In this update, I would like to address several significant topics:

1. Board of Directors Elections
2. Communications & Marketing and University Outreach Tiger Team
3. SAVE International Affiliates Agreement

SAVE is a volunteer organization with a two-year term limit on consecutive terms for its Board of Directors. The Board election for this cycle is currently ongoing, and I urge all of you to actively participate and vote for the exceptional candidates vying for the two available Director positions. I would also like to express my gratitude to Mark Gabel, PE, CVS, and Marc Pauwels, PhD, TVM, CVS, FSAVE, for their hard work and dedication in promoting the Value Methodology (VM) and for the immense time and effort they have volunteered to SAVE. Although they will not continue on the Board after their term, I am confident they will remain active volunteers with SAVE.

Last year, two Tiger Teams were created and worked to tackle vital issues in Communications & Marketing and University Outreach. We are currently reviewing the establishment of a short- and long-term implementation plan that will be in action by the end of Q2 2026. We will announce additional opportunities for Tiger Team participation in the coming months, and I warmly invite you to join us in shaping our future.

SAVE is the premier international society devoted to advancing and promoting the VM. Our international positioning is supported by various pillars, one of which is the positive and collaborative relationship with our affiliates. Over the past five years, SAVE has evolved in terms of education, certification, and membership, necessitating a re-envisioning of our relationship with our international affiliates. The SAVE Board of Directors has expressed a desire to maintain and strengthen this collaboration; thus, we are embarking on a new, updated affiliate agreement that will enhance our partnership. This will be shared with our affiliates for review and execution in the upcoming months.

Thank you for your unwavering commitment to our mission. I look forward to the pleasure of meeting you in Milwaukee!

As Marc Pauwels so eloquently described in his article in this issue, the Value Methodology (VM) can make the difference globally in collaborating and knowledge sharing to enhance decision quality and impact during this trying time.  In the ever-evolving landscape of global business, few periods have demanded as much adaptability and ingenuity as the present. Economic volatility, political uncertainty, and shifting market dynamics are now, sadly, the norm rather than the exception. For organizations navigating these turbulent waters, cost containment and resource optimization have become central to survival and long-term success. It is in this challenging environment that Value Engineering (VE) is not only relevant but essential.

The New Economic and Political Reality

Today’s clients face unprecedented pressures. Inflationary trends, supply chain disruptions, increasing material costs, labor shortages, and unpredictable regulatory environments have made project delivery more complex and costly. Political shifts - both domestic and international - introduce additional layers of risk and uncertainty. Executives are under intense scrutiny to justify expenditures, deliver on promises, and demonstrate tangible results, often with fewer resources.

An Increased Demand for Value Engineering

Amidst these challenges, more clients are turning to VE as a proven methodology to drive innovation, reduce costs, and maximize value. VE is recognized as a holistic approach to problem-solving and decision-making enabling organizations to:

• Optimize Performance: Systematically analyze project functions to ensure that essential requirements are met in the most efficient way.
• Contain and Reduce Costs: Identify and eliminate unnecessary expenditures without compromising quality or performance.
• Mitigate Risk: Introduce flexibility and resilience into projects, making them better able to absorb future shocks.
• Foster Collaboration: Bring multidisciplinary teams together to challenge assumptions and generate creative solutions.

Recently, I have encountered this challenge firsthand on two projects, each with current working estimates of $1.3 billion - both exceeding their original budgets by over 30% on one project and reaching 50% overage on the other. In response to escalating costs and significant schedule delays threatening project progress, both teams have prioritized cost containment and the optimization of project objectives. These two case studies will be presented at the SAVE International 2026 Value Summit this June.

The Path Forward

As practitioners and advocates of VE, it is our responsibility to educate clients on the benefits of early VE integration. The earlier VE is applied in the project lifecycle, the greater the opportunity to influence outcomes and deliver value. We must also continue to evolve our tools and techniques (the 2026 Value Summit will highlight new approaches and practices) to address the complexities of today’s projects, ensuring VE remains relevant and impactful.

In this era of economic and political uncertainty, VE is not just a tool - it is a strategic imperative. By embracing VE, organizations can navigate challenges, contain costs, and unlock new sources of value. The demand has never been greater, and our collective expertise has never been more vital, again echoing the message noted by our colleague Marc Pauwels.

Let us seize this opportunity to champion VE, helping our clients - and our profession - thrive in these uncertain times.

Everyone be safe out there, focus on how each of us can deliver value collectively locally with the impact reaching far beyond, and I look forwarding to seeing you all in Milwaukee at the 2026 Value Summit.

Director Candidates

• May Mohamed Maged Emam, PhD, VMA, CCMP, PMP, P3GP, PMI-PMOCP, PBP
• Khaled Ahmed Gamea, VMA, PMP, LEED GA
• Ramesh Kalvakaalva, CVS, PE
• Muhammad Amin Latif, PE, PVM, CVS-Life
• Anita Lukose, BTech, CVS, FSAVE
• Sebastian Meindl, Dipl-Ing, PVM, TVM, CVS
• Ryan S. Thomas, PE, VMA
• Zayan Hassan Waziry, VMA

We encourage all SAVE members to review the candidate’s information before casting your vote. There are two Director positions open so members will vote for two (2) candidates. The two candidates with the most votes will be elected.

To cast your vote, look for the link and password emailed to SAVE members on April 22 and April 29. All votes must be submitted by May 15, 2026 at 5:00 pm Pacific Time.

Please direct any questions regarding the election to the SAVE business office at info@value-eng.org.

The SAVE International Value Summit Planning Committee has been working hard at putting together an awesome event for you. The Summit schedule should be published soon so you can start planning which sessions you want to attend. There are so many good presentations this year that I know I will have a hard time narrowing down the ones I want to sit in on.

To make sure you are enjoying all aspects of Milwaukee while you are attending the Value Summit, I wanted to highlight the wonderful city we are visiting with a list of things to do around town while you’re here for the Summit. Maybe you can make this trip a few extra days longer and soak up all that Milwaukee has to offer! One thing to note is that the area around the Hilton Milwaukee hotel is very walkable! Just keep it in mind when making travel arrangements.

Walking or very short Uber ride (downtown & lakefront)

• Milwaukee Art Museum - (30 minute walk, 7 minute uber ride) Beautiful architecture, lakefront setting, rotating exhibits.
• Discovery World - (30 minute walk, 7 minute uber ride) On the lakefront. Science, tech, interactive exhibits. Great if people want something more experiential.
• Lakeshore State Park - (35 minute walk, 7 minute uber ride) A calm natural space, walking trails, views of the lake, good for a relaxed morning walk.
• Milwaukee Public Museum - (8 minute walk) History, natural history, good for groups, educational stops.
• Harley-Davidson Museum - 15 minute walk from hotel; great if folks are interested in motorcycles, Americana.
• Pabst Mansion - (25 minute walk, 5 minute uber ride) Historic mansion tours.
• Juneau Park - (30 minute walk, 7 minute uber ride) Pleasant park overlooking Lake Michigan, nice for walking, relaxing, seeing the city skyline.
• Milwaukee RiverWalk - (Steps away from the hotel) Lined with art, shops, views. Especially good in the evening.  Trendy bars/restaurants include Vault, Blue Bat Kitchen & Tequileria, Screaming Tuna Sushi & Asian Bistro, Lakefront Brewery, Boone & Crockett, S’Lush Daiquiri Lounge, Swingin’ Door Exchange, The Harp Irish Pub, Saffron, and Milwaukee Sail Loft.
• Miller Brewery Tour (Miller Valley) - Discover one of Milwaukee’s most iconic landmarks at the historic Miller Brewery, now part of Molson Coors. Located just minutes from downtown, the brewery offers guided tours through Miller Valley, where visitors learn about the city’s brewing heritage, explore state-of-the-art facilities, and sample fresh brews along the way. It’s a quintessential Milwaukee experience that combines history, craftsmanship, and—of course—a cold beer.
• Hill Valley Dairy / Milwaukee Cheese Bar - (30 minute walk, 5 minute uber) Cheese factory + shop + bar, with viewing windows into production.
• Milwaukee Sightseeing and Architecture Cruise - Milwaukee Boat Line - Sightseeing Tours & Private Charters. Explore Milwaukee's past and present from our rivers, harbors & Lake Michigan during this 90-minute tour. Unforgettable views and a unique perspective of Milwaukee's history & architecture. Live narration is provided by experienced and entertaining tour guides & the captain.
• Old Guard Games - Milwaukee’s premier destination for miniatures, hobby supplies, and tabletop gaming along side popular board games and card games.

Events

• Milwaukee Metal Fest - June 4^th thru 7^th - Metal Music Festival - The Rave/Eagles Club. Milwaukee Metal Fest 2026 will showcase a wide range of metal styles, including death metal, doom, hardcore, metalcore, thrash, industrial, and underground extremity, with performances spread across multiple stages throughout the venue.
• Billy Currington & Kip Moore - June 6^th - Country Concert - At the Landmark Credit Union Live starting at 7pm. Billy Currington and Kip Moore are coming to Landmark Credit Union Live on Saturday, June 6 with special guest Kenny Whitmire!
• The Wailin’ Jennys – June 11^th – Folk Music Concert - At the Pabst Theater Group starting at 8pm. The Wailin’ Jennys Are Nicky Mehta, Ruth Moody And Heather Masse - Three Distinct Voices That Together Make An Achingly Perfect Vocal Sound.
• Milwaukee Brewers vs Philadelphia Phillies – June 12^th – Baseball Game – At American Family Field with first pitch at 6:40pm. Game highlights include Pride Night and Wisconsin First Fridays! ALL Wisconsin residents get 50% off Brewers tickets at the first Friday home game of each month!
• Summer Soulstice Music Festival – June 13^th – Between Kenilworth Pl, Ivanhoe Pl, Farwell Ave, Prospect Ave, Murray Ave, and Kind Oasis on Milwaukee's East Side starting at noon. A free showcase of great music along with a variety of food, arts & crafts, and activities.
• Water Lantern Festival – June 13^th – At Veterans Park starting at 5:30pm. Water Lantern Festival is a community event that encourages people of all ages and backgrounds to come together for a night of love and laughter. Gather with your loved ones, reflect on your life, and connect with new friends. As the sun sets, release your personalized lantern onto the water and watch it illuminate the night. Enjoy food trucks, live music, vendors, a scavenger hunt, and the lantern launch.

Just as a reminder, registration is open so register before May 15 to take advantage of the discounted rates! There are pre- and post-Summit training sessions still available but hurry because spaces are limited. Visit www.value-eng.org/2026ValueSummit for links to the hotel room block and sponsor prospectus and other Summit information. Invite your friends, colleagues, and peers to join us in Milwaukee!

If there are any questions or comments, please feel free to reach out to valuesummit@value-eng.org and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

Thank you and see you in Milwaukee!

As noted in the last issue of Value World, the CVS Application Portal is operational now for any new CVS applicants that wish to use it.  There will be a full demonstration of the portal during the Certification Forum on Wednesday, June 10 at the 2026 Value Summit in Milwaukee, WI.  A reminder that if you are a VMA and wish to start entering information into the new CVS Application Portal for approval, please email the SAVE business office at info@value-eng.org and they will help process your payment and send you a link to the portal along with an initial password and instructions.  SAVE is also working on a similar portal for CVS renewals – stay tuned for more details on that in the coming months.

The Certification Advisory and Review Committees have been looking at trends for the CVS applications and renewals over the past few months.  We have been getting about three to five new CVS applications a month and the majority are meeting the criteria on the first iteration.

As for CVS renewals, we are averaging about five submissions a month; however, about 20% of the CVS renewal submissions are requiring follow-up.  The two areas to watch out for on your renewal are Learn VM and VM Service and Promotion:

For Learn VM, 56 PDUs are required for renewal, of which 8 PDUs must be in live Function Analysis training and 8 PDUs in live Facilitation training over the 4-year renewal period.  There are opportunities at the SAVE Value Summit to earn these; however, it is not sufficient to just say you attended a large event, as you need to note the specific training you attended.

For VM Service and Promotion, 16 PDUs are required over the 4-year reporting period.  Four of these PDUs can be obtained just by being a SAVE member, with more available if you volunteer on committees.  Promotion PDUs can also easily be obtained by making presentations and writing articles or papers on the Value Methodology.

If you have any questions about obtaining PDUs, please reach out to the SAVE business office at info@value-eng.org.

We hope to see many of you at this year’s Value Summit and have a good discussion during the Certification Forum.

Launch of the new Value Methodology Fundamentals 2 (VMF2) education program was delayed to incorporate minor edits in the training materials. These edits are in process.

As previously stated, the new VMF2 program is split into two parts: VMF2A (a self-paced 8-hour e-learning course) and VMF2B (a 24-hour instructor led course). Completion of both VMF2A and VMF2B are required in preparation for the Certified Value Specialist (CVS) exam, in accordance with the updated SAVE Certification Program Manual.

The 4-hour VMF2BT instructor training course is available as both virtual and in-person delivery options. This course will prepare qualified CVS/CVS-Life to teach the VMF2B materials.

Both the VMF1BT and VMF2BT courses will be offered as post-Value Summit training opportunities in Milwaukee, WI this June, but are not eligible for PDUs. The courses enable attendees to become SAVE International approved instructors of the VMF1B and/or VMF2B course. Reminder, only current CVS/CVS-Life are eligible to attend the VMF1BT and VMF2BT courses.

VM Guide Translation

Review of the VM Guide (2020) translation into Spanish by an independent editor team of volunteers is ongoing. At this time, we anticipate completion and public release in the upcoming months.

SAVE is looking for a dedicated team of member volunteers to help us update our chapter operations manual. The manual serves as a comprehensive guide for local chapter leaders, facilitates smooth leadership transitions, and ensures alignment with SAVE’s goals. The key components of the updated manual will include the purpose and mission of SAVE chapters, governance structure, financial management, and membership value.

If you are interested in volunteering, please send an email to the SAVE business office at info@value-eng.org by May 15.

Thank you for your continued support of SAVE and our chapters!

Mr. Jeffery T. Hooghouse, AIA, DBIA, CVS-Life, F.SAVE, PMP, MVM, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), has been awarded the United States Department of War Medal for Exceptional Civilian Service, the highest honor for a civilian employee. The award recognizes Mr. Hooghouse’s distinguished 35-year career and his decade of service, from 2015-2025, as the Chief Value Officer for the USACE and its Senior Accountable Official for Value Engineering.

Mr. Thomas Simms, Executive Director for Systems Engineering and Architecture, Office of the Under Secretary of War for Research and Engineering and the DoW Senior Accountable Official for Value Engineering, presented him with the medal on behalf of the USW(R&E).

Mr. Hooghouse’s visionary leadership has fundamentally transformed the DoW’s decision-making culture. His focus on fiscal responsibility and innovation led the USACE Value Engineering program to generate more than $5.4 billion in validated cost avoidance. This represents an unprecedented 262-to-1 return on investment - the highest of any Value Engineering program within the Department during this period.

His expertise was instrumental in modernizing the Department’s own Value Engineering program, solidifying his legacy as a leader in business process improvement. His work ensures smarter, more effective decisions that benefit taxpayers, empower warfighters, and strengthen the nation.

This is exactly where Value Methodology (VM) can make a significant difference.

For decades, VM has proven its strength in industry, construction, infrastructure, healthcare, government, and many other sectors. Its unique ability to focus on functions, needs, and results - rather than simply on cost - makes it highly relevant for today’s challenges. True value is achieved when performance, quality, cost, time, and sustainability are balanced in the best possible way.

Around the world, we can see many examples of successful application. In some countries, VM is firmly established in public infrastructure programs. In others, it is widely used in manufacturing to improve product competitiveness and accelerate innovation. Elsewhere, organizations are beginning to discover its power in service industries, healthcare systems, and administrative processes.

This diversity is a major strength. Different regions bring different experiences, methods, and priorities. By sharing these perspectives internationally, we all become stronger as a profession.

SAVE International has an important role to play in this global development. As a leading professional association, SAVE connects practitioners, educators, and decision-makers across borders. It provides standards, certification, knowledge exchange, and a common professional language. In a fragmented world, these connections matter more than ever.

Global Affairs is therefore not only about international representation - it is about building bridges. It means learning from each other, supporting emerging markets, encouraging young professionals, and demonstrating that VM can help solve real-world problems everywhere.

Looking ahead, our profession also has new opportunities. Digital tools, artificial intelligence, data analytics, and global collaboration platforms can strengthen the way Value Studies are prepared and executed. But technology alone is not enough. Creativity, teamwork, functional thinking, and human judgment remain at the core of what we do.

The future of VM will belong to those who combine proven principles with modern capabilities.

My personal belief is clear: the world does not need fewer decisions - it needs better decisions. Decisions that create sustainable benefits. Decisions that use resources wisely. Decisions that improve competitiveness while serving people’s real needs.

That is the mission of VM.

If we continue to work together internationally, share knowledge openly, and inspire the next generation of professionals, our impact can grow far beyond what any one country or organization could achieve alone.

The world is changing. VM is ready.

MVF Director of Media

The MVF seeks a Director candidate that can help us with our various media platforms such as Facebook, X, YouTube, etc. This is a critical function the MVF needs. Currently the position is as a volunteer; however, we are open to giving visibility and credit through our Institute site for services to help manage MVF media. This position will interface with our Director serving as Webmaster, Steve Holmes.

MVF Institute Director

The MVF is also in search of an MVF Institute Director candidate. Our MVF Institute site is hosted on the Teachable platform and can involve a number of hours per month. This function is also on a volunteer basis and critical for the future success of the MVF. A former MVF Director who was instrumental in setting up the Institute is highly experienced with Teachable and will support a transition. Since the Institute falls under our primary education mission, it is overseen by our VP Education Director, Steve Garrett. As with the MVF Director of Media, we will consider giving visibility credit to the university or company for which the candidate represents. As this function is heavily geared to education, a candidate associated with a university is preferrable.

If you or someone you know might have an interest in serving in one of these two important roles, please email Bruce Lenzer, MVF Chairman, at lenzer@valuefoundation.org. Nominations are due no later than Friday, May 29, 2026.