A Vision for the Concrete Industry

Thank you for electing me to serve as the 103rd President of ACI. I would like to share a brief look at my path through life, the concrete industry, and ACI.

Growing up just outside New York City, NY, USA, my interest in concrete began early. In what my daughters later called the “concrete jungle,” I was surrounded by buildings, roads, bridges, and other structures that sparked my curiosity. I became fascinated with how things were built. That curiosity led me to pursue a civil engineering degree at the University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, and graduate studies at The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA. In Texas, I conducted research on concrete properties at the Ferguson Structural Engineering Laboratory under ACI Honorary Member Ramón Carrasquillo, working alongside many colleagues who remain active contributors to ACI today.

I have worked in the construction industry for more than 35 years, focusing on formed concrete structures such as multi-story buildings and a wide range of specialty projects. At Keystone Structural Concrete in Houston, TX, our team builds institutional, office, educational, residential, and industrial structures. As Keystone has grown, guidance from ACI documents, seminars, Hot Topic sessions, and committee work have proved invaluable. Participating in ACI Concrete Conventions broadened my technical knowledge and helped our organization mature.

My national involvement with ACI began with service on ACI Committee E703, Concrete Construction Practices, and the Construction Liaison Committee (CLC), where I connected with peers from across the United States who shared a passion for concrete. This led to participation in Joint ACI-ASCC Committee 117, Tolerances. Around the same time, I became active with the American Society of Concrete Contractors (ASCC), eventually serving on its Executive Committee and as President in 2015 and 2016.

As my involvement with ACI grew, I was elected to the Board of Direction and later chaired the Financial Advisory Committee (FAC). Two years ago, as Vice President, I led a task group in updating ACI’s Strategic Plan—a document that now guides our vision, mission, and long-term goals. As President, those principles will shape my priorities for the coming year.

“I am fortunate to work with an exceptional team of ACI members and staff who help us navigate the evolving needs of our industry. With their commitment and expertise, I am confident that ACI will continue to lead the world in all things concrete.”

ACI presidents come from a wide range of professional backgrounds, and this diversity is one of the Institute’s greatest strengths. Past presidents have been academics, researchers, industry leaders, consulting engineers, and, like me, contractors. Drawing on my own experience in construction—and guided by our Strategic Plan—I will focus on several key objectives.

Constructability and Practicality

ACI’s technical excellence is unmatched. Our staff and volunteers devote countless hours to advancing concrete knowledge. However, technical depth alone is not enough, and the information we produce must also be practical and constructable. Our stakeholders include small engineering firms, local contractors, municipalities, agencies, and highly specialized practitioners working on complex projects.

This is an important moment to ensure our documents remain accessible, clear, and usable for all. We must avoid complicating our work to the point where it becomes difficult for everyday users. PRO: An ACI Center of Excellence for Advancing Productivity offers a vehicle to support this effort and help us make our knowledge more user-friendly for the full range of our stakeholders.

Resilience

Concrete is the most widely used building material in the world and the second most consumed resource after water. We must effectively communicate concrete’s exceptional resilience. Concrete structures routinely last 100 years or more, while many alternative materials require replacement within a few decades. Concrete’s durability and long service life provide significant life-cycle advantages. NEU: An ACI Center of Excellence for Carbon Neutral Concrete offers a platform to help us clearly and confidently share these benefits as ACI works to shape the narrative surrounding resilient construction.

People

ACI’s future depends on the next generation of engineers, contractors, inspectors, researchers, and leaders. We must continue expanding access to education, certification, and mentorship. When someone enters the concrete industry, they should envision a clear path for growth and involvement. Helping students and young professionals succeed is fundamental to ACI’s mission and to the long-term strength of our industry.

Reflection

While preparing this article, I reflected on messages written by ACI Past Presidents and noticed a common theme—one I share deeply: the profound trust that ACI members place in the President and the Board of Direction. As I expressed during the Opening Session at the ACI Concrete Convention – Spring 2026 in Rosemont/Chicago, IL, USA, I am honored and grateful for the privilege of serving this remarkable organization over the coming year.

I am fortunate to work with an exceptional team of ACI members and staff who help us navigate the evolving needs of our industry. With their commitment and expertise, I am confident that ACI will continue to lead the world in all things concrete. Thank you for the opportunity to contribute to that vision.

Scott Anderson