2026 marks an important milestone for our chapter and an opportunity to recognize the leaders whose work shaped the concrete restoration industry on Florida’s West Coast and now influences the national direction of our organization.

This year is especially meaningful as David Karins, one of our chapter’s founders, serves as the 2026 ICRI National President. Nearly 30 years after he and Rob Wilson began the process that led to the formation of our chapter, their vision to elevate technical practice and strengthen collaboration continues to guide our work and our impact.

We also recognize the many individuals who advanced the chapter over the years. Past Chapter Presidents during my tenure on the board, including Jeff Walker, Steve Raleigh, Brian Keiter, Tom Buffington, Gary Wasser, John Shores, Vince Barns, and Michael Batz, deserve special acknowledgment for their leadership and continued support. Along with them, the past officers and board members as well as the industry partners and mentors who have contributed their time and expertise, helping to elevate the standards we uphold today.

Our Chapter focus today remains on strengthening technical education, deepening collaboration, and supporting the workforce that will define the future of concrete repair in our region, while continuing to learn from those who built the industry we stand on. And while today’s board may include younger faces than those from the founding era, it reflects the engineers, contractors, and material suppliers committed to responsibility of carrying this legacy forward.

And most importantly, a sincere thank you goes out to our sponsors, whose support throughout the years makes our programs, outreach, and events possible.

As we celebrate this milestone year, it’s clear that even though we are a chapter built near the beach, with palm trees, and favorable weather, our founders and the many board members and officers who followed them established a deep foundation. It is a foundation that has withstood the storms our region and our industry have faced, supported by a structurally sound legacy and the industry‑leader knowledge they put in place.

With that foundation beneath us, we look forward to building the chapter up together and driving the continued revitalization of our industry and the concrete restoration community we serve.

Respectfully,

Alan Siscoe PE
President