties of first a recession and then a pandemic. I have seen the change in most of these cases from afar and can now recognize more fully the measure of stress this change induces.

Welcoming the new challenge-seekers, the ready-leaders, the inspired-doers has also been a tradition I have witnessed among our member contractors. Many of these I have been privileged to engage with professionally, as these leaders have risen to the Association’s board or committee level. At present, there are only five members of the board who were elected prior to 2018. This means that 75 percent of the board are leaders whose vision must come more from their organizational needs than building on tradition or legacy. This summer we will see another significant step as Phil Marone, president of Marone Contractors and a CFA member since 2000, steps aside following an astounding six terms (he joined the board in 2005).

These transitions have been building blocks for success in the Association, and we are excited to welcome change into our staff that serves you with fervor. Abbie Stolte has accepted the role of office administrator, which includes A/R, A/P, fulfillment, circulation, and registration management. You will begin the enjoyable experience of recognizing her voice, witnessing her efficiency, and relying on her effectiveness.

Filling the void left by a thirty-year personality is never an easy task. Still, we know having Stolte join our team will be helpful for each of you, and that this change will continue to be great for us. Just like the board of directors, which now sits at 75 percent new experience and energy, our association staff is being invigorated, with 40% having less than a year of experience and 70 percent having less than 10 years of experience. What we can do for the members of this Association today, as your professional staff and board of directors, is 150 percent due to the balance we have arrived at between fresh energy and trusted legacy. I hope your business can claim the same and lean into what the CFA now offers. If you are struggling to do so, reach out to us and let membership open the door through staff and Expert Connect.