The Construction Specification Institute’s National Conference was recently held in Denver, Colorado where both Caitlin Morgan and Ray Gaines had the opportunity to attend this year’s event. It was a week filled with learning, connecting with fellow industry professionals, and officially recognizing Caitlin being awarded the Emerging Professional Award. Caitlin was selected by her peers for this recognition because of her exceptional leadership, significant contributions with the local CSI Chapter, and strong efforts to further the mission of CSI.
As a co-founder of Emerge EAC, Caitlin, along with her colleagues Julie Foley and Hana Nguyenky presented a workshop called “Crossing Paths, Cultivating Industry Collaboration”. The workshop highlighted the importance of mentorship and sponsorship, continuing education, networking for emerging professionals, and how seasoned professionals can support the future of architecture, engineering, construction, and specifying. During the workshop, participants had the opportunity to network and discuss different questions that arose throughout the presentation. As the audience engaged with each other and discussed their questions, Caitlin recalls “feeling change happen in the packed ballroom. It was a phenomenal experience where not only did Hana, Julie, and I get to present to fellow professionals, but we also learned from their discussions. It was my first in-person CSI conference, and meeting so many supportive industry professionals helped me make sure it won’t be my last.”
Ray, a founding member of Central Virginia CSI Chapter, has been an active participant in the association since 1988. He has served in a variety of positions in the local, regional and institute level in an effort to improve communications across the industry – the main focus of CSI. Awarded Fellowship in the association, Ray is known for his passion for helping others through mentorship and leadership. He is a regular attendee of the CSI conference and has said that CSI relationships allow him to do his job better. Charles has been active in CSI since 2003 at the local, regional, and institute level as well. In fact, he was awarded the Andrew Drozda award back in 2009 for “setting a standard for what an Emerging Professional can and should do.” It is no surprise that others in the firm are following his example. Adrienne, Deborah, Maggie, Trevor, and Paul are all also current members of Central Virginia CSI.
