ACEC Board of Directors Approves Three-Year Budget, Transitions Leadership

ACEC’s Board of Directors met today as prelude to the 2025 Annual Convention and Legislative Summit in Washington. Outgoing Chair Gary Raba presided over the meeting, during which the Board adopted a three-year budget to ensure the Council is positioned to adapt to a constantly shifting political, technological, and economic landscape. Billed as “ACEC 3.0,” this new budget includes investments in advocacy, education and leadership programs, and tools to enhance member growth and experience.

President and CEO Linda Bauer Darr delivered remarks on the state of both the Council and the industry, noting that both are operating in an unsettled—and sometimes unsettling—political environment. But even with those external considerations, Darr was quick to point out that what we are seeing in Washington is disruption—and that not all of it has been negative. “It’s already very clear that there are issues where we will disagree with the President,” she said, “but there will be issues where we align.”

Darr went on to say that there is room for collaboration and cooperation on big questions like regulatory streamlining, taxes, and immigration, all of which have immense implications for ACEC member firms and for the industry as a whole. The Trump Administration has yet to define its agenda on infrastructure, but Darr warned that the industry should be prepared to come down from the “sugar highs” of Biden-era spending, noting that a more “meat and potatoes” diet might be on the menu. “We anticipate a greater focus on roads and bridges and less emphasis on Biden’s broader definition of infrastructure that included energy, broadband, and water,” she said.

Darr closed her remarks with a discussion of technology, reaffirming the Council’s commitment to harnessing its potential. “We can’t be a bystander in this process,” she said. “We need to help shape how technology can propel rather than do harm to our industry, and we need to be engaged in the emerging policy debates around its use.

Today’s Board of Directors meeting also marked the end of an era, with the announced retirement of longtime ACEC Hawaii Executive Director Ginny Wright. For 26 years, the quiet strength of Ginny’s leadership shaped ACEC Hawaii and served not only its members, but the entire Council. She has shown us all the power of kindness and the impact of true generosity. She will be missed.

Today’s meeting also marked the end of Gary Raba’s term as Chair. In his valedictory remarks, Raba thanked the Council for the honor of serving as chair during what he called a “helluva fun year.” Looking back on some of the accomplishments during his tenure, he congratulated the Council. “This federation, despite its diverse personalities, voices, and opinions, consistently prioritizes our collective mission,” he said. “It truly is a testament to you all.”  In her farewell remarks saluting Raba, Linda Bauer Darr pointed to his adventurous spirit as the reason she calls him “The World’s Most Interesting Man.” But, said Raba, what looks like adventure is really just about chasing your dreams and living a purposeful life. “I’ve always felt that dreams are actually whispers of your true calling,” he said. “They’re reminders that you are more than the sum of your fears—more than the constraints of your circumstances.”

The meeting closed with a transition of leadership, with John Rathke assuming the role of 2025-2026 Board Chair. Rathke closed the meeting with a brief overview of his priorities in the coming year as Chair, namely around increasing membership and offering more opportunities for engagement. “I’m a big believer that engagement is the lifeblood of any vibrant organization,” he said. “It’s what transforms passive support into active participation.”