ACI Chapters – The Heartbeat of the Institute

11/3/2025

by Guest Author Karin O’Brien

When you think about ACI, you might think of supporting groundbreaking research, world-class conventions, and innovative codes. But the real heartbeat of ACI is found closer to home—in our chapters! ACI chapters across the globe are where the mission comes to life, and they drive the strategic plan where “ACI serves a diverse global community of stakeholders who rely on our expertise, service, and products.” In fact, two of the ACI Strategic Goals are to “Disseminate Knowledge” and “Engage Globally,” and nowhere does this happen more effectively than within our chapter network. Chapters are the gathering places where students meet seasoned professionals, where new technologies are discussed over coffee, and where the next generation of concrete leaders step into the industry’s network.

When I was a young engineer in Denver, CO, USA, my manager and coworkers encouraged me to attend an ACI Rocky Mountain Chapter meeting and sign up for the Concrete Field Testing Technician—Grade I certification in my first week. Every time I relocated thereafter, I knew my first order of business was to connect with a local ACI chapter. I have had the privilege of experiencing a fast track to learning each new market’s unique issues through the access to a network of professionals (and instant friends) within the chapters.

Chapter involvement has always been about connecting with people. One of my most impactful connections was with ACI Honorary Member Luke Snell, whose mentorship gave me the confidence to fully engage in committee work and eventually take on leadership roles. Snell, along with his wife Billie, FACI, inspired me with their passion for education and certification, showing how mentorship can open doors and ignite lasting commitment. Another pivotal connection came through ACI Concrete Convention committee work, where I met Dawn Miller, FACI. Miller has been a champion of ACI chapters, sharing her insights on fostering relationships not only within ACI but across other associations as well. Her mentorship reinforced the importance of investing in people—building networks, sharing experiences, and supporting one another—because that is what keeps chapters thriving.

With the diversity in chapter operations across the globe, many are moving to an executive-managed model, bringing in professional dedicated staff (like Miller and myself) to work alongside volunteer boards. This shift reflects a broader reality. Today’s professionals are stretched thin, balancing demanding careers and increasingly complex family priorities. Life does not look the same as it did back in 1958 when the first chapters were formed. By combining volunteers’ strengths with the support of dedicated management, chapters are better able to sustain engaging programming and events to serve their members.

In a September 1998 ACI President’s Memo celebrating 40 years of Chapter Founding, ACI Past President James R. Libby quoted 1979 ACI President Arthur C. Anderson, who urged “It is now time for our ACI members to do more than talk amongst themselves and to start leaving the lump, so to speak, by disseminating our expertise to the total construction community.” I believe we have done exactly that, and more, by creating connections to sustain ourselves and industry through our chapters. Today, the chapters provide critical blood flow in both directions, to the Institute and back, disseminating vital feedback and information about how codes, certifications, and recommendations affect everyday construction in the field.

Maria Juenger and Michael Paul visiting the Missouri University of Science and Technology (S&T) in Rolla, MO, USA

ACI members Karin O’Brien and Dawn Miller

From left: Karin O’Brien, Luke Snell, and Billie Snell after an ACI Missouri Chapter sponsored presentation “Concrete on the Farm” in Glen Carbon, IL, USA

That’s where the idea of connection comes in—not as a vague concept, but as a tangible driver of success. Chapters are where we can connect with students eager to enter the field, with local members and producers who shape our industry’s daily realities, with universities pushing the boundaries of research, and with contractors bringing innovation to life on jobsites. This network allows us to respond to challenges and share opportunities. Each chapter operates independently and uniquely, yet they all share the same commitment to advance concrete knowledge and improve our built environment. Without them, ACI’s influence would be in name only, but with them, it becomes personal, local, and enduring. If you want to see the future of ACI, look no further than your next local chapter meeting.

Ask the President

Do you have a question for the ACI President? Email inquiries can be sent to askthepresident@concrete.org.