National Academy of Construction

It is an honor to lead the National Academy of Construction (NAC), an organization that drives excellence, innovation and leadership at the forefront of our industry. I am privileged to follow Christine Keville, a pioneer whose leadership has elevated women in construction and guided the Academy with vision and impact. Under her tenure, we established a three to five-year strategic roadmap with six key goals to ensure the Academy remains relevant, influential and forward-looking as we work to “Transform the Industry to Build a Better Nation.”

This year’s annual meeting in Colorado Springs, themed “Purple Mountain Majesty: Setting the Path Forward,” was a powerful launch of our Strategic Plan. We welcomed 37 new members, the most diverse class since I joined, bringing exceptional experience, leadership and energy. Congratulations and welcome to all inductees.

NAC programs continue to recognize excellence and support the next generation of leaders. This year, awards were presented to Deb Grubbe (Ted C. Kennedy Award), Maggi Walker (Richard L. Tucker Outstanding Service Award), the Wyoming State Capitol Project (Special Achievement Award) and Jimmy Slaughter (the inaugural Lifetime Achievement Award). Thanks to your generosity, we also awarded six scholarships totaling $60,000.

Our six strategic goals – Financial Sustainability, Governance, Brand, Impact, Next Gen and Membership – will guide the Academy’s growth. As we move into 2026, I am prioritizing Financial Sustainability and Governance, including establishing an operational reserve and streamlining governance for more efficient operations.

I encourage all members to actively participate in NAC programs, from Executive Insights, Get the Knack Podcast and Webinars to Safety Workshops, Scholarships, Annual Awards and Collaborative Partnerships. Your engagement ensures the Academy continues to shape America’s built environment, the backbone of our economy, security and quality of life.

I look forward to working with you to achieve our vision of “Transforming the Industry to Build a Better Nation” and extend my gratitude to Edd, Sandy and the entire NAC staff for their dedication to our mission.

Sam Sleiman
NAC Chair, 2026