The Connecticut Building Congress (CBC) announced its new board president, Ryan Scrittorale, at its Meet the Board Fall Social this past September. He assumes leadership from Alana Lovegren, associate principal at Svigals+Partners, who served as board president for the 2022-2023 term. Scrittorale has been involved at the CBC for over a decade with increasing leadership roles from committee to board level. He is currently a senior project manager at Benesch with 17 years of experience and background in all aspects of civil engineering and site design.
Since the 1950s, CBC has created a forum for building professionals to connect, learn, and grow. Members come from every facet of the AEC industry: architects, engineers, and contractors; owners; suppliers; attorneys; bankers; accountants; insurers; developers; and consultants. Monthly evening programs provide networking with presenters who share industry insights, trends, and upcoming projects. CBC’s annual golf tournament provides an opportunity for members to spend a memorable day on the greens, all while contributing to a meaningful cause. Each year, CBC uses the proceeds of the annual golf tournament to award scholarships to deserving high school seniors who represent the future of the building industry.
High-Profile’s Anastasia Barnes sat down with Scrittorale to discuss what’s next for the CBC.
Anastasia Barnes: Can you share some key initiatives as the president of the CBC, and how they align with the organization’s mission and the needs of its diverse membership base?
Ryan Scrittorale: I am truly honored to serve as the CBC president for the 2023-2024 term. My key initiative is to ensure our members stay informed and well-connected with interesting programs addressing current trends, challenges, and opportunities in the AEC building industry. I am centered on advancing CBC’s legacy mission while fostering a sense of belonging among our members and increasing overall membership engagement with leadership committee to board opportunities. I am charged with creating an environment where building professionals from various backgrounds feel welcome, supported, and recognized for their committee and board leadership.
AB: What main goal you have set during your tenure as president at CBC?
RS: My main goal is to bring together Connecticut’s AEC building professionals with programs that cover topics relevant to the evolving needs of our members. The dynamic field of construction remains collaborative, requiring strong industry partnerships and building ties to create a robust network for our members for future projects. CBC’s evening programs will keep our members at the forefront of building industry trends.
AB: I understand that the CBC hosts monthly evening programs featuring industry speakers. Can you provide insight into some of the upcoming programs and the topics they will cover? How can these programs contribute to the professional development of CBC members?
RS: Our upcoming monthly evening programs will cover topics such as repurposing higher-ed campuses, the state of the healthcare market within construction, and innovation construction in the digital age. We also scheduled two special evening programs focusing on emerging leaders in the construction industry and a project showcase of The Great Wolf Lodge, a $300 million project over a decade in the works. These programs provide a platform for members to learn from industry experts and share experiences while networking with peers. Knowledge and connections gained from these events contribute significantly to the professional development of our members while helping them stay active and informed.
AB: Let’s talk about 2024’s Project Team Awards. Can you share more about the awards – the types of projects that are recognized, and the impact they have on the industry and members?
RS: CBC’s Project Team Awards recognize outstanding building projects that exemplify project team excellence and represent the best practices in teamwork by project owners, architects, engineers, constructors, and trades. Small and large projects of landscape architecture/public spaces, senior living, multi-family/mixed use, civic, civil/structural/utilities, commercial/industrial, environmental, healthcare, higher education, preK-12 schools, power and energy, and transportation are welcome to submit a PTA application. First Place and Merit recognitions are awarded to projects that demonstrate innovation, collaboration, and a commitment to quality. The impact of these awards extends beyond project recognition. CBC’s Annual Project Team Awards promote and celebrate project team efforts throughout Connecticut, highlighting excellence in public and private construction projects completed in recent years. CBC’s PTA is scheduled for June 11, 2024, and call for entries will be opened in January.
AB: Membership in the CBC comes with various benefits, including special recognition at events and the opportunity to participate on the board of directors and committees. How do you encourage members to actively engage with these opportunities, and what leadership opportunities does CBC offer to its members?
RS: Members from the design, construction, and facilities management industry have the opportunity to participate on the board of directors, committees, task forces, and initiatives with other members and industry leaders. We engage board and committee members in the strategy and decision-making process, allowing members to contribute to CBC’s advancement. The collegial environment fosters active engagement among our members and emphasizes the networking benefits of serving on the board or committees.