BICSI Brief Volume 4, Issue 1 | February 2026

Volume 4, Issue 1 18 February 2026

ISSUE FEATURE What the BICSI Winter 2026 Conference Revealed About the State of the ICT Industry Read more on page 4

SME VOLUNTEERS Ensuring Exam Quality Through Item Analysis — Thank You to Our Subject Matter Expert Volunteers! Read more on page 12

WOMEN IN BICSI Integrating Impact: Annie Bevan Talks Sustainability, ICT, and the Future of the Built Environment. Part Two. Read more on page 22

Feature Article: What the BICSI Winter 2026 Conference Revealed About the State of the ICT Industry

CONTENTS

BICSI Brief is published quarterly in February, May, August, and November by BICSI ® , Inc., and is emailed to BICSI members, credential holders, and customers. BICSI Brief welcomes and encourages contributions and suggestions from its readers. However, all material becomes the property of BICSI, Inc., which reserves the right to edit and alter such material for space or other considerations and to publish or otherwise use such material. The articles, opinions, and ideas expressed herein are the sole responsibility of the contributing authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of BICSI, its members, or its staff. BICSI is not liable in any way, manner, or form for the articles, opinions, and ideas, and readers are urged to exercise professional caution in undertaking any of the recommendations or suggestions made by authors. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, without written permission from BICSI, Inc. ADVERTISING: Rates and information are provided upon request. Contact Courtney Best Nalls for information at +1 813.352.0660 or cnalls@bicsi.org and Brian Dailey at +1 813.769.1854 or bdailey@bicsi.org. Publication of advertising should not be deemed as endorsement by BICSI, Inc. BICSI reserves the right, in its sole and absolute discretion, to reject any advertisement at any time by any party. ©BICSI, 2026. All rights reserved. BICSI and all other registered trademarks within are property of BICSI, Inc.

2026 BICSI Board of Directors Board President William “Bill” Foy, RCDD, DCDC, NTS, OSP, WD, ESS Immediate Past Board President David M. Richards, RCDD, NTS, OSP, TECH, CT Board Secretary Luke Clawson, RCDD, RTPM, GROL, MBA Board Treasurer James “Jim” Walters, RCDD, DCDC, OSP, RTPM, PMP, CISSP, GICSP Board Director William “Joe” Fallon, RCDD, ESS, AVSEC PM, PSP, CISSP Board Director Daniel Hunter, RCDD Board Director Miguelangel Ochoa Briceno, RCDD, CT Board Director Richard “Shane” Ritter, RCDD, DCDC, RTPM Board Director Gilbert Romo Board Director Mark Tarrance, RCDD, RTPM Board Director Jay Thompson, RCDD Board Director Kristen Trbovich, RTPM, PMP, CISSP, GICSP, MBA Chief Executive Officer John H. Daniels, CNM, LFACHE, FHIMSS, CPHIMS BICSI Brief Staff Senior Creative Designer Mark “Line” Cansino

04 Feature

What the BICSI Winter 2026 Conference Revealed About the State of the ICT Industry Letter From the CEO: One Hand Does Not Clap. We Advance Together. Upcoming ICT Forums & Webinars, BICSI Conferences, and Global Events. Ensuring Exam Quality Through Item Analysis — Thank You to Our Subject Matter Expert Volunteers! | A Closer Look at BICSI’s Updated Recertification Policy (Version 5.2) | New BICSI Credential Holders

08 Organization

10 Events

12 Certifications

20 Education

New Micro-OSP Courses Support Smarter Outside Plant Design

Building Smarter, Stronger Networks

22 Community Corner

Integrating Impact: Annie Bevan Talks Sustainability, ICT, and the Future of the Built Environment | BICSI Navigator: Your Online Benefits Center | In Memoriam — Harry James “Jim” Pfister

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Copywriter/Editor Christopher Bryant Content Marketing Specialist Andrew Cavanaugh Communications Coordinator Landon Carter Advertising Sales Courtney Best Nalls: cnalls@bicsi.org Brian Dailey: bdailey@bicsi.org

2 | Contents

Contents | 3

more interconnected and globally deployed, standards provide the common language that ensures interoperability, performance, and trust. BICSI Winter once again underscored BICSI’s role as a neutral, vendor-independent authority defining expectations that transcend products and trends and instead protect the integrity of ICT systems worldwide. Defining “Qualified” in a Converging World Midweek, the conversation broadened to include the economic context shaping the industry. On Wednesday, 21 January, Andrew Busch , economic futurist and former Chief Market Intelligence Officer for the U.S. government, delivered “Future Economy: Growth Opportunities.” Busch provided a clear-eyed view of global economic forces, from inflation and interest rates to trade and technology’s impact on markets, and what they mean for industries built on long-term infrastructure investment. For ICT professionals, his message reinforced the importance of foresight, adaptability, and disciplined decision-making in uncertain environments. As job roles expand and technologies blur traditional boundaries, BICSI Winter repeatedly returned to a central challenge: competence cannot be assumed. Clear, consistent definitions of what it means to be “qualified” are essential, grounded in education, experience, and validated skills rather than titles alone. Here, credentials, continuing education, and standards intersect. BICSI Winter reinforced that BICSI credentials are not simply career milestones; they are safeguards for performance, safety, and accountability across the ICT ecosystem.

and business transformation, Koulopoulos explored the large-scale forces reshaping global systems, from exponential technological change to shifting economic and societal expectations. His message resonated strongly with an audience responsible for designing, building, and maintaining the infrastructure that underpins these transformations. The takeaway was clear: while innovation moves quickly, the decisions ICT professionals make today have long-term consequences. Resilience, adaptability, and standards-based thinking are not obstacles to progress; they are what allow systems to scale responsibly and endure. Standards as Strategic Infrastructure That theme carried throughout the week as sessions across disciplines reinforced a critical reality: standards are no longer static references or background knowledge. They are strategic infrastructure. From data centers and intelligent buildings to outside plant and converged environments, BICSI Winter emphasized the practical application of standards in real-world scenarios. As systems become

What the BICSI Winter 2026 Conference Revealed About the State of the ICT Industry

Guiding the week’s dialogue was emcee Holly Ransom , whose energy and global perspective set the tone for a program designed to challenge thinking, connect disciplines, and look beyond incremental change. From opening to closing, BICSI Winter framed the future not as something abstract or distant, but as something actively shaped by today’s decisions.

BICSI Winter 2026 reaffirmed something the information and communications technology (ICT) industry understands at its core but rarely stops to examine: progress only matters if the foundation holds. Across four days of rigorous technical education, standards-driven dialogue, and peer exchange, BICSI Winter once again demonstrated why it remains the technical backbone of the profession. As technologies converge, economic forces shift, and expectations on ICT systems continue to rise, the conversations in Orlando reflected an industry grappling seriously with what must remain constant, even as change accelerates.

Big Forces, Long Horizons The general session opened on Tuesday, 20 January, with the keynote “Gigatrends: The Forces That Are Changing the Future for Billions,” delivered by Tom Koulopoulos — futurist, author, inventor, and Chairman and Founder of the Delphi Group. Drawing on decades of work at the intersection of technology, innovation,

4 | Feature

Feature | 5

Technical Depth Still Matters Amid conversations about innovation and economic change, BICSI Winter delivered a timely reminder: advancement depends on mastery. Deep-dive technical sessions, hands- on learning, and peer-led discussions emphasized the enduring importance of fundamentals, from pathways and spaces to grounding, bonding, and emerging technologies layered onto established infrastructure. BICSI Winter remains a place where professionals sharpen skills, validate approaches, and pressure-test decisions with peers who understand the real-world stakes. This technical rigor continues to define BICSI Winter as the industry’s anchor point, a space where confidence is built through knowledge, not hype.

Blending music, storytelling, and insight, Lee highlighted the human side of complex systems, demonstrating how alignment, communication, and collaboration amplify performance. His message resonated deeply in an industry where success increasingly depends on cross-disciplinary teams working in sync. The closing keynote served as a reminder that while standards, technology, and economics shape the landscape, people remain at the center of progress. A Foundation for What Comes Next BICSI Winter 2026 was not about predicting the future. It was about ensuring the industry is prepared for it. By reinforcing standards, elevating competence, and deepening technical expertise (as well as addressing the economic, technological, and human forces at play), BICSI Winter laid the groundwork for the conversations that will continue throughout the year. The future of ICT isn’t built on momentum alone. It’s built on what holds.

THE BICSI CONFERENCE EXPERIENCE – DELIVERED ONLINE

Watch the Recap Video

Join BICSI’s ICT Direct Winter 2026 , a virtual telecommunications conference, available 1–31 March , designed to strengthen your skills and support long-term career growth. Learn from industry experts, and connect with peers online, all without time away from work or travel costs. REGISTER TODAY bicsi.org/ictdirect

View the Winter 2026 Gallery

Alignment, Collaboration, and the Human Element The conference closed on Thursday, 22 January, with a keynote that brought the week’s themes full circle. Bronkar Lee , author, performer, and innovation speaker, delivered “One Song, Many Voices: How Aligned Teams Drive Greater Results.”

6 | Feature

One Hand Does Not Clap. We Advance Together. Letter From BICSI’s CEO

Across BICSI, none of us succeeds alone. “One hand does not clap” reminds us that progress in ICT comes from coordinated effort. Members, volunteers, and staff each bring a vital piece of the work. Together we raise standards, strengthen skills, and deliver results on the job. With the Board’s annual strategy review complete, we are moving from plan to execution. You will see practical guidance you can use in the field, credible credentials that signal competence and protect safety, and learning experiences that solve real problems while you earn CECs. We are also expanding global access so you can find, use, and trust BICSI resources wherever you work. Please join us in welcoming Nick Tongson as our Vice President of Standards and Publications . Tongson will align BICSI’s standards and publications with a digital- by-default model so volunteer expertise becomes usable guidance faster. This is how we raise standards and strengthen skills so you can deliver better results on the job. What you can expect next is straightforward. We will align to the Board’s direction, set measurable objectives, and report milestones with transparency. We will invite your input so we keep improving together.

How you can help now:

• Participate in BICSI Standards development and technical manual reviews through our committees and workgroups. Your expertise shapes the guidance our industry uses. • Encourage colleagues to pursue BICSI learning and credentials so teams build proven competence and deliver stronger project outcomes. • Tell us what is working and what is not, so we stay focused on value. Thank you for the difference you make every day. Together, we turn strategy into impact, because one hand does not clap. Together in purpose,

John H. Daniels, CNM, LFACHE, FHIMSS, CPHIMS Chief Executive Officer BICSI

8 | Organization

Education | 9

VIRTUAL ICT FORUMS (3 CECs) Upcoming ICT Forums & Webinars

UPCOMING BICSI CONFERENCES

BICSI Beyond 30 August–2 September 2026 Call for Presenters is open! Submit your application by 4 April 2026.

ICT Direct Winter 2026 1–31 March 2026

SUBMIT

BICSI Virtual ICT Forum Hosted via Zoom

26 March 2026 9 a.m.–1 p.m. ET

21 May 2026 12–4 p.m. ET

UPCOMING GLOBAL EVENTS

Sponsored by CommScope and MaxCell

Sponsored by CommScope, Pelco, and Sumitomo Electric Lightwave Corp.

BICSI CALA ICT Summit Costa Rica 2026 13 March 2026 Hotel Crowne Plaza Corobici San José, Costa Rica

BICSI Southeast Asia Vietnam 2026 13 March 2026 Pullman Saigon Centre Hotel Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam

IN-PERSON ICT FORUMS (5 CECs)

BICSI ICT Forum - Western Mesa, AZ, United States 25 February 2026 7:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. MST

BICSI ICT Forum – Southeast Tampa, FL, United States 10 March 2026 7:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. ET

BICSI ICT Forum – Western Simi Valley, CA, United States 30 April 2026 7:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. PT

BICSI India Annual Conference & Exhibition 2026 10 April 2026 Shangri-La Hotel Bengaluru, India

BICSI CALA Data Center Forum Nicaragua 2026 16 April 2026

Hyatt Place Managua Managua, Nicaragua

WEBINAR (1 CEC)

12 March 2026 2–3 p.m. ET

Topic: Ribbon Fiber; A Look at the Past and Future Sponsored by Sumitomo Electric Lightwave Corp. REGISTER

Want to Sponsor a BICSI Event & Highlight Your Expertise? For more information about sponsoring a future event, please contact Courtney Best Nalls at cnalls@bicsi.org or Brian Dailey at bdailey@bicsi.org.

10 | Events

Events | 11

Ensuring Exam Quality Through Item Analysis – Thank You to Our Subject Matter Expert Volunteers!

RCDD Exam Item Analysis • Claudia Alvarado, RCDD • Jack Holt, RCDD

• Doug Sherwood, TECH (Installation Workgroup Vice Chair) • Jobie Smith, RCDD, TECH (Installation Workgroup Secretary) Additionally, thank you to our RCSC Chair, Heather Callaway, RCDD; RCSC Vice Chair, Mungree Singh, RCDD; and RCSC Secretary, TJ Pate, TECH, INSTC, INSTF, for their incredible leadership and unwavering dedication in guiding all three exam item analyses. Your commitment and hard work have truly set the standard for excellence! All our SMEs’ efforts directly impact the quality of our certifications and the professionals and public who rely on them. Thank you for helping us uphold the highest standards!

• Heinrich Schuster, RCDD, OSP • Samra Usmani, RCDD, OSP • Jered Waller, RCDD • M. Bradford Sherman, RCDD • Luis Osuna, RCDD • Michael Bonaccorsi, RCDD (RCDD Workgroup Chair) • Jodie Goodbrake, RCDD, DCDC (RCDD Workgroup Vice Chair) • Richard Abeyta, RCDD, TECH (RCDD Workgroup Secretary) RTPM Exam Item Analysis • Caitlin Brudnicki, RTPM • David Vercelletto, RCDD, DCDC, OSP, RTPM, ESS • Dixie Campbell, RCDD, RTPM • Heath Norris, RCDD, RTPM • Michael Collins, RTPM Vice Chair • Rosalie McGee, RTPM • Adam Haskin, RCDD (RTPM Workgroup Chair) Installer 2, Optical Fiber Exam Item Analysis • Gary Trithart, RCDD, TECH • Carlos Welch, TECH • Jeff Mendoza, TECH • Brian Posivak, TECH (Installation Workgroup Chair)

Why It Matters This process safeguards the integrity of our certification programs and ensures candidates are assessed fairly. Continuous improvement is key to maintaining the trust and confidence of our stakeholders. Recently, a dedicated group of subject matter expert (SME) volunteers completed item analysis for three of our exams: the RCDD®, RTPM®, and Installer 2, Optical Fiber exams. Their expertise and commitment A Heartfelt Thank You are invaluable to the success of our programs. This work requires not only subject matter knowledge but also careful attention to detail and a willingness to invest time in improving our exams. We extend our deepest gratitude to the following SME volunteers for their outstanding contributions:

Exam development doesn’t stop once an exam is released. Just like your car needs regular maintenance to stay in top condition, our exams require ongoing care to ensure they remain accurate, fair, and relevant. We continuously review and update exam content to reflect these exam standards. Processes like item analysis allow us to identify questions that may need refinement, ensuring that every exam maintains the highest level of quality and validity. This commitment to continuous improvement is what keeps our certification programs trusted and respected worldwide. What Is Exam Item Analysis? Item analysis is a vital process that evaluates how each exam question performs after an exam is administered. It helps us ensure questions are clear, fair, and measure the intended knowledge or skills accurately. By reviewing metrics like difficulty and discrimination, we identify items that need improvement, keeping our exams valid, reliable, and aligned with industry standards.

Want to Make a Difference? Volunteer With Us! If you’re passionate about advancing the telecommunications industry standards and contributing to the quality of our certification programs, we’d love to have you join our volunteer community. Your expertise can help shape the future of our exams and ensure they remain fair and relevant. Interested? You can email credentialing@ bicsi.org to be considered for future exam development activities!

12 | Certifications

Certifications | 13

• Monitor reminders, but always verify your account status and expiration date Your BICSI credentials represent a globally recognized standard of excellence. Maintaining them demonstrates your commitment to professional growth and ensures your knowledge remains current and relevant. LOG IN TO BICSI NAVIGATOR

manage requirements. During audits, BICSI may request additional documentation to verify CEC claims. Failure to comply or provide sufficient proof may result in credit denial, and repeated non-compliance may lead to denial of recertification. Reminder to Credential Holders Now is the ideal time to plan your recertification strategy: • Review your certification cycle timeline and credit requirements • Track your CECs across education, speaking, service, membership, ethics, and nano-learning activities • Keep thorough documentation, including agendas, certificates, and proof of attendance

A Closer Look at BICSI’s Updated Recertification Policy (Version 5.2)

BICSI has released its updated Credential Holder Recertification Policy (Version 5.2) , reinforcing the importance of recertification as a cornerstone of professional credibility in the information and communications technology (ICT) industry. This policy emphasizes that recertification is not simply an administrative requirement; it is a commitment to ongoing expertise, ethical standards, and adaptability in a rapidly evolving technological landscape. The update provides clear guidance on earning Continuing Education Credits (CECs) and outlines structured processes to maintain credential validity. Under the revised policy, credential holders must earn a designated number of CECs within a three-year cycle, based on their certification type (such as RCDD, RTPM, INSTC®, or TECH). While the overall credit requirements remain consistent, the range of qualifying activities has expanded significantly.

In addition to traditional continuing education, credential holders can now earn credits through: • Speaking at BICSI events or serving as a subject matter expert • Volunteering in BICSI roles or committees • Maintaining an active individual BICSI membership (1 CEC per year) • Completing the mandatory ethics course provided by BICSI • Participating in “nano-learning” sessions as short as 15 minutes These enhancements recognize diverse forms of professional engagement, leadership, and lifelong learning. The policy also details practical steps for recertification. Credential holders must submit an online application, provide supporting documentation, and pay the recertification fee. Tools found on BICSI Navigator make it easier to track progress and

GIVE BACK BY VOLUNTEERING WITH BICSI

14 | Certifications

Certifications | 15

New BICSI Credential Holders New credential holders effective 1 November 2025–31 January 2026

Tyler Broussard Chase McLain Sanu Millard Ryan LeFrancois Joshua Kirkbride Mario Cuellar Jason Lopez Brett Carlile Aaron Atkins Dalton Cole Michael Landrum Eric Nickens John Dotson Jostin Fenton Tyler McCoy Dienson Alice Stephen Maldonado Stephen Malloy Tyler Watters Joshua Newman Steven Berryman Jason Dunn James Girardo Derek Anderson Noah Shultz Joshua Donovan Jacob Stapleton Joshua King

Zach Dean Clevon Harewood James Fink Lawrence King Vincent Maraldo John Bolando Timothy Ryan Oscar McDermott Jordan Joseph Deon Permaul Jason Shiver Phillip Aqeel Joshua Evans Stefan Linden Dylan Lee David Smith Brian Ballard Thomas Williams Joshua Long Marcos Almazan Read Meyers Kenneth Dick Edward Robinson Christopher Castillo Jason Domarus Cory Adams Peter Curry Deidre Gunter Liam Overby John Norman Hunter Lasko Jabbar Lateef Jamal Lateef Michael Cara-Donna Keng Lee Michael Giggy Andrew Maminski Nicholas Bonafino Stephen Kandel Edward Long

Jason Dennery Thomas Braun Justin Graham Anthony Tiedemann Christopher M. Stumpo Jonathan Paxson Anthony Rocci Dennis Mucerino Angel Villatoro John McDonald Joseph O’Brien David Woodring DCDC Mustafa Al Abed Patrick Crooks Waqar Khan Douglas Hardy Nasil Panambron Justin Gjerde Chandler Hershberger Joshua Ortega Bradley Franson Michael Meyers Mohammed Khalil Ahmed Bahr John Sobieski Asif Usmani Umair Shahid Waqar Hussain Daud Javier Sanchez Khaja Muqeem Uddin Ejaz Ullah Meng-Hsun Wu Elsaid Sayed Ahmed Yunes Maresh Al- Mekhlafi Wanis Mohamed Kevin Parker Ahmed Mahmoud

TECH Nelson Beasley Justin Hentschel David DeHondt Jabari James Ronnie Wright

Rick Triana Tage Johnson Dauntay Williams Matt Moore Wesley Keeney Jordan Longstaff Matthew Fiske Aaron Tew Abel Zapien Haseeb Waheed Sarah Birch Brandon Gautreaux Donald Langworthy Dion Crawford Brendan White Johnny Rhodes III Michael Moritz Taylor Rockhold Josh Cragg William Muder Tara West Joshua Hartley Daniel Killebrew McKenzie Welchert Melvin Powell Jamison Gross Aven Vaughn Brian Deal Thomas Kvach Owen Fisher Michael Kish Reagan Tolliver Peter Chadwick

CJ Koby David Dosky Michael Szakacs Caden Shvanda Victor Farrier Daniel Koland Neil Krout Calum Courtney Rodney Story Jeremiah Llanes Ryan Mills

Spencer Griffith Garrett Mullen Devyn Boehler Henry Bombinski Ethan Henson Brandon Hauck Tyrin Brown Timothy Yenne Auston McCormick Eric Farmer Christopher Hubbard Deanne Mattera Alexander DeVito Griffin Johnson Cody Bryant Austin Bigelow Tien Vo

Zachary Guerra William Comptis Hunter Cornia Jacob Archambault Elijah Williams Joy Pelletier Stephen Clark Richard Rhett Floyd II Terry Glover Benjamin Woodard Christopher Bernal Cullen McNulty Cory Brown Jake Rappelt James Einhaus Louis Garcia Cody Schneider Daniel Kacprzak Shawn Young Christopher Casiano Hunter Ragland Shane Kuebler

Tim O’Hare Craig Norris Erik Roacho Reilly Hall Dylan Stump

16 | Certifications Joseph Perez Hoai Nguyen Brian Burford Zachary Hitz Jordan Farmer Aaron Schaub Ricardo Sarabia Seydi Haidara Bryce Anaya Robert Davidson

Zachary Slaughter Timothy Whitener Nathan Tiemann Tanner Krause Owen Lewis Daulton Caley Ralph Tumino

Certifications | 17

Ahmed Abdelaal Ahmed Elkhouli Mahesh Jadhav Jinze Chen Hei Wong Emad Mosa Hassan Salem

Mijeom Kim Abdelrahman Elsehrawy Leo Manning Matthew Smith Nicholas French Bryant Neal Matthew Marszalek Jason Caldwell Mohammed Azam Chance Ray Shane Fallon Charles Higgenbotham Yasser Adel Chance Sillin Vishal Sonone Teonna Pierce Nick Meade Zekharyah Patterson

Brian Rudebeck Nic Jensen Denys Ruban Mohammed Saif Shaikh Travis Cooke Denisse Robles Miguel Cruz RTPM David Lawes Gilles Phan Miguel Cruz Dienson Alice Christopher Anderson Ryan Gruver Joseph Tillery Jose Quintana Andy Brannan Trevor Sakach

Spencer Netka Freedom Berkel Raymond Holland John Hardin Angel Blancheth Garcia Matthew Smith Oluyemi Oluwadimu Sameer Ahmed Mohammed Ryan Vea Aaron Vea

Michael Soto Scott Gazda Balamurugan Sankar Aziz Ahmad OSP Robert Milecz Douglas Tipple Alan LeMay Prasanth Pyni Nicole Lajousky Zafar Iqbal Siddiqui Kristof Siska RCDD Andrew Bourke Nicholas Hood Sean O’Neil Shane Howington Kody Arnold Tyler Austin Brady Nusbaum Jessica Murray Ahmad Mansab Stephen Butler Jesse Voorhies Buck Thornhill Tarek Jaghal Jordan Cornelison Brett Fortier Abdelrahman Mohamed Mohamed Abdul Karim Payton Pulliam

Jeffrey Jackson Victor Martinez Talal Albalawi Brian Carney Curtis Harvey Anthony Inlong Sean Sweeney Mohammed Imran

Scenes Byrd Ryan Masters Justin Benande

Dustin Speer Scott Faloon Jon Price Benjamin Harrington Bradley Hawkins Jose Luis Eduardo Guiberra Ponce Emmanuel Samvura Jamison Madison

Jon Mestdagh Javier Macias Ronald Martin

Congratulations!

Daniel Vedra Cody Conrad Greg Fanucchi Michael Bosely Greg Miller Christopher Jenkins Ara Haroyan Elizabeth Moskowitz Firas Abou Chacra Dylan Curran Rashell Osborne

18 | Certifications

Certifications | 19

Outside plant (OSP) networks remain a critical foundation of modern telecommunications infrastructure. To support professionals working in this space, BICSI has introduced a new OSP Micro-Certificate made up of four focused, self-paced online courses. Each course addresses key design considerations for common OSP installation environments, giving learners practical guidance they can apply immediately. New Micro-OSP Courses Support Smarter Outside Plant Design EDUCATION SPOTLIGHT

Exam-Aligned Study Support In addition to the micro-courses, BICSI also offers an online, self-paced OSP study aid designed to support professionals preparing for the OSP certification exam. This structured learning resource aligns directly with the OSP exam blueprint and helps simplify complex concepts through focused lessons, real-world scenarios, and practice questions. The study aid allows learners to reinforce knowledge at their own pace while building confidence ahead of the exam. If you are considering adding this new Micro-Certificate to your learning, we highly recommend picking up the Outside Plant Design Essentials Bundle , which brings you all the required publications for the associated courses in one convenient package. All standards and publications are also available separately.

LEARN MORE

The series begins with General Design Considerations for Outside Plant , which covers foundational concepts such as pathway planning, cabling selection, grounding and bonding, right-of-way considerations, and risk mitigation strategies.

Either taken individually or completed as a full series, these micro-courses and study resources provide targeted education for professionals seeking to strengthen their OSP design knowledge or prepare for advanced credentials.

Building on that foundation, Design Considerations for Aerial Installations focuses on overhead deployments, including pole usage, clearance requirements, structural considerations, and transitions between pathway types.

For projects requiring below-grade solutions, Design Considerations for Direct-Buried Installations addresses soil conditions, trenching methods, protection strategies, and coordination with existing utilities.

The series also includes Design Considerations for Underground Installations , which explores conduit systems, vaults, access points, bend radius requirements, and long-term scalability in underground environments.

20 | Education

Education | 21

The built environment has a massive environmental footprint. In your view, what’s the most overlooked opportunity to reduce that footprint today? Operational efficiency gets much of the attention, but embodied carbon in materials is often overlooked. The materials we choose, including concrete, steel, cabling, and finishes, carry an enormous footprint. Prioritizing lower-impact products at the design and procurement stages is one of the most powerful levers we must use to cut emissions at scale. What role does digital infrastructure play in building smarter and greener spaces, and where does the ICT community fit into that evolution? Digital infrastructure is the nervous system of the built environment. ICT enables automation, data analysis, and smarter energy use, from managing microgrids to optimizing HVAC systems. The ICT community has a unique opportunity to both drive efficiency and scale sustainability solutions globally. How do you approach balancing long-term sustainable value with short-term costs or procurement pressure that clients often face? It’s about reframing the conversation. Instead of asking, “What’s the cheapest option today?” we ask, “What creates the greatest value over time?” When clients see that sustainable decisions reduce risk, enhance resilience, and improve ROI in the long run, the business case becomes clear. Sustainability is often linked with environmental metrics, but many practitioners view it through a broader lens. How do equity, health, and community play into your framework? Sustainability is not just about carbon and kilowatt-hours. It’s also about human health, equity, and creating spaces where communities

is change management at its core. It’s like pushing a boulder uphill, sometimes watching it roll back on you. But community makes the work bearable, even joyful. The network you build will help you stay resilient and unlock new opportunities to create impact. Looking ahead 20 years, what’s your vision for a truly sustainable built environment, and what role does collaboration play in getting us there? My vision is that sustainability is no longer a separate goal; it’s simply the way we build. Materials will be transparent by default, digital infrastructure will optimize performance automatically, and every project will be designed with health, equity, and resilience in mind. Collaboration is the key to getting there. No single organization, sector, or leader can solve these challenges alone. But together, by sharing frameworks, data, and accountability, we can transform the built environment into a force for good. Closing Thoughts Annie Bevan reminds us that sustainability is not just about reducing impact; it’s about reimagining how we design, build, and connect. For the ICT community and beyond, her vision underscores a simple truth: the future will be shaped not only by the technologies we deploy but by the values we embed within them. If collaboration is the foundation, then leaders like Annie are the architects of a smarter, greener, and more human-centered built environment.

thrive. Materials should be safe for the people who build with them and for those who live and work in the spaces we create. Embedding these values makes sustainability holistic and lasting. Was there a defining moment in your career that confirmed your commitment to this work? I had just started Parallel, and Superior Essex was one of my first customers. This was back in 2017. Brad Johnson, our president at the time, asked me: “ Annie, show me how my investment in Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) and Health Product Declarations (HPDs) has mattered .” At the time, I couldn’t. That question launched my career trajectory. I discovered many peers were struggling with the same issue. Together, we co-led a group of 100 manufacturers in the Living Product 50 and published the AIA Materials Pledge, the first industry-wide definition of a sustainable product. That led to my role at mindful MATERIALS, where I worked with the industry to create the Common Materials Framework and scale a digital ecosystem that finally allowed manufacturers to track ROI on their sustainability investments. It’s been a winding road, but the leadership of companies like Superior Essex, Brad, and Brian Ensign gave me the opportunity to connect intention with impact. That mission, rewarding leadership and action, has guided my career ever since. What advice would you give to professionals in the ICT and building sectors who want to be sustainability champions but don’t know where to start? Start local. Nearly every city has sustainability groups bringing people together to learn and share solutions. Join them, attend the meetings, build relationships. Sustainability

More than words from WOMEN BICSI in

Integrating Impact: Annie Bevan Talks Sustainability, ICT, and the Future of the Built Environment Interview conducted by Elaine Kasperek (part two of two) In Part 1 (see BICSI Brief, November 2025) of her interview with Elaine Kasperek, Annie Bevan, founder and CEO of Parallel Sustainability, discussed what sustainability means in the built environment and how collaboration can move the industry from intention to action. In Part 2, she focuses on overlooked opportunities to reduce impact and the role information and communications technology (ICT) plays in building smarter and greener spaces.

22 | Community Corner

Community Corner | 23

BICSI Navigator: Your Online Benefits Center

It is with deep respect and heartfelt remembrance that BICSI honors the life and legacy of Harry James “Jim” Pfister, who passed away 24 January 2026, at age 91. Harry was a visionary leader, a dedicated professional, and a foundational figure in the advancement of the information and communications technology (ICT) profession. Harry’s imprint on our profession is profound. As one of the founding members of BICSI more than 50 years ago, he helped establish the organization that would grow into the global leader in ICT standards, education, and credentialing. He served as BICSI’s 6th Board President from 1982–1983, shaping the early direction of our association at a time when structured cabling and telecommunications design were emerging as essential disciplines in the built environment. In addition to his leadership with BICSI, Harry’s professional career spanned over three decades with General Telephone (GTE), where he excelled as both an engineer and a sales manager, bringing technical insight and strategic focus to the evolving telecommunications landscape. His service to his country and community enriched his life and leadership; he served honorably in the United States Coast Guard, devoted 54 years to Rotary International, contributed 18 years to the St. Petersburg Police Department Road Patrol, and was a lifelong member of Allendale United Methodist Church. Harry’s enduring influence within BICSI and the wider ICT industry is honored each year through the Harry J. Pfister Award for Excellence in the Telecommunications In Memoriam — Harry James “Jim” Pfister (1934–2026)

Happy New Year, BICSI Members! As you may have seen, over the past several years, BICSI has made significant investments to create a more robust self- service member experience through BICSI Navigator. In the past year alone, we have launched new dashboards, enhanced existing dashboards, introduced our first fully online corporate membership application, and expanded the ability to renew corporate memberships online, with added flexibility to adjust membership levels and terms to help maximize savings. And these improvements are just the beginning! Together, they are laying the foundation for future enhancements to BICSI’s membership programs for both individuals and companies. We are now excited to introduce the next major enhancement: the BICSI Corporate Membership Benefits Center! As part of BICSI’s continued investment in the membership experience, this new self- service benefits center allows Corporate Representatives to view, manage, and redeem corporate membership benefits online, all in one centralized location. The benefits center builds seamlessly on the recent Navigator updates by extending self-service beyond application and renewal and into ongoing benefits administration. Corporate Representatives can now assign benefits, track usage, and manage access with greater visibility and efficiency, anytime, anywhere. Corporate Representatives: Are you ready to explore? Log in at navigator.bicsi.org/home and select “Corporate Benefits” in the left-

hand navigation near the bottom of your Membership section. From there, you will see all the benefits your organization has access to based on your corporate membership level. Our goal is to provide visibility and ease of access to your benefits, so you can both understand and maximize your membership investment. Reminder: This feature is available to Corporate Representatives only, but we encourage all members to explore the many other tools and features available in Navigator. Also, if your company is not a Corporate Member yet, then now is the perfect time to consider joining! If you encounter any issues redeeming your benefits or have questions about the information displayed in your account, please contact BICSI Membership at membership@bicsi.org or at +1 813.979.1991 or +1 800.242.7405 (USA & Canada toll-free), and press 3 for Membership. In closing, thank you to everyone who provided feedback on BICSI Navigator; your input continues to shape our improvements. We also extend our thanks to those who participated in the end-of-year membership survey conducted by The Institute for Association and Nonprofit Research (IFANR). As we continue to invest in tools and resources to provide you with the best experience, your feedback is invaluable. Thank you for your membership and for being a valued part of the BICSI community. Dr. Reinaldo Llano Jr. Director, Membership, Volunteer Services, & Customer Experience

Industry, established in 1982. This distinguished award celebrates individuals whose exceptional contributions advance the profession’s technical, educational, and professional development, embodying the standard of excellence Harry championed throughout his life. Beyond his professional achievements, Harry was a devoted husband of 69 years to Winifred (Alman) Pfister, a loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather whose family was a source of pride and joy. As we reflect on Harry’s life, we honor a pioneer whose leadership helped chart the course for BICSI and whose legacy continues to shape the ICT community worldwide. BICSI extends its deepest condolences to Harry’s family, friends, and all who were touched by his dedication and service.

membership@bicsi.org or volunteerservices@bicsi.org

24 | Community Corner

BICSI Management Chief Executive Officer John H. Daniels, CNM, LFACHE, FHIMSS, CPHIMS; jdaniels@bicsi.org Chief Finance and Operations Officer Joe Sullivan; jsullivan@bicsi.org Chief Impact Officer Gail Moore-Swaby, CPLP; gmooreswaby@bicsi.org General Counsel Caroline Laurin; claurin@bicsi.org Vice President of Certifications Ronda V. Thomas, CAE, ICE-CCP, SPHR, SHRM-SCP; rvthomas@bicsi.org Vice President of Meeting Services Melissa Cummiskey, CMP; mcummiskey@bicsi.org George Parnell; gparnell@bicsi.org Senior Vice President, Marketing & Communications Vice President of Professional Development Penni Ferguson, M.S.; pferguson@bicsi.org Vice President of Standards & Publications Nick Tongson; ntongson@bicsi.org Director of Accounting & Administration Gordon Haughton; ghaughton@bicsi.org Director, Membership, Volunteer Services, & Customer Experience Dr. Reinaldo Llano Jr., MBA, DBA; rllano@bicsi.org Director of Human Resources Bernie Currie, SHRM-CP, PHR; bcurrie@bicsi.org Director of IT Christopher Muratore; cmuratore@bicsi.org Director of Training Delivery & Operations Christopher Hobbs, RCDD, DCDC, OSP, RTPM, CT; chobbs@bicsi.org Director of Curriculum Development & Learning Tara Huff; thuff@bicsi.org

Committee Chairs & Vice Chairs BICSI Cares Jeffrey Westlund, RCDD; Shari English, RCDD; and Kent Gibson, RCDD Ethics Kent Gibson, RCDD; and Randi Soskil, RCDD Leadership Development Dave Richards, RCDD, NTS, OSP, TECH, CT Program Coordination Todd Taylor, RCDD, NTS, OSP; and Denise Pappas, MBA Professional Development Anthony Romeo; and Steven Tepley, RCDD Registrations and Credentials Supervision Heather Callaway, RCDD; and Mungree Singh, RCDD Standards Pat Mahoney, RCDD; and Christopher Harrell, RCDD Technical Information & Methods Robert “Bob” Hertling, RCDD, OSP; and Phil Janeway, RCDD (Retired)

26 | Management & Committees

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