Concrete Masonry Checkoff Enlists Irene Li to Spearhead West Coast Design Support



The Mason Contractors Association of America (MCAA) is pleased to share that the Concrete Masonry Checkoff (CMC) has announced the appointment of Irene Li, a distinguished structural engineer, to its innovative Block Design Collective (BDC). This virtual platform provides complimentary CMU design services tailored for architects, engineers, and contractors.

“Irene’s deep background in new design, forensics and existing structural rehabilitation is a key addition to our efforts in a region impacted by an increasing number of natural disasters in recent years,” said Kim Spahn, CEO, Concrete Masonry Checkoff.

In her new role, Li will lead as the technical director for the West Region (Region 5), a territory facing unique challenges due to climate change, seismic activities, and wildfires. She expressed her admiration for the CMC's forward-thinking approach, noting, "It’s an opportunity to influence and drive changes all across the AEC industry, and be a strategic partner with architects, engineers and contractors in how we envision a future infrastructure within the U.S.”

Originally from the Chicago area, Li holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Cornell University and a Master’s degree in Structural Engineering and Geomechanics from Stanford University. Her career choice was greatly inspired by Chicago's architectural legacy and resilience, especially its remarkable recovery post-Chicago Fire.

Li joins a dynamic team of Regional Technical Directors, all supported by a network of designers and architects with deep masonry experience. Together, they share a commitment to innovative problem-solving, collaboration, and delivering timely project support.

 

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ABOUT THE CONCRETE MASONRY CHECKOFF
The Concrete Masonry Checkoff (CMC) is an industry-funded initiative to support education, research and promotion of manufactured concrete masonry units in the United States. The Concrete Checkoff Program is the first-ever Checkoff Program at the Department of Commerce. For more information, visit https://www.concretemasonrycheckoff.org/.


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