CSI Welcomes CSC’s Nick Franjic as Honorary Member

At the 2025 CSI National Conference, CSI bestowed special recognition on Nick Franjic, executive director of Construction Specifications Canada (CSC), naming him an Honorary Member.

Honorary Membership is CSI’s most prestigious distinction, awarded to individuals who have provided distinguished service to the construction industry in areas aligned with CSI.

CSI board chair William Sundquist, FCSI, says, “Nick’s three decades of leadership have shaped collaborations across North America and elevated both CSC and CSI. Nick’s vision and dedication have forged deep and lasting partnerships between our organization—partnerships that continue to benefit every member of the design and construction community. Nick’s impact on our industry is both broad and profound.”

Building enduring partnerships

Franjic has been a driving force behind the long-standing partnership between CSI and CSC, helping strengthen North America’s design and construction community through lasting, collaborative relationships among volunteer and staff leaders.

“When William called to inform me of the CSI board’s decision, I was speechless, and so grateful and overwhelmed,” Franjic says. “And I have to say, I’m glad it wasn’t a Zoom call. Those of you who know me are aware of how emotional I can be.

“After I hung up the phone, I sat for a few minutes and asked myself, ‘Why me?’” says Franjic. “To be honored in this way by an association that I have had dealings with for over 30 years is not just the icing on the cake but the cake itself, too. I will forever cherish the friendships that have developed from day one to today.”

A bond across borders

Members of both CSI and CSC widely supported the honor, recognizing Franjic’s professional contributions as well as his consistent kindness and friendship.

“I gave it some thought, and what I’d like to pass on is the hospitality that he shows when my wife and I attend the CSC Conference,” says Ronald L. Geren, FCSI, Distinguished Member, CCS, CCCA, CDT. “He is a big guy—you can’t miss him—but with a bigger heart and a deep passion for CSC. He has helped to bridge the cross-border cooperation between our two associations, building a bond with a strength that few other associations have ever experienced.”

“All of us are passionate about this industry. When you hit the board level, that seems to be especially true. But board members come and go,” says CSC president Kelly Sawatzky RSW, CSP. “Nick has been with us for 30 years. He’s not just a font of historical knowledge of the organization; he’s a strand of yarn that knits people together.”

Sawatzky adds, “Nick champions standardization and ensures collaboration between our organizations. He helps ensure that Canadian voices are heard, and I think these voices have given breadth and depth to the standards, so much so that they are being adopted all over the world. CSI can be so proud that this cooperation has resulted in such beneficial resources for all of us.”

A lasting impact

Sundquist says, in addition to all Franjic’s accomplishments, “Perhaps what stands out most about Nick is not just his list of accomplishments, it’s his style of leadership. Those who have worked for him describe him as humble, steady, and deeply committed to the people behind the work.”

Franjic acknowledged numerous CSI and CSC colleagues—including past and present board leaders and CSI CEO Mark Dorsey—for their roles in the associations’ shared success.

“Throughout my time at CSC, I’ve been incredibly, incredibly fortunate to have the support of an executive council, board of directors, and many members both professionally and personally,” says Franjic. “And I feel blessed to be able to say I have a CSI family as well.

“Thank you truly for this incredible honor,” he says. “I will treasure it wherever my life takes me. Thank you.”

Celebrating All of 2025 CSI Honors and Awards Recipients

At the recent CSI National Conference, CSI recognized dozens of chapters and individuals whose efforts continue to make the organization more relevant and impactful across the industry.

Each honor reflects the dedication, passion, and loyalty of those recognized.

Join us in congratulating all 2025 award and honor recipients! See the full list at csiresources.org/awardsrecipients.

Congratulations, CSI scholarship winners

The CSI Foundation supports aspiring AECO professionals from underrepresented communities through scholarships for CSI Certification and National Conference attendance.

2025 CSI National Conference scholarship recipients

• Oscar Chmie
• Omar Lubis
• Nicholas Rubino

2025 CSI certification scholarship recipients

• Maher Bata
• Veronica Blanco
• Maria Contreras

You make these scholarships possible. Your support helps the CSI Foundation empower careers and strengthen the future of the construction industry. Contribute today at csiresources.org/foundation.