My first president’s message discussed the importance of volunteering, and I believe it would be fitting to conclude my president’s message series with a similar topic. Volunteers are a distinctive feature of CSC and without their dedication and commitment, CSC would not be where it is today. Volunteer engagement is a multi-faceted, two-way exchange, where an individual commits their time toward the service of an organization, and the organization reciprocates with non-financial and non-monetary benefits for the volunteer.
Volunteerism starts with curiosity and interest before it develops into involvement and eventually becomes a passion. As a volunteer, you meet people from all walks of life and parts of the industry. You get to see different sides of them, including their skills, strengths, and weaknesses. Through collaboration, you also get to leverage each other’s strengths, passions, ideas, and thought processes to achieve a common objective.
Over the past year, I had a pleasure of meeting and working alongside several of CSC’s dedicated volunteers. While I have had the opportunity to lead this organization, I tip my hat to each volunteer for their time, dedication, commitment, passion, and service.
My journey of leading CSC officially started seven years ago, when I joined the board of directors for two years, followed by four years as vice-president. Prior to this, I was fortunate to serve the Toronto chapter in various capacities for many years. As I transition into the role of past-president, I would like to welcome our incoming president-elect, David Graham, into the hot seat. David, an architect by training and a practicing specification writer from Western Canada, will be supported by vice-president Russ Snow, Kelly Sawatzky, Abigail MacEachern, and Yvon LaChance. Working alongside these committed and dedicated individuals over the past year has been a pleasure, and I thank them for furthering my vision for CSC, as well as our collective goals for the betterment of the association and the industry. With this leadership team, CSC will reach unprecedented heights, and I leave my term knowing the organization is in credible hands.
I would like to thank our office staff; executive director, Nick Franjic, who celebrated his 30th anniversary with CSC this year, and Clafton Fiola, programs and events manager, for their support, guidance, and dedication to ensuring the operational arm of our association operates flawlessly.
To our volunteers, thank you. Your actions, support, partnership, service, and friendship over the years has been truly inspiring, and I remain deeply grateful and humbled by your contributions.
Yours in service. I am CSC.
