News Detail

Changes at ACI

11/1/2002

We live in a time when acceptance of changes in our lives has become a topic for consultants. ACI isn't exempt from this change phenomenon.

The first change is that Jim Toscas, ACI Executive Vice President, has left the Institute. I thank Jim for the openness and vision he brought to us, and certainly wish him well in his new activities.

The next change is that the ACI Board of Direction has selected Bill Tolley to be promoted to the position of Executive Vice President. I've worked with Bill at ACI for more years than either of us would like to admit, and I'm certain that he'll perform his duties for the Institute in an outstanding fashion.

Bill and I will use the remainder of this month's memo to tell you a little more about our new EVP and his view of the Institute. Bill joined ACI in 1975, and for the last 13 years he has served the Institute as Senior Managing Director of Operations and Services.

Bill: "I have had the privilege of watching ACI grow into a true world leader in the concrete industry. I'm honored to be given the opportunity to take the Institute into its second century of developing, sharing, and disseminating the knowledge and information needed to utilize concrete to its fullest potential."

"Institute members are the reason we exist. I want staff to focus on the members' needs and to provide the resources needed to be as successful as possible both in their careers and in their work as volunteers on our many technical committees."

In addition to membership, Bill will make international activities a top priority. "Tremendous opportunities have been identified in this area," he said. "I would like to see ACI continue to be involved in a worldwide concrete community made up of equal partners. We have a chance to expand our international role by developing stronger relationships with our counterparts around the world."

I know that Bill shares my conclusions regarding international involvement based upon the three-week trip that he, Jim Jirsa, and I took earlier this year (see September's memo). The trip convinced all of us that the time is right for ACI to expand its role internationally.

Bill: "There is no doubt that the technical work of ACI is well known and respected by international concrete-related organizations. This says a lot about the quality and integrity of the products produced through the Institute's consensus process. For that we are deeply grateful to the members. If it weren't for them, we wouldn't have the stature we currently enjoy. But we can't rest on past accomplishments. There is plenty of work still to be done. As any sports team can tell you, it's harder to stay on top than it is to get there. My number one objective will be to keep staff focused on meeting the needs of the members-wherever they are."

In addition to serving as staff liaison for ACI's Chapter Activities Committee, International Committee, International Relationships Committee, and Financial Advisory Committee, Bill also serves as Vice President of Creative Association Management (CAM), a subsidiary of ACI, which currently manages the International Concrete Repair Institute (ICRI) and the American Shotcrete Association (ASA). Responsibility for these activities will be redefined as Bill moves into his new duties as EVP.

Bill is a Certified Association Executive (CAE), a Fellow of the Institute, and he has received the Henry L. Kennedy Award for his outstanding leadership in strength-ening and expanding chapter activities.

Please join me in congratulating Bill on his promotion to the EVP position.

Terry Holland
President,
American Concrete Institute

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