September 2026 
Monthly Meeting Info
Brent Williams is a lifelong student of design who has built and led multiple companies within the construction market space. Nationally known as a speaker and educator on digital connectivity, Brent’s expertise targets the Social Media environment, the permission-based marketplace, connectivity within the design field, building personal brand identities, and technical and application issues with graphics within the built environment. A national expert on field-applied Architectural Finishing products, Brent speaks frequently on flexible finishing and how the materials can revolutionize the built environment.
Serving as the Director of Technical Services for Advantage Innovations, a North American graphical products installation company, he oversees a training and support team that assures superior installation projects across AI’s client base.
Brent began his involvement in CSI in 2004, quickly rising to leadership as President of the Knoxville Chapter in 2006-2007 and then moving on to service at the Region and Institute levels. During his service at the National level, Brent began teaching about deploying Social Media for the design community in 2008. The pinnacle of his CSI experience was the founding of CSINext, the Institute's Virtual Chapter.
In addition to his business and CSI efforts, Brent is a lifelong, passionate cyclist who co-founded the Professional Bicycle Mechanics Association and enjoys racing his reproduction of the 1880s-era Penny Farthing Bicycle. Based in Knoxville, Tennessee, Brent is married to Dr. Jeanne Williams and is father to five and grandfather to 3 rambunctious grandsons.
President's Report
CSI Mississippi Members,
It’s Football Season — Time to Play as a Team
As football season gets underway, it’s hard not to notice the parallels between the game we enjoy on Friday through Sunday and the work we do every day as members of the Construction Specifications Institute. A successful football team doesn’t rely on one player to win the game. It takes coaches developing the game plan, quarterbacks reading the field, linemen creating opportunities, receivers running their routes, and defenders doing their jobs. Every position matters, and the team succeeds when everyone understands their role and works toward the same goal.
The same is true in our industry. Architects, engineers, contractors, subcontractors, manufacturers, specifications writers, and countless other professionals each bring a unique skill set to the construction process. When communication breaks down or one part of the team isn’t engaged, the entire project can be affected. CSI provides a place where all disciplines can come together, share knowledge, strengthen relationships, and improve the way we work. We may play different positions, but we’re all on the same team.
As your President, I encourage each of you to get in the game this year. Attend a chapter meeting, bring a colleague, volunteer for a committee, participate in an educational program, or simply introduce yourself to someone you haven’t met. The strength of CSI comes from its members being willing to contribute—not from standing on the sidelines. Just like a great football team, we’re at our best when we communicate, trust one another, and work toward a common goal.
Let’s make this a championship season for CSI—one built on teamwork, knowledge, relationships, and a commitment to excellence.
See you at the next meeting—and as always, Go Team CSI!
Taylor Stewart, CSI
Board Meeting Bytes
August 3, 2026 - A quorum was present.
- Treasurers Report: The report for August was reviewed and approved. Motion to approve as submitted was made & seconded. All voted aye and motion passed.
- Product Show: Benji Barham was present. The Muse Center has been reserved for February 2, 2027.
- Programs: Lacie Gibson was present. Brent Williams of LSI from our Knoxville chapter will be presenting this month.
- Membership: Keith West was present. 44 members.
- Electronic Communications: Randall Lewis reported that the website is current. No additional report.
- Certifications: No report
- Education: No report
- Planning: No report
- Academic Affairs: No report.
- Golf: No report
- New Business:None at this time.
- Meeting Adjourned at 6:24 PM CST
Introduction
Thanks so much for taking the time to visit our Newsletter Page. We have re-designed the Newsletter to offer you the information you want and need at your fingertips. For those who are asking what is CSI or what is my ROI? CSI provides professionals with access to the training needed to bridge your education with the broader aspects of the construction world. CSI is a single source network for the entire construction industry combining technical and industry relationships.
Monthly Meeting Dates
Monthly Lunch Meetings:
July 1,2026
August 5, 2026
September 2, 2026
October 7, 2026
November 4, 2026
December 3, 2026 (Thursday Evening / Christmas Party)
January 6, 2027
February 3, 2027
March 3, 2027
April 7, 2027
May 5, 2027
June 3, 2027 (Thursday Evening / Awards Banquet)
July 7, 2027
Board Meeting Dates
BOARD MEETINGS
5:30 pm
JH&H Architects, PA
1047 North Flowood Drive
Flowood, MS 39232
June 29, 2026 (July Board Meeting)
August 31, 2026 (September)
October 5, 2026
November 2, 2026
November 30, 2026 (December)
January 4, 2027
February 1, 2027
March 1, 2027
April 5, 2027
May 3, 2027
June 7, 2027
July 5, 2027
Construction, Cocktails & Camaraderie Dates
Meeting Dates:
July 23, 2026
August 27, 2026
September 25, 2026
October 22, 2026
November 19, 2026
January 28, 2027
February 25, 2027
March 25, 2027
June 24, 2027
Officers & Directors
Taylor Stewart, President
Benjie Barham, President Elect
Lacie Gibson, Vice President
Keith West, Secretary
Randall Lewis, Treasurer
Cassie Parker, Past President
Phil McDade, Director Emeritus
Dennis Walters, Director
Gene Crager, Director
John Murray, Director
Adam Haver, Director
Dustin Gregory, Director
