During our annual business meeting in Milwaukee, I had the distinct honor of introducing our newly constituted Board of Directors for the 2026-2027 term, which includes two incoming Directors. Following extensive discussions with the team, and in alignment with our objectives of growth and stability, I am pleased to delineate the roles of each Director:

• Rob Stewart - Past President
• Al Adelgren - Vice President & Director of Education
• Rick Lambert - Secretary-Treasurer
• Zachary Davis - Director of Intergovernmental Affairs & AI Tiger Team Lead
• Jacqueline Fahmy - Director of Membership
• Kaitlyn Stewart - Director of Communication & Director of Conference
• Anita Lukose - Director of Universities Outreach
• Sebastian Meindl - Director of Global Affairs & 2027 Value Summit Co-Chair

I would also like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to our two outgoing Directors, Mark Gabel, PE, CVS, and Marc Pauwels, PhD, TVM, CVS, FSAVE, for their exemplary dedication and tireless efforts in championing Value Methodology (VM). Their significant contributions and unwavering commitment to SAVE have left an indelible mark. Although they will conclude their tenure on the board, I am confident that they will continue to serve as engaged volunteers within our organization.

Represented by our dedicated members, SAVE is resolutely committed to advocating for the application of VM in benefitting society at large, particularly in the United States, the birthplace of Value Analysis. This steadfast commitment was reaffirmed during our meeting with the USAV committee at the Value Summit.

In the aftermath of the Summit, the SAVE Executive Committee accepted the resignation of our USAV Executive Director, Jay Bytheway, due to family obligations that would constrain his time and availability. Family must always take precedence, and we express our sincere appreciation to Jay for his substantial contributions and for embracing the responsibilities of this position. We wish him and his family all the best in their future endeavors.

I am delighted to introduce Giuseppe Nespoli as the new USAV Executive Director. Giuseppe has graciously accepted the mantle of leadership to spearhead our advocacy initiatives. For those residing in the U.S., you may be approached to assume various roles, and I encourage your active participation in supporting our collective efforts.

Over the past six years, SAVE has diligently reimagined and refined our education and certification processes, culminating in the establishment of the Certification Advisory Committee and the successful launch of the CVS Certification Portal. These transformative changes were essential to fortifying our certification program and ensuring transparency.

Consequently, we have revisited our affiliate agreements with our international partners. Following constructive discussions, we have successfully formalized agreements with our major affiliates, and we eagerly anticipate continued collaboration and growth.

Thank you for your unwavering commitment to our mission.

Throughout the Summit, attendees participated in technical sessions, interactive workshops, panel discussions, and networking events that highlighted the expanding role of Value Engineering, Value Analysis, and Value Management in delivering smarter investments, improving project performance, and maximizing value for stakeholders.

One of the defining themes of this year's Summit was collaboration. From first-time attendees to long-time Certified Value Specialists (CVS), the event fostered meaningful conversations across disciplines and generations of practitioners. Whether reconnecting with colleagues, mentoring emerging professionals, or discovering new applications of the VM, participants demonstrated the strength and passion of the SAVE community.

The Summit also celebrated innovation through presentations showcasing successful projects from around the world. Speakers shared lessons learned from transportation, infrastructure, manufacturing, healthcare, defense, utilities, and commercial industries, reinforcing that the principles of VM remain more relevant than ever as organizations seek to optimize performance while managing cost, schedule, and risk.

Beyond the educational sessions, attendees enjoyed Milwaukee's welcoming atmosphere and rich history while building relationships that will continue long after the Summit concluded. Networking receptions, social events, and informal discussions created countless opportunities to strengthen existing partnerships and develop new ones across the international Value community.

The 2026 Value Summit would not have been possible without the tremendous support of our volunteers, presenters, sponsors, exhibitors, committee members, and attendees. Their dedication and enthusiasm continue to make this event the premier gathering for Value professionals worldwide.

Looking Ahead: Munich, Germany

As the 2026 Summit came to a close, excitement quickly shifted to the future with the official announcement of the 2027 Value Summit.

Next year, the global Value community will gather in Munich, Germany, where Rohde & Schwarz will proudly serve as the host organization. This marks an exciting opportunity to bring the Summit to one of Europe's leading centers for engineering, technology, and innovation while strengthening international collaboration within the VM profession.

Attendees can look forward to experiencing world-class technical content, unique facility and project perspectives, expanded global participation, and the opportunity to engage with Value practitioners from across Europe and around the world. The partnership with Rohde & Schwarz promises to provide an exceptional backdrop for exploring how VM continues to evolve in today's increasingly complex and technology-driven environment.

As we close another successful Value Summit, we thank everyone who helped make Milwaukee such a memorable experience. The conversations started this year will continue to shape our profession, strengthen our community, and inspire new opportunities for innovation.

We look forward to welcoming you to Munich in 2027 as we continue advancing the VM together.

With more than 20 years of experience in organization development, strategic facilitation, and public-sector consulting, Joey has helped federal, state, and local agencies improve organizational performance and deliver greater value on complex infrastructure and public programs. Prior to his consulting career, he worked in Washington, D.C. on U.S. Congressional house races and supporting political messaging. Joey attended campaign management school, where he developed expertise in political strategy, grassroots mobilization, fundraising, and communications. His experiences have shaped his ability to navigate government institutions, build bipartisan relationships, and organize effective advocacy campaigns.

In his capacity as USAV Executive Director, Joey will oversee the strategic direction and operational effectiveness of the USAV committee. His responsibilities will include leading the development of a formal committee charter, establishing clearly defined roles and responsibilities, and directing key advocacy initiatives that support the mission of SAVE. Joey will also serve as the official representative of USAV at major organizational events, including the USAV Symposium and the SAVE Value Summit.

We invite the SAVE community to join us in congratulating Joey on his appointment and in supporting him as he undertakes this significant role.

Advocacy is often misunderstood as lobbying, politics, or responding to a crisis. At its core, advocacy is something much simpler and more important. It is how a community speaks up for the people, principles, and work it believes matter. It is the collective expression of our commitment to one another and to the value we create every day.

For our profession, advocacy is not optional. Decisions made by government agencies, private organizations, and industry leaders directly affect our ability to deliver value. If we do not tell our story, others will tell it for us, or it may go untold.

This belief inspired the formation of the United States Advocacy for Value (USAV), an initiative dedicated to strengthening the voice of our community across the United States. Recent events have reinforced why that effort is needed now more than ever.

A Call to Action

At this year’s SAVE International Value Summit in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, we learned that the Department of War had decided to dissolve the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Value Engineering Program by July 1, 2026. What happened next demonstrated the power of an engaged community.

A small group of concerned SAVE members quickly came together, recognizing the need for an immediate response. Their leadership became the catalyst for a broader movement that mobilized the SAVE community within days.

An open letter was submitted to Secretary Hegseth and senior Department leadership calling on the Department to:

• Reverse the dissolution of the USACE Value Engineering Program.
• Preserve the personnel, expertise, and organizational capability necessary to continue the program.
• Conduct an independent review of the decision and its impacts.
• Reaffirm the Department's commitment to Value Engineering.

SAVE distributed press releases and outreach materials to Congressional offices and national media outlets, calling for action before July 1. U.S.-based SAVE members contacted their Representatives through coordinated emails and phone calls. Participants from the 2025 Advocacy Day reconnected with Congressional offices they had previously visited, while other members began scheduling in-person meetings with elected officials and their staff. What began as concern quickly became collective action.

Finding Our Voice

The response to the USACE decision demonstrated what is possible when our community speaks with one voice. For decades, Value Engineering has helped organizations improve performance, reduce unnecessary costs, mitigate risk, and deliver greater value to stakeholders. Advocacy helps make those outcomes visible.

As of this writing, coverage of the issue has appeared in the Federal News Network, bringing national attention to the decision and its potential implications. More importantly, the conversation is no longer happening in isolation. Our community has established a narrative that decision-makers must now address and respond to.

Whether the final outcome results in a reversal, modification, or continuation of the decision, the effort itself has demonstrated the importance of organized advocacy. Our profession has shown that it is willing to engage, educate, and speak up when value is at risk.

The Future of USAV

The USAV initiative is a commitment to building a stronger and more visible presence for value across the United States. That means strengthening relationships with policymakers, engaging industry leaders, educating decision-makers, supporting Advocacy Day efforts, developing future advocates, and creating opportunities for members to participate in shaping the future of our profession.

Advocacy belongs to all of us. Every conversation with a client, every discussion with a policymaker, every article, presentation, workshop, and success story contributes to the broader understanding of the value our profession delivers.

The recent USACE response reminds us that when our community acts together, our voice carries farther than any one of us could alone.

Whatever the outcome of this particular effort, USAV will continue working to create the future we want for our profession, our organizations, and the communities we serve. And that future begins when we choose to speak up.

The broader federal rationale appears clear: accelerate project delivery and reduce unnecessary administrative burden. The bill places the VE threshold change within a subtitle focused on improved project delivery and environmental streamlining, alongside provisions addressing environmental review, categorical exclusions, Section 4(f) review, NEPA assignment, and related process improvements.

That goal is understandable. Transportation agencies are being asked to deliver more work, faster, in a difficult environment marked by inflation, constrained staffing, complex permitting, and increasing public expectations. Streamlining matters.

But VE should not be viewed as an obstacle to faster delivery. Used properly, at the right time, VE should help agencies accelerate delivery while maximizing project value by enhancing required functions and performance, reducing cost, shortening delivery time, and managing risk.

Under current federal law, VE is required for federally assisted NHS projects estimated at $50 million or more, and for NHS bridge projects estimated at $40 million or more. Design-build projects are currently exempt from the federal VE requirement. Section 1201 of the BUILD America 250 Act would raise the NHS threshold to $100 million, reducing the number of projects that receive independent, structured value review.

That may reduce administrative burden in a narrow sense, but it risks missing the larger opportunity. Many projects that benefit most from VE are not mega-projects. They are mid-sized, complex projects where scope, schedule, right-of-way, utilities, environmental commitments, constructability, traffic control, staging, and cost uncertainty intersect. These projects may not meet a $100 million threshold, but they can still present significant opportunities to improve required functions, enhance performance, reduce cost, shorten delivery, and manage risk.

Federal program history does not support the assumption that higher thresholds automatically produce better outcomes. Before the current $50 million NHS threshold framework, federal VE requirements applied more broadly, including a $25 million NHS project threshold. Under that earlier framework, FHWA reported that state highway and transportation departments saved taxpayers $932 million in fiscal year 2001 through VE studies completed on 380 projects nationwide. That historical data point is important: a lower threshold did not prevent VE from delivering substantial national benefit.

Current FHWA-reported VE performance also reinforces the point. Recent federal VE results show annual returns on investment ranging from approximately 69:1 to 173:1, annual VE savings between approximately $0.9 billion and $2.2 billion, and very low average study costs when compared to the value generated. In other words, VE is not a high-cost federal process with uncertain benefit. It is one of the highest-return stewardship tools available in the federal-aid transportation program.

State-level experience points in the same direction. One state DOT program lowered its VE threshold to $25 million while also strengthening quality controls by requiring Certified Value Specialist (CVS) led facilitation, use of the SAVE International VE Job Plan, and management accountability for rejected recommendations. After those reforms, average VE return on investment increased from approximately 67:1 to approximately 294:1, average cost savings per VE study increased by more than 300 percent, and the average percentage of project cost saved increased from approximately 4.8 percent to approximately 20 percent.

The lesson is not simply that every project needs the same level of VE effort. The lesson is that threshold policy, timing, facilitation quality, methodology, and management accountability matter. A lower threshold, properly scaled and properly executed, can expand VE coverage while improving program performance.

VE is most powerful before commitments harden. A well-timed VE study gives owners, designers, construction professionals, maintenance staff, operations staff, and other disciplines a structured opportunity to test whether a project is delivering its required functions safely, reliably, efficiently, and at the lowest practical life-cycle cost. That process can reduce redesign, avoid late-stage scope conflicts, improve constructability, clarify risk allocation, and identify delivery strategies that save both time and money.

In that sense, VE is not contrary to streamlining. VE is a streamlining tool.

The key is timing and quality. A VE study conducted late, after major decisions are already locked in, can feel like a compliance step. A VE study conducted early, before final design or before issuance of a final design-build RFP, can improve the project before avoidable problems become expensive commitments.

The better modernization path would therefore move in the opposite direction: lower the federal VE threshold to $25 million in total project cost, include design-build projects, and strengthen minimum quality expectations for federally required VE studies.

A $25 million threshold better captures the range of projects where early value decisions still matter. Including design-build is also important because design-build delivery locks in scope, performance criteria, procurement strategy, and risk allocation earlier than traditional design-bid-build delivery. That makes early value review more important, not less.

Modernization should also address study quality. A VE requirement is only as strong as the study that satisfies it. Federal policy should require qualified facilitation, use of a recognized VE Job Plan, multidisciplinary participation, life-cycle cost consideration, and transparent documentation of recommendations and decisions. When high-value recommendations are rejected, agencies should document the basis for rejection and require appropriate management accountability.

This is not about adding bureaucracy. It is about improving decision quality.

If Congress and FHWA want faster project delivery, VE should be part of that strategy. A scaled, flexible, risk-informed VE framework can reduce burden while enhancing value. Not every study needs the same level of effort. Virtual and hybrid workshops can reduce cost. VE can also be integrated with risk analysis, constructability review, cost estimating, environmental strategy, and project controls.

SAVE and the broader value community should engage this issue constructively. The message should not be that federal requirements must remain frozen in place. The message should be that modernization is needed, but modernization should strengthen VE, not narrow it.

At a time when every infrastructure dollar must work harder and every delivery delay matters, VE should be recognized as a tool to maximize project value for all: owners, users, taxpayers, communities, and the traveling public. When used properly, VE helps projects perform better, cost less, move faster, and carry less risk.

Two sessions for each VMF1BT and VMF2BT will be planned for this August and October. Visit the calendar of events on the SAVE website for exact dates and to register for a specific course.

During the Value Summit, SAVE signed new affiliate agreements with Indian Value Engineering Society (INVEST), Society of Hungarian Value Analysts (SHVA), Society of Japanese Value Engineering (SJVE), and Society of Korean Value Methodology (SKVM). SAVE agreed to translate its copyright education materials into Hungarian by SHVA, Japanese by SJVE, and Korean by SKVM. This agreement strengthens all five parties with regard to Value Methodology training.

As previously noted, the Spanish translation of the VM Guide is in the final editing stage. The original translation team assembled by Jacqeline Fahmy had done excellent work in their efforts. The independent editing is a back check.

Other planned translations of the VM Guide include French, Japanese, Korean, and Arabic. Jacqeline Fahmy will be leading these efforts.

One of the most encouraging developments for our profession is the growing international interest in VM. Organizations around the world are facing increasing pressure to improve performance, manage resources responsibly, and deliver sustainable outcomes. As these challenges become more complex, the principles of VM are proving more relevant than ever.

A significant milestone was reached during the most recent SAVE Value Summit, where affiliate agreements were formally signed with the Value Associations of India, Japan, Hungary, and South Korea. These agreements represent far more than administrative partnerships - they reflect a shared commitment to advancing VM, strengthening professional standards, and expanding opportunities for collaboration across regions and cultures.

The positive momentum is already visible across our international affiliate network. I would also like to congratulate the newly elected Board of Directors of the Society of Japanese Value Engineering (SJVE). Among its new leadership, Yuji Suzuki was appointed President and Satoko Uesugi was appointed Director and Secretary General. Together with the entire Board, they have reaffirmed SJVE's commitment to strengthening collaboration with Value Societies and professionals around the world. As part of this commitment, SJVE is also preparing its 2026 Value Conference and exploring opportunities to facilitate greater international participation.

While our international network continues to expand through new affiliate partnerships, we are also seeing important advancements in professional standards. In Germany, a completely revised draft of VDI 2803 Part 1, Function Analysis, was published in May 2026, representing the most comprehensive update of this important guideline in many years. The revised standard will soon be available in both English and German and further strengthens the professional foundation of VM. A comprehensive overview of Value Management standards and guidelines can be found on the Value Standards webpage.

The diversity of experiences within our global community is one of our greatest strengths. Every country and every Value Association brings unique perspectives, challenges, and successes. By learning from one another, exchanging knowledge, and sharing best practices, we enhance our collective ability to create value and address real-world problems.

As Director of Global Affairs, I see our role as building bridges between practitioners, organizations, educators, and future leaders. International cooperation helps us expand the reach of VM, support emerging communities, and inspire the next generation of professionals who will shape the future of our discipline. Looking ahead, I am particularly committed to promoting the broader application of Value Analysis / Value Engineering in manufacturing industries worldwide. In an increasingly competitive global environment, VA/VE offers tremendous opportunities to improve product value, strengthen innovation, enhance sustainability, and increase competitiveness across industrial sectors.

The future of VM will be shaped by our ability to combine global collaboration with local expertise. New technologies, digital collaboration tools, artificial intelligence, and data-driven decision-making can further strengthen our profession, while functional thinking, creativity, teamwork, and sound judgment remain at its core.

The recent expansion of our international network demonstrates that the Value community continues to grow, evolve, and make an impact across the world.

I look forward to working with all our affiliates, partners, and members around the world as we continue to strengthen these international connections, promote professional excellence, and advance the practice of VM together.

Together, we are building a stronger global Value community - one connection, one partnership, and one shared success at a time.

First and foremost, I want to recognize the strong foundation that has already been established. Effective communication plays a vital role in connecting our members, promoting the value of our profession, and showcasing the incredible work being accomplished throughout the SAVE community. My goal is to build upon that momentum while ensuring our communications continue to inform, engage, and inspire.

Over the coming months, I will be learning from our volunteers, Board of Directors, committees, and members to better understand what is working well and where there are opportunities to grow. As I become more familiar with the many facets of SAVE, I am committed to maintaining consistent communication and continuing initiatives that strengthen our organization and elevate its standing within the Value Methodology (VM) industry.

You can expect to see continued updates highlighting member accomplishments, educational opportunities, certification news, chapter activities, conferences, and the many ways SAVE members are making a difference around the world. I also look forward to exploring new ways to share our story, celebrate our community, and demonstrate the impact of VM across industries.

As always, your feedback, ideas, and success stories are welcome. Marketing and communications are strongest when they reflect the voices and experiences of our members, and I encourage you to share your accomplishments, events, and ideas for future content.

Thank you for your patience as I transition into this role. I am excited to support SAVE's mission and look forward to working with all of you to continue strengthening our organization, expanding our reach, and promoting the value that SAVE brings to our profession and the industries we serve.

Gordon Frank Outstanding Accomplishment in Government Award
Metrolinx Rail Fleet Modernization Project
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Philadelphia District C&D Canal Bridge Pier Protection Value Planning Study

Jimmie Carter Outstanding Accomplishment in Management Award
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Transatlantic Division Value Program

Rising Star Award
Elizabeth Schwartz

Distinguished Service in Government Award
Amr Mohamed Eltaher

Value Professional of the Year Award
Roxanne Pien

Presidential Citation Honor
Laurie Dennis, Ginger Adams, and Anna Bremmer

Fellow Award
Manabu Sawaguchi

Miles Value Foundation Kasi Foundation Award
“Raising the Bar: Lessons Learned from the Latest USACE VE Audit” Corey White and Nick Turpen

Congratulations to all of the recipients of this year’s honors and awards and thank you to all the sponsors who nominated them!

Please visit www.value-eng.org/HonorsandAwards for more information about the SAVE Honors & Awards program.

The Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) is the one of the nation’s highest recognitions and is awarded to Australians who have demonstrated outstanding services and dedication to their communities and professions. The award reflects Dr. Shublaq’s longstanding commitment to serving the community, mentoring future generations, and supporting initiatives that create lasting social and educational impact.

Over a distinguished career spanning several decades, Dr. Shublaq has contributed to the advancement of higher education, professional development, and community engagement both in Australia and internationally. His work has focused on fostering excellence in engineering, supporting educational initiatives, and promoting cross-cultural understanding.

Dr. Shublaq joined SAVE in 1994, became a SAVE Fellow in 2012, and is currently the ANZ chapter president. He earned his Certified Value Specialist (CVS) certification in 2001 and CVS-Life certification in 2012.

Dr. Shublaq expressed his gratitude for the honor and acknowledged the support of his family, colleagues, and the many organizations and communities with whom he has worked throughout his career.

The designation of Fellow identifies the Society's individuals who are of the highest caliber, nationally and internationally known for their technical excellence in the practice of the Value discipline.

The College of Fellows represents more than technical excellence. It is reserved for individuals whose achievements demonstrate professional mastery, leadership, and above all, service: to SAVE, to affiliates worldwide, to clients and organizations, and to the next generation of practitioners. Fellows embody mentorship, integrity, and innovation, serving as role models who exemplify SAVE’s mission to “Generate excitement and achieve global demand for the Value Methodology by promoting, advocating, certifying and educating.”

2025 New Fellows

Since many did not attend the 2025 Value Summit in New Delhi, India, I wanted to summarize two distinguished professionals who joined the College of Fellows last year: Mr. Surya Prakash Prabhaker and Mr. Alan K. Adelgren.

Mr. Surya Prakash Prabhaker has been a Certified Value Specialist (CVS) since 2014 and a Fellow of the Indian Value Engineering Society (INVEST), where he has actively promoted the Value Methodology (VM) since 2008.

Mr. Alan (“Al”) Adelgren brings more than four decades of professional experience, including over 33 years devoted to VM. His career reflects an extraordinary record: more than 230 construction VE/VM workshops and over 200 business systems studies conducted across the United States, Europe, and Asia. His projects have spanned dams, roads, rail, hospitals, laboratories, military facilities, and even pro bono contributions to churches and schools - showcasing his belief that VM benefits communities at every level.

Al’s service to SAVE has been equally impressive. He has held multiple leadership roles, including Director of Honors & Awards, Director of Education and College Relations, and member of the Certification Board, as well as a long-time chapter officer. He currently serves as Vice President/President Elect of SAVE.

Process of Becoming a SAVE Fellow

The process starts with a Fellow nomination by a sponsor, completion of an application, and obtaining a number of letters of support. The SAVE Honors & Awards committee refers the nominations to the Dean of the College of Fellows. The Dean requests five volunteers from the College of Fellows to review the applications.

This year the reviewers were:

• Joseph Otero, FSAVE
• Martyn Phillips, FSAVE
• Jim Bolton, FSAVE
• Alan Adelgren, FSAVE
• Stephen Kirk, FSAVE

The review committee then evaluates the candidates on the following factors:

1. Improve VM (Unique Techniques)
2. Apply VM
3. Improve VM (Programs)
4. Establish VM
5. Benefit SAVE (or Other Value Society)
6. Share VM (Research, Publish)
7. Share VM (Technical Community, Teaching)
8. Educate
9. Contribute humanitarian public service
10. Contribute to the technical community

If the committee finds the candidate qualified, all members of the College of Fellows have a chance to vote on the nominee. The candidate is elected by a two thirds (2/3) majority of those casting votes.

Traits of a Value Engineer

Larry Miles gave the traits of a value engineer:

• Knowledge
• Imagination
• High Degree of Initiative
• Personality
• Cooperative Attitude
• Belief in the Importance of Value

2026 New Fellow

Our newest fellow, Dr. Manabu Sawaguchi, also has Larry Miles traits of a value engineer! For more than 20 years, Dr. Sawaguchi has been a tireless researcher, promoter, teacher, and innovator in VE.

Focusing on efficiency of management and technical programs, particularly in the manufacturing and infrastructure sectors, he has promoted VE methods around the world via published books and papers, facilitated VE workshops, and training.

Dr. Sawaguchi serves at Ritsumeikan University, in the Value Innovation Institute where he introduced “Fuben-eki”, the 3rd value in VE. This addresses the concept that utility is created from inconvenience. He also is serving as Advisor and Head of the Value Design Lab for the Society of Japanese Value Engineering (SJVE).

Dr. Sawaguchi is Chair of multiple committees of SJVE, including the Miles Award Review Committee. Just like Larry Miles, Dr Sawaguchi measures value by both Performance Improvement and Cost Savings. Manabu Sawaguchi holds a doctoral degree from Waseda University in Japan. He received the SAVE VE Academic Achievement Award in 2016.

Continuing a Legacy

The induction of new Fellows reaffirms SAVE’s commitment to honoring those who advance the VM while serving the broader community. The College of Fellows not only recognizes past achievement but also entrusts its members with the responsibility of carrying the profession forward - mentoring future leaders, upholding standards, and inspiring excellence across the globe.

New Dean of the College of Fellows

It has been a pleasure to serve as your Dean of the College of Fellows for the past 17 years. I have enjoyed maintaining contact with our Fellows, assisting in electing 26 new Fellows, and honoring 17 Fellows that had passed away during my tenure. I turned over the gavel to our newly elected Dean of the College of Fellows.

By unanimous vote, Dr. Marc Pauwels, CVS-Life, TVM, FSAVE, was selected to lead the College of Fellows. He is an excellent practitioner of value as demonstrated by his many presentations,his applications of the VM and his desire to raise the bar on VE. He routenely teaches VE, and is a great asset to SAVE serving as SAVE Director of Global Affairs. I for one support him wholeheartedly.

Marc will do an exceptional job as the new Dean of the College of Fellows!

The MVF is a charitable non-profit organization which primarily relies on donations from members worldwide to advance Value Methodology practitioner skills and in support of universities. The MVF has historically supported SAVE by publishing the VM Pocket Guide (published by Goal/QPC) and authoring the Function Analysis Guide. More information can be found at www.valuefoundation.org.

For those of you not in attendance at the Certification Forum, one of the main topics was a thorough walk-through of the SAVE CVS Application Portal. The portal should be used from this point forward for any new CVS applicants. We are also working on a similar portal for CVS renewals, which should be operational later this year.

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 - they will process your payment and send you a link to the portal along with an initial password and instructions.

We also had a lot of interest in the CVS Application Portal and requests for it to be available in languages other than English. I am very pleased to report that, in the short time since the Summit and with great help from our SAVE President, we have made tremendous progress on this front. Programmers are just putting the finishing touches on an update to the CVS Application Portal to make it available in multiple languages with a simple toggle between them. This edition should be released very soon, after we finish checking the translations. This will mean that applicants can choose the language they wish to interact with the portal in. However, our reviews will still be completed in English, until we have recruited suitable reviewers for popular global languages with the help of our affiliates.

If you are a SAVE Chapter President and wish to have a demonstration of the CVS Application Portal at an upcoming meeting, please reach out to either myself or the SAVE business office.

Lastly, the Certification Advisory Committee is also putting final touches on the 19th edition of the SAVE Certification Program Manual. This edition has relatively minor updates throughout, mainly to reflect the current SAVE Certification Committee structure and the existence of the CVS Application Portal. Watch for the new edition to be posted on the SAVE website this summer.