As I reflect on the progress of our Society, I am reminded that the strength of ASPE has always been rooted in the dedication of its members. Every Chapter meeting organized, every technical paper written, every standard developed, and every young professional mentored represent an investment made by someone who believed in the future of our profession.
Today, that collective effort has allowed our Society to reach an incredible milestone. ASPE membership has grown to nearly 8,000 members worldwide—our largest membership to date. This growth is not simply a number; it represents the expanding influence of plumbing engineering and the trust that professionals across our industry place in this organization.
With growth also comes responsibility. The success we enjoy today is built on decades of sacrifice and service from those who came before us. Generations of volunteers gave their time, shared their expertise, and worked tirelessly to establish ASPE as the leading authority in plumbing engineering education and professional development. Their commitment built the foundation upon which we now stand.
Honoring that Heritage Requires More than Remembrance—It Requires Stewardship
Our Society must always be willing to look in the mirror and ask important questions: Who are we today? Where are we going to be tomorrow? How do we ensure that ASPE continues to serve the next generation of engineers and designers as effectively as it served those who came before us?
I am proud to say that the answers to those questions reveal a Society that is strong, resilient, and forward-looking:
- We are financially sound, allowing us to invest in programs that strengthen our profession.
- We have built lasting partnerships with the industry’s leading manufacturers and organizations, creating a collaborative environment that benefits our members and advances the plumbing engineering community.
- We continue to expand our educational resources, certifications, and technical knowledge base, ensuring that ASPE remains the global standard for plumbing engineering excellence.
- Perhaps most importantly, we have cultivated a community built on trust and cooperation. That culture is one of ASPE’s greatest strengths. Our members come from many backgrounds, companies, and regions, but we unite around a shared purpose—to improve the health, safety, and welfare of the public through sound plumbing engineering.
Looking ahead, 2026 will be an important year for our Society. Our biennial Convention will once again bring our membership together to exchange knowledge, celebrate our profession, and elect the next group of leaders who will help guide ASPE into the future.
The ASPE Board of Directors plays a vital role in that process, providing strategic insight, experience, and direction to ensure that our Society remains aligned with its mission. Working alongside them is our exceptional professional staff, led by Executive Director/CEO Billy Smith, FASPE, whose leadership and dedication ensure that the vision of the Board is executed with professionalism and excellence.
Since being elected in 2024, it has been my privilege to work with so many talented individuals who care deeply about this organization. Together, we have focused on growing membership, strengthening our educational foundation, and developing the next generation of leaders who will carry ASPE forward.
As we approach the next chapter in our Society’s leadership journey, I am reminded that progress has always required both reflection and resolve. Healthy organizations welcome new ideas, encourage strong leaders to step forward, and embrace the challenge of continual improvement.
Our Society has accomplished remarkable things over the past decades, but I firmly believe that our best days are still ahead of us.
Together, we will continue to build upon the legacy entrusted to us—strengthening our profession, serving our members, and ensuring that ASPE remains the premier organization for plumbing engineering worldwide.
Thank you for the dedication, passion, and commitment each of you brings to this community.
As always, I am enclosing Volume 9 of the ASPE Education crossword puzzle. Luther Thevenin, CPD, is one of our many talented contributors to the ASPE Education Committee, and he has put together some great puzzles for our ASPE community, so take some time and complete the crossword puzzle. The answers will be posted in my next column.
