Recently I had the opportunity to spend some time with AWCI’s newest Emerging Leaders class in Tampa, Florida. I learned some things, had some fun and came away very impressed with all of those in the class.
AWCI developed its Emerging Leaders Program just a few years ago. First, an Emerging Leaders Committee was created. It did not take long for the committee to realize the importance of creating an Emerging Leaders Program.
The program, which is available only to AWCI members, has three primary goals. First is to support the contractors, manufacturers and suppliers who are participating through networking, education, leadership training and sharing of best practices. The program also seeks to benefit the AWCI-member companies who are supporting the participation of their employees in the program. A well-rounded, well-trained and well-connected employee will benefit the company and the business as a whole. A third goal is that many of the emerging leaders become involved in AWCI in some way. Attending a conference. Joining a committee. Taking a Doing It Right course. Moving into a leadership position. These emerging leaders have so much to offer their companies, the industry and AWCI.
In just a short time, the Emerging Leaders Program has grown and evolved. We intended to start the program in 2020, but COVID-19 hit, putting a pause on the effort. When we were able to eventually start the program, we were “winging it” a little bit. We listened to the participants and worked to provide them with the discussions and content that would benefit them the most. Due to the hard work of the Emerging Leaders Committee, AWCI’s Annemarie Selvitelli, director of education and member services, and the energy and engagement of the emerging leaders, our first class was a success in my opinion. Just as importantly, it provided the foundation to make the overall program and the next class even stronger.
AWCI is committed to continuous improvement across all our initiatives. We actively listen to feedback from participants, their companies and the committee to help guide our efforts. While the first Emerging Leaders class was a success, we made updates and enhancements to ensure the second class’s programming was even stronger. The third class has already kicked off with great momentum.
We are implementing several changes for the current class. We received feedback that the class wanted to meet in person as early as possible. Although the class officially started on January 1 of this year, we brought them together at the Industry Leaders Conference in Hollywood, California, in September 2024. Most of the class was able to make the trip and it was amazing to see them come together as a group so quickly. As the class officially kicked off in January, we met in Tampa that first month to start the program in person. Sixteen out of 20 members of the class we able to make it. Annmarie Selvitelli and I attended, as did the three co-chairs of the Emerging Leaders Committee—Travis Vap from South Valley, Dan Wies from Wies Drywall & Construction Corp and Mike Garcia from Trim-Tex, Inc. We were joined by Scott Kimpland from FMI, who led one of the leadership sessions. The class was introduced to the Stagen leadership program, led by Mike Garcia. Great discussions and networking rounded out the day.
The current class will continue for approximately 14 months, concluding with a graduation at BUILD26: AWCI’s Convention + Expo (March 15–18, 2026) in New Orleans, Louisiana. Applications for the fourth class will be available in late summer/early fall of 2026. Information is available at awci-stage.gfstage.com/education/emerging-leaders.
If the members of our first three Emerging Leaders Program are any indication, the present and future of the wall and ceiling industry are in very good hands. AWCI welcomes and appreciates the opportunity to be a part of the journey.
Mike Stark, CAE, is the chief executive officer of the Association of the Wall and Ceiling Industry.
