BICSI Brief Volume 3, Issue 4 | November 2025

Volume 3 Issue 4 19 November 2025

ISSUE FEATURE From Planning to Progress: Your 2026 Growth Strategy

SME SPOTLIGHT Marcus Williams, RCDD Systems Engineer, Johnson Space Center, NASA

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

Read more on page 4

See his interview on page 10

Feature Article: From Planning To Progress: Your 2026 Growth Strategy

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. 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, 2025. All rights reserved. BICSI and all other registered trademarks within are property of BICSI, Inc.

2025 BICSI Board of Directors Board President David M. Richards, RCDD, NTS, OSP, TECH, CT Board President-Elect William Foy, RCDD, DCDC, ESS, NTS, OSP, WD Board Secretary Luke Clawson, RCDD, RTPM, GROL, MBA Board Treasurer Peter P. Charland III, RCDD, RTPM, DCDC, SMIEEE, CET, NTS, ESS, WD Board Director Ninad Desai, RCDD, NTS, OSP, TECH, CT Board Director William "Joe" Fallon, RCDD, ESS Board Director Daniel Hunter, RCDD Board Director Gilbert Romo Board Director Mark Tarrance, RCDD, RTPM Board Director Jay Thompson, RCDD Board Director James “Jim” Walters, RCDD, DCDC, OSP, RTPM, PMP, CISSP, GICSP Chief Executive Officer John H. Daniels, CNM, LFACHE, FHIMSS, CPHIMS

04 Feature

From Planning to Progress: Your 2026 Growth Strategy

06 Organization

Letter from BICSI's CEO

08 Events

Webinars | Upcoming Events

10 Certifications

Subject Matter Expert Spotlight: Marcus Williams | Upholding Certification Integrity | New BICSI Credential Holders

18 Education

Virtual Training Courses

21 Community Corner

Your Membership Makes All the Difference | More Than Words from Women in BICSI

BICSI Brief Staff Senior Creative Designer Mark “Line” Cansino Senior Editor Rhonda Carpenter Content Marketing Specialist Andrew Cavanaugh Communications Coordinator Landon Carter Advertising Sales Courtney Best Nalls; cnalls@bicsi.org

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2 | Contents

Contents | 3

From Planning To Progress: Your 2026 Growth Strategy

Outside plant . Fiber remains the backbone of global connectivity, and it’s expanding fast. Across both metro areas and rural communities, networks are adding millions of new homes each year. Every design decision matters – route diversity, splicing techniques, pathway layouts, and cabinet placement all influence reliability, maintenance needs, and long-term cost. The Fiber Broadband Association reports that growth continues at a record pace. Wireless and satellite . The boundaries of wireless coverage are widening. Fifth-generation networks are moving deeper into factories, campuses, and venues, while satellite-to-cell and other non-terrestrial networks are beginning to fill gaps where traditional systems can’t reach. Understanding how these networks interact – from latency and link budgets to integration – prepares professionals to design the next generation of seamless, always-connected communications, according to the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP).

Your Next Move Progress in the ICT industry is built on curiosity, courage, and collaboration. Each challenge you take on – from mastering new design practices to leading complex projects or exploring emerging technologies – strengthens not only your own expertise but the entire profession. As Mays put it, “... the people who skipped college and picked up a wrench might just end up living the dream everyone else was promised.” In that same spirit, ICT professionals who invest in skill, precision, and lifelong learning will shape the infrastructure that defines the next decade. Make 2026 the year you expand your capabilities, share your knowledge, and help build the connected world – one system, splice, and signal at a time. Sources • Mays, Jaron. “Forget college. The future millionaires will be plumbers and electricians.” Medium, Oct. 20, 2025. https://medium.com/@jaronmays/forget-college-the- future-millionaires-will-be-plumbers-and-electricians- 7a4aa2be218c • McKinsey & Company. “AI power: Expanding data center capacity to meet growing demand.” Oct. 2024. https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/technology- media-and-telecommunications/our-insights/ai- power-expanding-data-center-capacity-to-meet- growing-demand • Technavio. “Smart buildings market analysis, size and forecast 2025-2029.” Feb. 2025. https://www.technavio.com/report/smart-buildings- market-industry-analysis • JLL. “2025 Global Data Center Outlook: Shaping tomorrow’s digital infrastructure.” Jan. 2025. https://www.jll.com/en-us/insights/data-center-outlook • Fiber Broadband Association. “The state of the North American fiber deployment – January 2025.” Jan. 2025. https://fiberbroadband.org/resources/the-state-of-the- north-american-fiber-deployment-january-2025/ • 3rd Generation Partnership Project. “Non-terrestrial networks (NTN) overview.” May 14, 2024; last updated July 4, 2025. https://www.3gpp.org/technologies/ntn- overview

Build Fluency Where the Work Is Moving

As 2025 closes, it’s a good moment to zoom out and ask: how will you shape the networks, buildings, and communities of 2026? The momentum for skilled professionals has never been stronger. As Jaron Mays noted in a recent Medium article, “Forget College. The Future Millionaires Will Be Plumbers and Electricians” (2025), the future belongs to those who can build, fix, and create – not just those who collect degrees. NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang echoed this sentiment recently, predicting that, “... the skilled craft segment of every economy is going to see a boom.” For ICT professionals, that message resonates deeply. Our industry is driven by technical mastery and hands-on skill – the kind that makes ideas tangible. Artificial intelligence–driven computing, high-capacity fiber, satellite-augmented coverage, and sensor-rich smart buildings are accelerating the pace of change. Data center demand alone continues to rise, fueled by AI workloads and new edge patterns, with analysts at McKinsey & Company projecting sustained capacity growth through 2030. The opportunity is bigger than any one course or credential. It’s about the habits you build and the problems you choose to tackle. Now is the time to strategically plan for your career growth in the new year. Remain competitive by expanding your knowledge and skillset in areas that will prove critical for future projects and deployments.

Make 2026 a Year of Purposeful Practice

Design . ICT design now extends well beyond the traditional network. Smart buildings and integrated systems demand professionals who can connect power, data, and automation with efficiency and foresight. According to Technavio, the global market for smart-building deployments is expected to grow by more than 11 percent by 2029, reaching nearly U.S.$80 billion. Designers who master interoperability and sustainability principles will help shape the next generation of intelligent spaces. Project management . As AI and prefabrication accelerate delivery cycles, effective coordination becomes essential. Strong project leadership – grounded in risk management, communication, and documentation – keeps complex, fast-moving builds on track across multiple trades. Data center . The rapid rise of AI is redefining the data-center landscape. GPU-heavy computing clusters are testing limits on power, cooling, and space, making smart capacity and thermal planning more critical than ever. Professionals who understand whitespace design, fiber layouts, containment strategies, and commissioning will be key players as available space tightens and AI infrastructure spending continues to climb, according to JLL.

The most successful ICT professionals will approach 2026 with intention – combining technical growth with community impact. Set goals that bridge your current role with emerging needs: • Lead a project that improves efficiency or resilience in your organization • Integrate AI-enabled tools into your workflow to enhance design accuracy or project tracking • Pursue targeted training in design, project management, data center, or outside plant courses to reinforce on-the-job learning • Share knowledge through mentorship or technical presentations to raise the collective standard of practice As Mays noted, America doesn’t just need more degrees – it needs more doers. The trades, and by extension the ICT profession, are where tangible progress happens. The work you do keeps cities connected, data flowing, and innovation moving.

4 | Feature

Feature | 5

From Strategy to Action, Together Letter From BICSI’s CEO

Across our community, we each play a different part in advancing the ICT profession. What connects us is how we show up for one another and the work we do every day. On 6 November, our Board completed its annual strategy review and set clear direction for the year ahead. With that guidance in hand, staff is moving from plan to execution. We are focusing on practical guidance, credible credentials, and learning experiences that are designed to improve safety, security, and reliability in practice. We are also strengthening global access so you can find, use, and trust BICSI resources wherever you work. You will see this work in action at BICSI Winter 2026 this January in Orlando, Florida. The program is built for real-world applications. Expect multiple educational tracks, concise lightning learning, collaborative Solution Rooms, and in-depth lectures. It is a chance to learn from experts, earn CECs, and compare approaches with peers, manufacturers, and solution providers. We will also celebrate the community through the Annual Awards Banquet and highlight hands-on excellence in the BICSI Cabling Skills Challenge. The Exhibit Hall will make it easy to explore tools and ideas you can take back to your projects.

What you can expect from us next is straightforward: We will align our work to the Board’s direction, set measurable objectives, and share key milestones along the way, with ongoing opportunities to contribute your voice, so we keep improving together. How you can help now: • Make plans to join us in Orlando this January. • Encourage colleagues to engage in BICSI learning and credentials. • Share what is working, and what is not, so we stay focused on what delivers the most value. Thank you for the difference you make every day. I am proud of what we are building and excited for what is ahead. Together in purpose,

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

6 | Organization

Education | 7

ICT FORUM Upcoming ICT Forums & Webinars

UPCOMING BICSI CONFERENCES & GLOBAL EVENTS

BICSI Winter 2026 18-22 January 2026 Orlando World Center Marriott Orlando, Florida

Calling all BICSI-certified installers and technicians to compete in the 2026 BICSI Cabling Skills Challenge! Prove your skills in this interactive, fast-paced competition to win the title of Installer of the Year and a cash prize of U.S.$5,000. If you, or someone you know, has what it takes to contend, apply today!

Be part of the Foundations for the Future at BICSI Winter! You can expect dynamic keynotes; innovative sessions; and educational, certification, and networking opportunities – all in BICSI style. Registration is now open, so don’t miss out! REGISTER

BICSI ICT Forum – Western Phoenix, Arizona 25 February 2026 7:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

APPLY HERE

ICT Direct Winter 2026 1–31 March 2026

BICSI Saudi Arabia Inaugural Conference & Exhibition 2026 6-7 January 2026 Fairmont – Business Gate Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Register for on-demand access to sessions from BICSI Winter 2026, live engagement opportunities, and earn 12 CECs. Registration opens mid-December.

WEBINARS

13 January 2026 2–3 p.m. EST

3 December 2025 4–5 p.m. EST Topic: Get Your Message Across: Fundamentals of Paging Systems REGISTER

18 February 2026 Noon–1 p.m. EST Topic: Network Cabling Outside the Building Envelope

Topic: Simplifying Fiber Cabling Space, Risk, and Time On-Site for AI DC Site Installations REGISTER

Sponsored by CommScope

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.

8 | Events

Events | 9

MATTER

– SPOT LIGHT –

Marcus Williams, RCDD Systems Engineer, Johnson Space Center, NASA

My journey with ICT first began in the military. I’m a retired Navy veteran. I first was exposed to … ICT by a training course that BICSI offered back in 2000, and it forever changed my life and propelled me forward to the position I am and hold today as a systems’ engineer. How did you get into the ICT industry? I would say the DD102, which is the [telecommunications infrastructure design] course, which basically gives the technician or the installer or the engineer all the knowledge of how to successfully build an infrastructure – whether it’s in space or whether it’s at a commercial building. [Today, this course is the Applied Intelligent Building Design course .] Which BICSI course has been most beneficial to your career? BICSI’s credentialed SMEs volunteer their time – and insights – to further our association and the ICT industry as a whole. Get to know one of them now by watching Marcus’ interview or reading on.

Do astronauts need ICT knowledge? Would they benefit from being BICSI certified?

Being ICT certified benefits all NASA employees – especially the ones that deal with hands-on technology. So, being an ICT-certified technician is greatly important.

As a former military member, what do you think about the COOL Program?

Being a part of the Navy COOL Program , [or] no matter which branch of the military you’re in allows the future technicians and future sailors, Marines, Air Force, and Army, to hone in on those skills and have those skills implemented in real-world time. I encourage anyone that’s in the military to enroll in any one of the Navy COOL courses that BICSI provides and other industry standards.

10 | Certifications

Certifications | 11

In today’s competitive and credential-driven workforce, professional certifications are more than just titles; they are verifiable indicators of an individual’s knowledge, competence, and commitment to a specific industry. As such, certification integrity plays a critical role in maintaining the value of these credentials. Without integrity, the meaning and credibility of professional certifications diminish, potentially eroding trust among employers, clients, and peers. Upholding ethical standards and responsible behavior throughout the certification process is therefore essential to protect the reputation of both the certification holders and the institutions that issue them. One of the fundamental pillars of certification integrity is ethical behavior . Candidates are expected to follow all rules and guidelines set forth by the certifying body, including those related to exam conduct, confidentiality, and honesty. Cheating, using unauthorized resources, or misrepresenting one’s qualifications not only jeopardizes the validity of the certification but can also lead to disqualification, revocation of credentials, Upholding Certification Integrity: A Cornerstone of Professional Credibility

may also expose individuals to inaccurate or outdated information. Trustworthy study resources ensure candidates are learning the correct material and are prepared to meet real-world challenges – not only pass a test. Investing in authorized materials is a commitment to learning and professional growth. Beyond the exam itself, maintaining integrity after certification is just as crucial. Certified professionals must commit to ongoing education, abide by continuing education requirements, and practice within their scope of expertise. Misrepresenting one’s certification status, or failing to keep skills current, undermines public confidence and can have serious implications for clients, organizations, and the broader industry.

In summary, certification integrity is more than a personal responsibility – it is a collective obligation that supports the credibility of entire professional communities. By adhering to ethical standards, reporting dishonest conduct, using authorized study materials, and committing to lifelong learning, professionals not only protect the value of their own credentials but also contribute to the trustworthiness and excellence of their field. Report a Violation

and even legal consequences. Ethical certification candidates recognize that integrity is not just about passing an exam – it’s about proving one’s genuine ability to perform professionally. Another vital aspect of maintaining certification integrity is the reporting of suspicious behavior . Individuals who become aware of cheating or other unethical actions – such as the sharing of test questions or impersonation – have a responsibility to report such incidents to the certification body, in our case, BICSI’s ICT Certification Institute . While it may feel uncomfortable, reporting helps protect the value of the credential for everyone involved. Certification organizations often have anonymous reporting mechanisms to support whistleblowers and uphold fairness throughout the process. Equally important is the use of legitimate study materials . Candidates should obtain preparation resources only from the certification provider or authorized partners. Using “braindumps” or pirated content not only violates exam policies but

12 | Certifications

Certifications | 13

NEW BICSI CREDENTIAL HOLDERS New credential holders effective 1 August - 31 October 2025

U.S. SOUTH-CENTRAL REGION Kevin Inciarte, DCDC Joe Dolaskie, DCDC Juan De Luna, DCDC Richard Ritter, DCDC Joe Dolaskie, OSP Shane Shoemaker, OSP

Robert Blankenship, TECH Jordan Leathead, TECH Daniel Wojciak, TECH Matthew Sheerin, TECH Nathan Cordova, TECH Nicholas Themar, TECH Randall Peterson, TECH Steven Triplat, TECH Zachary Edwards, TECH Justin Edwards, TECH Matt Carelli, TECH Joshua Schwartz, TECH Gunner Absten, TECH Jordan Lewis, TECH Karl Goebel, TECH Josh Torneten, TECH Daniel Haertjens, TECH Carl Stanley, TECH U.S. NORTHEAST REGION Tanner Clarkson, DCDC Omar Boyd, DCDC Thomas Braddy, DCDC Oritsegbegbemi Nanna, RCDD Ryan Curry, RCDD Jeremy McIntyre, RCDD Quinn Killeen, RCDD Obinna Anuforom, RCDD Pedro Marciano, RCDD Robert Blick, RCDD Christopher Gingras, RCDD Ryan Miller, RCDD Donovan Lewis, RTPM Zachary Devlin, TECH Thiago Luis Silva, TECH Jacob Buckler, TECH Thomas Luc, TECH Jesse Martin, TECH Braden Goughenour, TECH Jonathan Lin, TECH Jared Benfield, TECH Scott Harris, TECH Gregory Longacre, TECH

BICSI INDIA Karthik Baskaran, RCDD Asis Shaju Vincent, RCDD Mohammed Muneeb, RCDD BICSI JAPAN Mohammed Almomen, DCDC BICSI SAUDI ARABIA Omer Khan, DCDC Mohammed Almomen, DCDC Samran Mehmood, OSP Jeremy Jennings, RCDD Imthiaz Karambar, RCDD Muhammad Ishaque Abbas, RCDD Khaja Nazir Ali, RCDD Younus Mohammed, RCDD Sayyid Ahammed Sahal PS, RCDD Mohammed Irfan Shaikh, RCDD BICSI SOUTHEAST ASIA Boon Keng Sim, RCDD EUROPE, MIDDLE EAST, & AFRICA REGION Thiyagarajan Venkatapathy, DCDC Deepti Manoj, DCDC Radhika Sreenesh Prabhu, DCDC Nikhila Shijin, DCDC Nidhin Kalikkottu Valappil, DCDC Hussein Issa, DCDC Shimin Salam, DCDC Wissam Alrayess, OSP Marimuthu Kadarkarai, RCDD Rajesh Kumar, RCDD

Iman Sheshtawy, RCDD Priyadha Pradeep, RCDD Idris Bahadir, RCDD Rameez Rangwala, RCDD Hassan Salem, RCDD John Cadieux, TECH Kutlu Ata, TECH Matthew Martinez, TECH David Opheim, TECH GLOBAL REGION Jin Kim, RCDD Sebastian Negron, TECH Vishal Bhana, DCDC Scott Miller, RCDD Sun Jae Jang, RCDD Adam Foss, RCDD Mark Laurence, DCDC Brayden Kupsch, RCDD Ahmad Al Khatib, RCDD Brandon Nelson, RCDD Timothy Lassila, RCDD Todd Mackall, RCDD Frank Marrero, RCDD Jeff Vollner, RCDD Cole Zormeier, RCDD Kristen Lyzen, RCDD J.D. Nash, RCDD Zachary Nelson, RCDD Aaron Johnson, RCDD Dan Fulkerson, RCDD Zach Diss, RCDD Demetrius Powell, TECH Erick Funez Vivas, RCDD Christian Garcia, RCDD Mark Ruggles, RCDD U.S. NORTH-CENTRAL REGION

Bryan Navarro, RCDD Mark Williams, RCDD Harold Waters, RCDD Fernando Calderon, RCDD Matthew Laletas, RCDD Trevor Gruver, RCDD Eduardo Acosta, RCDD John Romans, RCDD Jose Nicanor, RCDD Cooper Repp, RCDD Cian Landry, RTPM Maxwell Downen, RTPM William Sackman, RTPM Coleton Miller, TECH Luke McCarty, TECH Joshua Bouse, TECH Adam Robison, TECH Daniel Crowley, TECH Hadyn Brumage, TECH Leonardo Perez, TECH Joshua Noftzger, TECH Jordan Ball, TECH Joshua Holman, TECH Bryce Strate, TECH Kenneth Winn, TECH Nicholas Knight, TECH Lawrence Noort, TECH Andrew Westover, TECH Corey Cox, TECH Nathanial Bosteder, TECH Ronald Heap, TECH Ameer Billingslea, TECH Ricky Mosman, TECH Ken Koldan, TECH Chase Ishman, TECH Eduardo Cano, TECH William Lange, TECH Craig Turner, TECH Jacob West, TECH Robert Walker, TECH Tyler Andrews, TECH

Jaseera Abdul Rasheed, RCDD Kumaran Kaliyaperumal, RCDD Bela Gyorvari, RCDD Pieter Haefele, RCDD Prajith Sukumaran, RCDD Vimal Raj, RCDD Attila Legradi, RCDD Nadeen Samir Mahmoud Mohamed, RCDD Jafar Ahmed Shaikh, RCDD Hassan Salem, RCDD

Diego Reynoso, TECH Branden Hanf, TECH Tyler Burr, TECH Tyler Harden, TECH Zachary Wampler, TECH Brandon Burgett, TECH Andrew Costa, TECH

14 | Certifications

Certifications | 15

U.S. SOUTHEAST REGION Eric Lasway, DCDC Alfredo Merida, DCDC Yasser Al Bochi, DCDC William Phillips, OSP Ryan Brown, OSP Antonio Cox, RCDD Christopher Barnes, RCDD Dustin Shields, RCDD James Brandon Shepard, RCDD

John Heflin, TECH Andrew Foster, TECH Isaac Rice, TECH Angel Javier Callejas Sibrian, TECH Jacob Davis, TECH

Brandon Green, TECH Michael Scruggs, TECH Nicholas Cullison, TECH David Thomas, TECH U.S. WESTERN REGION Douglas Tipple, DCDC Marcus Glenn, DCDC Greg Knapp, OSP Steven Cranford, OSP Patrick Messinger, OSP Anpeter Nguyen, OSP Gerald Noda, OSP Richard Martin, RCDD Jeremy Avery, RCDD Jesus Torres, RCDD Sean McIntyre, RCDD Christian Acosta, RCDD Daniel Saenz, RCDD Joseph Polasik, RCDD Matt Gilliam, RCDD John Benson, RCDD Markham Ratcliffe, RCDD Cole Bailey, RCDD Rae Ann Harris, RTPM Maurice Miranda, RTPM Jose Ozahl, TECH Cody Walker, TECH

Trent Puleo, RCDD Sean Shirah, RCDD Hunter Petrie, RCDD Garrett Knight, RCDD Kristof Siska, RCDD Steven Miller, RCDD William Eades, RCDD Bradley Soco, RCDD Derek Lawson, RCDD Trevor Puleo, RCDD Zachary Adams, RCDD Jonathan Nguyen, RTPM Eion Smith, RTPM James Paradis, RTPM Jodie-Ann Thomas, TECH Luis Molina, TECH William Moskowitz, TECH Brian Levin, TECH Casey Pless, TECH Ashton Davison, TECH John Burgdorf, TECH Benjamin Crowe, TECH Glenn Croft, TECH

Take the guesswork out of your professional development. BICSI career paths guide you through the courses that move your career forward. Start your path today! Visit bicsi.org/mycareerpath to chart your path. BUILD THE CAREER YOU REALLY WANT - STEP BY STEP.

Congratulations!

16 | Certifications

Certifications | 17

VIRTUAL TRAINING COURSES Earn continuing education credits (CECs) with BICSI’s Virtual Instructor-Led Training (vILT) classes over the next couple of months! These live workshops allow you to learn and earn CECs for your time – and you can connect with your ICT peers from any place.

Communications Management Plan 17 Feb. 2026 10 a.m.-5 p.m. (EST) 18-19 Feb. 2026 8:30 a.m.-Noon (EST) 6 CECs*

Earned Value Management for ICT Projects

18-19 Feb. 2026 1:30-5 p.m. (EST)

20 Feb. 2026 10 a.m.-5 p.m. (EST) 6 CECs*

Fiber to the X: FttX PON 21-22 Jan. 2026 1:30-5 p.m. (EST) 23 Jan. 2026 10 a.m.-5 p.m. (EST) 6 CECs*

A Deep Dive into the OSPDRM , 6th edition 20 Jan. 2026 10 a.m.-5 p.m. (EST)

For a project to succeed, a leader must ensure that the right people receive the right information at the right time. While this might sound simple, it can be challenging if you don’t have a precise communications plan in place. This three-part class will prepare you accordingly.

This workshop uses real-world scenarios to demonstrate how existing project managers or others responsible for managing costs and resources take steps for any project. This three-part vILT will detail how to use estimations, a work breakdown structure, and earned value management metrics.

21-22 Jan. 2026 8:30 a.m.-Noon (EST) 6 CECs*

In this three-part class, learners will find a better understanding of passive optical network (PON) technologies, including intrinsic details, data, and voice and video communication infrastructure. Specifics cover designing, installing, testing, and restoring a PON.

This three-part vILT is ideal for those who are eligible for and plan to sit for the Outside Plant (OSP) Designer credentialing exam. Led by a BICSI training specialist, these live meetings help students get a better understanding of the Outside Plant Design Reference Manual to prepare for the OSP test.

To see a full list of BICSI’s Virtual Instructor-Led Training courses, click below. Remember: These workshops tend to fill up quickly, so claim your spot today!

VIEW ALL vILTs

*Participants must attend live sessions and complete required work/activities to receive CECs.

18 | Education

Education | 19

Upskill With BICSI Connect EDUCATION SPOTLIGHT

Your Membership Makes All the Difference

In a rapidly evolving industry like ICT, sustained commitment is a true measure of a professional’s dedication. At BICSI, we recognize that our strength comes from the loyalty and long-term tenure of our members. With 43 percent of our members having been with us for more than 10 years, it’s a clear statement about the value of membership. To our newer members, rest assured – you’ve come to the right place to find the knowledge and expertise that will fuel your professional growth. Your commitment has provided a solid foundation for BICSI’s growth and influence. You have been with us through technological shifts, helping to shape the very standards that define our work today. Your experience – and your voice within the BICSI community – has been instrumental in elevating the profession through ongoing participation in conferences, volunteer work, and sharing your real-world experience that keeps BICSI content current and relevant. Long-term members also serve as a model by mentoring the next generation of professionals. You serve as a model for newer professionals, demonstrating a career-long dedication to excellence and professional development. Just as important, your adherence to the BICSI Code of Ethics and continuous engagement upholds industry standards and ensures credentials – like the RCDD

– remain the gold standard for quality and trust worldwide. Continued membership is more than just a renewed subscription: It signifies your commitment to professional excellence and to the belief in the value of vendor-neutral technical knowledge, high-quality standards, and the power of a connected, global network. We want to take a moment to give a heartfelt thank you to the individuals and companies who have made BICSI a consistent part of their professional journey and business. Thank you for being a member. We look forward to seeing you in Orlando for BICSI Winter 2026! P.S. Log in to your account to explore the new features available through BICSI Navigator, including a brand-new Corporate Representative Dashboard and an enhanced Corporate Buyer’s Guide. We’ve also launched BICSI’s first-ever fully online corporate membership application and self- service renewal process.

If you’re an ICT professional or an existing Outside Plant (OSP) designer who wants more in-depth training, BICSI has a virtual course track to help you learn more about the dynamic field of OSP design. Our OSP Micro-Certificate program can give you the additional skills to excel in your OSP career. This four-part specialized course series may be taken all together or you may take any one course on its own. This flexible, self-paced program covers: • General Design for Installations • Design Considerations for Aerial Installations • Design Considerations for Underground Installations

As a micro-certificate program and by completing all four classes, you will earn 35 continuing education credits toward an existing BICSI credential recertification requirement. Also, for each micro-course installment, you’ll earn a Certificate of Completion. Any OSP class may be taken on your own time, and you have 90 days from the date of purchase to complete it. Additionally, you can take a free, 10-minute OSP Readiness Assessment to see if you have the basics needed

to complete these courses. Sign up today to increase your OSP skill set!

LEARN MORE

• Design Considerations for Direct-Buried Installations

Kevin Minot, MS Membership & Volunteer Services Manager membership@bicsi.org or volunteerservices@bicsi.org

20 | Education

Community Corner | 21

The ICT industry provides the built environment with an essential service – our ability to communicate, as well as smarter solutions to reduce energy and carbon footprint through DC-powered microgrids and PoE technology. It’s been amazing to integrate into the BICSI community over the past 10 years and watch the conversation evolve. Data centers are the fastest-growing vertical, and hyperscalers recognize that due to their massive energy demand, they must be designed to operate efficiently and with the lowest embodied carbon possible. The iMasons Climate Accord is a fantastic example – working to streamline methods for sourcing low-carbon products to support sustainable data center design. We are seeing real cross-industry collaboration, co-creating tools with an ecosystem-level approach. By aligning around the Common Materials Framework, we can simplify sustainable product decision- making while keeping operational efficiency front and center. See the February 2026 issue of the BICSI Brief for part two of Annie Bevan’s interview with Elaine Kasperek.

organizations that are moving from reactive compliance to proactive responsibility – and by people like Annie Bevan, founder and CEO of Parallel Sustainability, a company dedicated to embedding sustainability staffing support across the built environment. She is also the president of mindful MATERIALS, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit accelerating sustainable materials’ decision-making at scale through the Common Materials Framework, the industry’s first common language for sustainable building products. With a foundation built on collaboration and accountability, Parallel helps bridge the gap between intention and action, especially in complex environments like construction, information and communications technology (ICT), and systems design. For the BICSI community, where ICT plays a pivotal role in shaping how we live and work, Annie’s insights offer a timely and practical perspective on how sustainability and infrastructure can work hand in hand. I sat down with Annie to explore what sustainability really means today, how collaboration among industry leaders – from organizations like the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), mindful MATERIALS, and BICSI – can drive deeper effect, and how aligning purpose with performance is essential to building a better future. Your company is rooted in sustainability, but what does sustainability in the built environment mean to you personally beyond the buzzword? I’ve had the opportunity to work in the built environment my entire career, collaborating with some amazing, intelligent, and talented people who design, build, or manufacture the products that make it possible. If you think about it, the product of the built environment is something we all need – shelter, a place to gather, to have comfort. With this essential need comes the largest, most impactful industry in the world, with 2.5 trillion square feet estimated to be built by 2050. Buildings need to be built, but there’s an opportunity to build them better – with

astronomical potential for impact reduction. We have the opportunity and the tools to do this, and it can be simple. That knowledge drives me every day to collaborate with stakeholders and organize community action to design, build, and manufacture smarter, working together to reduce our impact. Many industries are still figuring out how to embed sustainable thinking into everyday decision-making. How do you guide clients from conversation to transformation? Phew, I would say the building industry is still advancing in this work as well. There are many owners, developers, and AEC [architecture, engineering, and construction] organizations that have begun accelerating sustainable decision-making in procurement and specification processes, but it’s not automated – it’s still manual, often through spreadsheets. We’re seeing exciting leadership from firms like Gensler with [its] GPS program, as well as advancements in the LEED® rating system moving to V5. These efforts are accelerating demand for sustainable products, and many are now using the Common Materials Framework as the foundation for evaluating impact from manufacturers. At Parallel, we help manufacturers navigate this complex, ever-changing marketplace. We start by building a strategy to accelerate action, then implement sustainability initiatives across technical and brand communications. Finally, we connect those investments to customers who share the same values, turning sustainability into ROI through go-to-market services. It’s an exciting time, with so much momentum to reduce impact across the industry. Organizations like USGBC, mindful MATERIALS, and BICSI all influence the future of the built environment. How can collaboration between these groups drive sustainability deeper into the ICT community and beyond?

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 one of two) The built environment is at a critical turning point. As infrastructure and technology become increasingly intertwined, the demand for smarter, greener, and more adaptable solutions is reshaping how we think about buildings, spaces, and systems. In an industry often defined by concrete, cables, and steel, sustainability can no longer be an afterthought – it must be foundational. That shift is being led by forward-thinking

22 | Community Corner

Community Corner | 23

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, and Shari English, RCDD, and Kent Gibson, RCDD Ethics Kent Gibson, RCDD, and Randi Soskill, RCDD Leadership Development Todd W. Taylor, RCDD, NTS, OSP Professional Development Anthony Romeo, and Steven Tepley, RCDD Program Coordination Michael A. Collins, RCDD, RTPM, and Matthew Odell, RCDD Registrations and Credentials Supervision Heather Callaway, RCDD, and Mungree Singh, RCDD Standards Denise Pappas, MBA, and F. Patrick Mahoney, RCDD Technical Information & Methods Robert “Bob” Hertling, RCDD, OSP, and Phil Janeway, RCDD

24 | Management & Committees

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