On my way out, allow me to say… thank you. Thank you for giving me the honor and privilege of serving as the IAEI President and CEO for the past five and a half years. I mean that sincerely, and I mean it from the bottom of my heart.
I stepped into this role in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic—an unprecedented and uncertain time for every association. Yet from the very beginning, I was inspired by IAEI’s rich history and its unwavering commitment to protecting the public from electrical hazards. The word I heard more than any other was “passion.” Passion for electrical safety. Passion for education and knowledge. Passion for Sections, Chapters, and Divisions. Passion for lifelong relationships and networking. And passion for one another.
I did not fully understand that passion until I attended my very first Section Meeting. That was my ah-ha moment—the moment I saw firsthand what binds IAEI together. From that day forward, the passion I witnessed in all of you became the passion that fueled me every single day.
It did not take long for me to develop that same deep passion for IAEI. But my passion grew even further because I became devoted to ensuring that IAEI succeeded at every level of the organization. For those who heard me speak at Section meetings, I hope you could hear that passion in my voice—sometimes so strong that it spilled over into emotion. IAEI became more than a job to me; it became a calling.
As I leave IAEI, I also close the chapter on a 30-year career as a CEO across five different organizations. In 1996, when I was just 29 years old, someone saw something in me that I did not yet see in myself—a leader. That moment launched me into my first CEO role. Now, three decades later, I know it is time for me to step away from the CEO profession and apply my strengths in a new direction.
I am tremendously proud of all that IAEI has achieved over the past five and a half years. Here are only a few accomplishments that stand out:
We assembled one of the most professional, capable, and dedicated staffs I have ever worked with. Though small—just seven full-time employees—they are mighty in every sense of the word.
- We adopted a name that reflects not only who we are, but the compassion and unity of our members. We are now the Independent Alliance of the Electrical Industry—and proudly still the IAEI.
- We forged a groundbreaking partnership with the International Code Council (ICC), expanding IAEI’s reach, brand, and long-term growth opportunities within the inspection industry.
- We modernized our dues structure to align with market standards—a change implemented with transparency, professionalism, and collaboration.
- We built a powerful and consistent presence on social media and developed the strongest marketing materials in our organization’s history.
- For the first time, we achieved unified branding across the entire organization.
- We endured—and survived—the COVID-19 pandemic, while many associations were unable to adapt and ultimately disappeared.
- We launched our first accredited online education platform, offering the best electrical safety training in the industry, taught by individuals who help write the electrical code itself.
- After more than two decades of losing 500–1,000 members annually, we stabilized IAEI’s membership.
- We developed the ElectriCity Program with ICC—now bringing in new members by the hundreds each year.
- We selected the host city and initiated planning for IAEI’s 100-Year Centennial Celebration in 2028, setting the stage for a historic milestone.
These accomplishments reflect the collective work of a talented staff and a bold, forward-thinking Board of Directors. None of this happened because of one person—these achievements happened because of teamwork, vision, and a shared belief in IAEI’s mission.
Yet while we have accomplished a great deal, there is still so much more ahead. The next CEO must build upon these successes, embrace innovation, and lead with courage and imagination. Challenges will arise—but challenges are nothing more than opportunities to achieve greatness. With a bold leader and a Board willing to empower that leader, IAEI can ascend to new heights.
Great things lie ahead for this organization. With great people and great minds working together, the future of IAEI is bright.
May God bless IAEI and all its members.
In Christ Jesus,
Rudolph Garza
Former IAEI President and CEO
