A Message from Kaylah White
April 1 may be known for pranks, but I can assure you my first official day as Executive Director of the Tennessee Concrete Association is no joke! It is an honor to step into this role and build on the strong foundation established by Alan Sparkman and the leadership before me.
Over the past two months, I’ve had the privilege of working closely with Alan and our dedicated staff. I’ve been listening, learning, and gaining a deeper understanding of the organization. From our strategic plan to our membership and financials, it’s clear that TCA is on solid footing, with meaningful momentum already underway. That momentum is something I’m excited to build on as we look ahead.
One of my top priorities as Executive Director is deepening member engagement. In the coming weeks, I’ll be traveling across the state to connect with members and industry partners. My first stops include Memphis for the Tennessee Landscape Architects Annual Conference, followed by Knoxville for the Tennessee Building Officials Alliance Conference and the NAWIC Southeast Regional Conference, and then on to Chattanooga for the TDOT/ACEC Joint Meeting. These conversations are critical, not only to promote concrete and provide resources, but to listen and learn from those who are shaping our industry every day. What I hear during these visits will help inform the robust committee structure we are developing, ensuring it aligns with clear goals and creates meaningful opportunities for members to get involved and help shape the future of TCA. I encourage you to stay connected through our emails, social media, and events, and to find your place in this work.
Our workforce development efforts continue to grow in exciting ways. Programs like Concrete Quest and our Concrete Disc competition are gaining strong traction, and we’re now expanding these into scalable classroom experiences with varying levels of engagement. The goal is simple but ambitious: to put concrete into the hands of students across Tennessee. The enthusiasm from educators has been incredible, and the future of these programs is bright.
On the advocacy front, while I’ve stepped in during the latter part of the Tennessee legislative season, we are actively monitoring key developments at both the state and federal levels. Infrastructure investment remains a priority, though Tennessee funding levels may shift, and we are tracking legislation that could impact our industry. At the national level, our partners at the National Ready Mixed Concrete Association continue to advocate on issues such as the FRESH Act and long-term infrastructure funding. TCA will remain engaged and proactive in representing your interests.
Education and professional development also remain a cornerstone of our mission. We continue to see record participation in ACI certification programs, and we are expanding our offerings through partnerships with NRMCA, including programs like Think Like an Owner and Concrete Fundamentals. These opportunities are designed to deliver real value to our members and strengthen our industry from within.
The Tennessee Concrete Association has a strong legacy and an even stronger future.
I am excited to get started and look forward to building what comes next - together!