40 Years of CFMA

In this last issue of CFMA Building Profits for the calendar year, I think it is appropriate to celebrate a few important milestones.

40th Anniversary Highlights

First, it’s time to acknowledge the end of our 40th anniversary. We embarked on a number of initiatives this year to celebrate that milestone, including launching the inaugural 40 Under 40 program and creating a video that looked back at CFMA over the last 40 years. A 40th anniversary reception was also held at each of the in-person viewing locations during CFMA’s 2021 Hybrid Conference; and, throughout the year on social media, we have been posting “throwback” photos to showcase CFMA and its members through the years.

It’s also time to thank our volunteer leaders who have contributed their time, expertise, and dedication to CFMA over the past 40 years. I am always amazed when I reflect on the time our volunteer leaders spend on their “second job.” Their dedication has been the one constant I have seen over the last 11 years, and for this we owe them a deep debt of gratitude.

CFMA Building Profits

I would also like to acknowledge and celebrate the work of the CFMA Building Profits staff and the support it receives from our volunteers. CFMA Building Profits is almost always recognized when we survey our members as the most important member benefit. That doesn’t happen without a lot of hard work from a whole bunch of people.

Like almost all of our initiatives and activities, CFMA Building Profits relies on the work of volunteers. CFMA’s Publications Advisory Committee, currently led by Brendan Rittel, Chair, and Hope Voigt, CCIFP, Vice Chair, helps determine issue themes for the magazine and provides valuable input on specific topics of concern to the industry. The synergy between staff and volunteer leaders is a major contributor to the magazine’s success.

The CFMA Building Profits staff is led by Kristy Domboski, Director, Editorial Services, and she is supported by Sal Marino, Assistant Editor, and Madeline Polino, Editorial Assistant, along with our Graphics Department, Susan Flood, Director, Art & Design, and Rachel DiMatteo, Graphic Designer/Production Artist. During the pandemic, this group seemed to thrive under very difficult circumstances. CFMA Building Profits didn’t miss a beat and that is reflected in this issue of the magazine, which contains a number of timely and valuable articles for CFMs, including material cost escalation, contractor failure, and rules of engagement for diversity and inclusion conversations.

Looking Ahead

The last two years have been the most trying years I have ever experienced as the leader of this organization. I can’t put into words how proud I am of the effort our staff and volunteer leaders have contributed during these turbulent times.

As we approach year 41 of CFMA, I am confident that this Association will continue to thrive regardless of what the world throws at us.

Copyright © 2021 by the Construction Financial Management Association (CFMA). All rights reserved. This article first appeared in November/December 2021 CFMA Building Profits magazine.