WASHINGTON, Oct. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The National Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS) today announces its new Board of Directors leadership and two new directors for the 2026-2027 board year. The appointments bring additional experience in building science, structural engineering, resilience, education, and industry leadership.

Leading the Board for the 2026-2027 year are Dominic Sims, President of Jupiter Advisory Group and former International Code Council CEO, who will serve as Board Chair; Bruce Risley, RA, CCM, retired from ARCADIS, who will serve as Board Vice Chair; and James Koch, retired from Michael Baker International, who will serve as Board Treasurer.

The two new Board members are Robert Howard and Kevin Walsh. Robert Howard, President of Howard Building Science, brings experience in building science, sustainable technology, affordable housing, residential construction, energy modeling, and workforce education. He also serves as a lecturer at Appalachian State University, teaching courses in building sciences and clean energy. Kevin Walsh, PhD, PE, SE, is an associate teaching Professor and Director of the Master of Engineering Program at the University of Notre Dame, bringing his experience in structural engineering, seismic resilience, and infrastructure asset management. Kevin is also a Principal at Frost Engineering.

“Innovation across all sectors requires one shared foundation: the built environment,” said George Guszcza, President and CEO of NIBS. “Our board provides the guidance and governance needed to help advance building innovation, and help safeguard, enable, and empower individuals, families, businesses, and communities across the USA.”

NIBS would also like to recognize Charlie (Chuck) Curlin, Jr., PE, CEM, CPD, who concluded his term as Board Chair and will now serve as Immediate Past Chair and a non-voting member of the Board for one year. NIBS also extends its sincere appreciation to Lori Peek for her dedicated service and support of the Board, and to Monika Serrano for her service and contributions to the organization.

About the National Institute of Building Sciences

The National Institute of Building Sciences, created by an act of Congress in 1974, serves as America’s authoritative source of findings and recommendations that advance innovation across the built environment and safeguard lives, livelihoods, and communities across the nation. As an independent, non-partisan 501 (c)(3), the National Institute of Building Sciences promotes and protects the national interest, brings together the public and private sectors of the economy, and works with Federal, State, Territorial, Tribal, and local leadership and organizations to increase positive outcomes for all communities.

At the National Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS), we bring together the public and private sectors of our economy and connect research, policy, and practical application to advance innovation across the built environment. Our mission is to create a safer, more resilient, and technologically advanced infrastructure that serves American communities and strengthens our nation’s future.

Building American Innovation isn’t just our tagline—it’s our commitment because building innovation has always been the foundation of American innovation. 

 For more information, visit nibs.org or follow @bldgsciences on X, Facebook, and LinkedIn. 

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SOURCE National Institute of Building Sciences