As 2026 comes to a close, I’ve found myself reflecting on what has been an extraordinary year for IAPMO. Celebrating our 100th anniversary gave us an opportunity to look back at where we came from, but just as importantly, it gave us a chance to think about where we’re going.
Throughout the year, and especially during our centennial conference in Los Angeles, I was reminded of what makes IAPMO such a special organization. It isn’t a building, a publication or a program. It’s the people.
One hundred years ago, 39 Los Angeles plumbing inspectors came together with a shared commitment to improving the plumbing industry and protecting public health. A century later, that same spirit remains at the heart of IAPMO. We may be a much larger and more diverse organization today, but our success is still built on people who care about our profession and are willing to contribute their time, knowledge and experience.
I’ve been fortunate throughout my own journey to learn from many of those people. When I first became involved with IAPMO committees, I was surrounded by members who were willing to share their knowledge, answer questions and help me better understand our industry. Some of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned didn’t come from a classroom. They came from conversations with people who took the time to share their experiences and encourage me along the way.
That spirit of mentorship is one of the things I value most about IAPMO. No matter where you come from — whether you’re an inspector, contractor, engineer, manufacturer, labor representative, educator or public official — there is a place for you here. We bring different perspectives and experiences, but we are united by a common purpose and a commitment to protecting public health and advancing our profession.
I also want to recognize the incredible dedication of our volunteers. Whether serving on a committee, participating in code development, supporting a chapter, mentoring a young professional or contributing to one of IAPMO’s many initiatives, our volunteers are helping shape the future of this organization. Their time and expertise are truly the lifeblood of IAPMO.
That commitment to service extends beyond our organization through the work of the International Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Foundation. IWSH gives members of our industry an opportunity to put their skills to work in communities that need them. This year’s project at the Los Angeles Mission was a particularly meaningful example. As part of IAPMO’s centennial celebration, plumbers, contractors, unions and industry partners came together to make lasting improvements to facilities serving thousands of people.
Projects like that remind us that what we do matters far beyond our own workplaces. We have an opportunity to use our knowledge and skills to make a tangible difference in people’s lives.
As I look toward IAPMO’s second century, I feel incredibly optimistic about our future. I see experienced leaders willing to mentor the next generation. I see talented young professionals stepping forward and becoming involved. And I see an organization that continues to grow while remaining firmly grounded in the values that brought us together in the first place.
One lesson from this past year will stay with me: a strong organization isn’t measured only by how well it operates today, but by how well it continues when its key people are gone. That means each of us has a responsibility to teach, mentor and develop the people who will carry IAPMO forward.
Serving as your president during IAPMO’s 100th anniversary year has been one of the greatest honors of my professional life. I am grateful for the confidence and support you have placed in me, for the friendships and mentorship I have received, and for the opportunity to serve alongside so many dedicated people.
Finally, I want to thank all those who came before us. Their dedication, leadership and hard work gave IAPMO the strong foundation we have today. It is now our responsibility to build on that foundation and continue moving this organization forward.
Thank you for allowing me to be part of this remarkable year and for entrusting me as president once again as we embark on a new century. I look forward to seeing what we will build together in year 101 and beyond.
Last modified: November 13, 2026