Welcome and thank you for being a part of the Firestop Contractors International Association.
It is an honor and privilege to serve as your 2026 FCIA Board President, and I want to thank the current Board of Directors for entrusting me with this honor and providing an opportunity to give back to the Association.
To our Contractor, Manufacturer, and Associate members, thank you for supporting the FCIA and the efforts we’re making to increase the global awareness of Passive Fire Protection and advance our mission worldwide.
My vision for the FCIA is to continue to drive the foundation of the ’DIIM’ message – ‘D’esign, ‘I’nstall, ‘I’nspect and ‘M’aintain – created by the FCIA to promote safer buildings around the world. We will continue to grow and promote our FCIA Firestop Education Program (FEP), as well as the FM 4991Approved and UL Qualified Contractor programs.
We will continue our collaborative efforts with organizations in the Passive Fire Protection Industry, inclusive of Architects, Engineers, Contractors, Inspectors, and local AHJ’s by providing education about Passive Fire Protection and increasing awareness as to the critical role Specialty Firestop Contractors play in the success of safer buildings.
Internationally, we begin at the newly rebranded FCIA-NFCA PFPCON ’26 Dubai event where our Director, International Initiatives, Ahbishek Chhabra, continues his tireless efforts to bring awareness to the world of Passive Fire Protection. He has been recognized globally for his impact educating key decision makers on the importance of the ‘DIIM’ model and has energized the re-thinking and the usage of the Specialty Firestop Contractor. Big thank you for your dedication, Ahbi.
In October ‘25 at the Firestop Industry Conference & Trade Show (FIC ’25), we introduced our new Technical Director, Dr. Gabby Peck. Gabby will be instrumental in providing educational content to the masses, not only North America and Canada, but Internationally as well. Her expertise will be an asset to the Association and industry at large. Welcome aboard, Gabby.
And if you haven’t already seen the announcements or felt the hype, allow me a moment to build the drama. PFPCON ’26 Las Vegas - This will be a conference like we’ve never seen! Combining our efforts with the NFCA (National Fireproofing Contractors Association), this will be the most explosive event for Passive Fire Protection the industry has witnessed to date. Finally! FCIA’s Education & Committee Action Conference (ECA) and NFCA’s Week of Learning under one roof, together, forging unity, education, and committee initiatives! This is a don’t miss opportunity and your sign to get involved.
In closing, I’m looking forward to a robust 2026. We encourage you to take advantage of the calendar of events. As a member, supporter, follower, you are a part of a supportive Association committed to collaboration, growth, and shared success. The FCIA provides valuable resources, educational opportunities, and a platform for professional and personal growth. Consider committee involvement. Consider bringing FCIA and NFCA in to help educate the marketplace, Code Officials, AHJs, and all involved stakeholders. Help us grow together. YOU can make a difference. You’ve taken the first step to becoming a difference maker by attending here. Will you keep walking with us?
Thank you for your continued support of the FCIA. It takes teamwork to make the dream work!!!
Sincerely,
Joe Wilkinson, 2026 FCIA Board President
Firestop Contractors International Association