NABIE Embarks on a Global Presence

The fall board meeting for NABIE (held October 9, 2010 in Philadelphia) included something of an historic event.  NABIE has been cultivating contacts outside U.S. borders for sometime, but not as a matter of policy.  Some contacts have evolved as word of our organization spread.  Other contacts came from a presence at annual NSPE meetings.
Most recently member growth in Puerto Rico, interest on the part of South Korean professional engineers, and a newly accepted member from Canada (a first for NABIE) all demonstrate that globalization is coming to the field of building inspection engineering.  Out-going NABIE president David Carlysle, P.E. has fostered efforts in this area.
Discussion at the board meeting included a consideration of a non-compensated, purely volunteer position entitled, “Director of International Affairs.”  The position would authorize the incumbent to freely develop and cultivate — subject to board approval –NABIE’s presence outside United States borders.  As an affinity organization of NSPE, expanding into the international arena is consistent with on going efforts of our parent society.
The board appointed David Carlysle, P.E. as Director of International Affairs and with it has given David some latitude in how we can become a greater voice for this engineering specialty on a global level.  We wish David success in his new role.
NABIE recognizes that the work of representing building inspection engineers and lobbying on behalf of PEs and RAs who specialize in this area is never done here at home.  But we also know that globalization is fast overtaking many aspects of the American economy and the engineering profession.  The decision to dedicate increased attention to this area is consistent with serving licensed professional engineers and architects everywhere who commit themselves to assessing conditions in buildings.
*This article had been posted in the Fall 2010 edition of The Examiner.