National Academy of Construction

I am honored to serve as the 2027 Chair of the National Academy of Construction and grateful for the opportunity to work alongside such an accomplished group of industry leaders.

Our Annual Meeting in Nashville, themed "The Grand Collaboration: Orchestrating Industry Transformation," showcased the strength of NAC. We welcomed 45 new members, our most diverse class yet, and recognized outstanding contributions across our profession and within our Academy:

• Al Daloisio – Ted C. Kennedy Award
• Milo Riverso – Richard L. Tucker Service Award
• JJ Suarez – James G. Slaughter, Jr., Lifetime Legacy Award
• Climate Pledge Arena (Seattle) – Special Achievement Award for Project Excellence

We also awarded six scholarships totaling $60,000, supporting our next generation of leaders.

I follow Sam Sleiman, whose leadership strengthened the Academy and elevated NAC's influence across the industry. Under his guidance, we advanced our purpose, "Transform the Industry to Build a Better Nation," while enhancing our financial sustainability, streamlining our governance processes, and reinforcing NAC's role as a trusted voice dedicated to improving the built environment. I will continue to emphasize these areas and at the same time work to involve all NAC members in our purpose.

During our time together in Nashville, we reflected on Dolly Parton's example of service and generosity. Her story reinforced a simple truth: giving back is not just an opportunity, it is a responsibility.

Every NAC member has earned a position of influence through leadership, innovation, and achievement. As Chair, I challenge each of you to identify one meaningful action you will take to advance NAC's mission and positively impact our industry. This is not a commitment NAC will track. It is your personal commitment.

Whether mentoring future leaders, addressing critical challenges, serving on committees, or supporting Academy initiatives, we all have a role to play. Our committees are helping shape the future through Executive Insights, Get the Knack podcasts, webinars, safety and cybersecurity workshops, scholarships, awards, and collaborative partnerships. I encourage thoughtful discussion about our industry as we focus our knowledge base on workforce development, artificial intelligence, and emerging technologies.

Imagine the impact if every NAC member took one meaningful action or initiated one meaningful conversation this year. Together, those efforts would amplify NAC's influence and further establish the Academy as a catalyst for positive change.

Thank you for your confidence, leadership, and commitment to our mission. I am honored to serve with you and look forward to what we will accomplish together.

Sandy Hamby
NAC Chair, 2027