IIBEC Executive Committee Selects New CEO

The IIBEC Executive Committee recently undertook a search for a new CEO/EVP to replace Lionel van der Walt, who is moving on to another opportunity. With the help of a staffing company, and after holding several rounds of interviews, IIBEC’s new CEO has been selected, and it is Brian T. Pallasch, CAE.

IIBEC Second Vice President Ted Sheridan said, “Brian seemed to be instantly comfortable and already immersed in IIBEC culture and values during the interviews, without appearing to really try — like a round peg in a round hole.”

IIBEC President Bob Card noted, “The EVP/CEO search included interviewing several great candidates, each of whom would have been an excellent find. However, we felt that Brian’s high level of preparedness for the interviews and his ability to quickly establish a rapport with the Selection Committee in both formal and casual settings set him apart from the others.” 

When asked for his take on the search, First Vice President Scott Hinesley said, “The EVP/CEO search resulted in the consideration of more than 80 individuals, which was pared down to six highly qualified professionals for face-to-face interviews. Each of the six candidates possessed impressive experience and credentials, and I believe any one of them would have served the Institute well. However, Brian’s mix of leadership and legislative experience stood out to me as being extremely beneficial to the continued execution of our strategic plan. Combined with his even-keeled personality and self-described ‘impatience’ for getting things done, Brian will be key in helping IIBEC build on the momentum we’ve gained in the last year and a half. I look forward to working closely with him to serve the needs of the Institute to continue to advance the interests of its members and the industry at large.”

Pallasch is currently Managing Director of Government Relations and Infrastructure Initiatives at the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) in Washington, D.C. He has been responsible for managing ASCE’s government relations department, including federal and state legislative affairs, regulatory affairs, grassroots initiatives, and policy development, since joining the staff in 1999. Since 2008, Pallasch has been responsible for managing ASCE’s strategic initiative regarding infrastructure, including development of the Infrastructure Report Card, as well as the Failure to Act economic studies.At ASCE’s 2019 Legislative Fly-In event, Pallasch prepared members to educate their legislators on the need to invest in the nation’s infrastructure.

Prior to joining the staff of ASCE, Pallasch was Director of Government Relations for the American Subcontractors Association (ASA), Alexandria, VA, for three years, where he was responsible for all federal and state relations. He served as President of the American League of Lobbyists in 2007-2008, after holding a seat on the Board of Directors from 2004-2006. Pallasch also serves on the Board of Advisors for the Eno Center for Transportation.

Pallasch stated, “IIBEC is a robust international organization that offers value to its members. I am honored to be leading IIBEC and look forward to working with the staff and volunteer leadership to enhance our support for building enclosure consultants. The people at IIBEC—the board, the staff and the volunteer team—are clearly dedicated to supporting IIBEC members in addressing challenges in an evolving market. Their engagement was a key draw to joining IIBEC, and I look forward to utilizing my expertise with their success to date in leading the next growth phase. I am eager to build coalitions with other architectural, engineering, and construction associations to propel IIBEC forward.”

Pallasch holds a master of arts degree in international affairs from the American University, and a bachelor of arts degree in journalism and international affairs from the University of Southern California. He currently resides in Alexandria, VA with his wife and two children.

Pallasch begins his duties with IIBEC on June 10.

For more information, visit www.iibec.org.