Technical Committee Openings for 2023 - Are You the Right Fit?

To:  FSSA Installer and Manufacturer Division Members

From: Lee Kaiser, PE, FSSA Technical Committee Chair

The Fire Suppression Systems Association (FSSA) Technical Committee (TC) is where many of the technical decisions are made which affect fire suppression systems worldwide. It’s a great source of pride for the FSSA. The committee tackles technical issues and determines a stance for the association’s new developments. It also documents best practices and knowledge for FSSA publications and works to influence codes and standards for the advancement of the industry. 

In January, the FSSA will announce openings on the technical committee. Interested candidates will be required to submit a technical resume and cover letter with a statement on why you will be a good fit for the committee. All submissions will be reviewed by the current technical committee members, who will then make a recommendation to the FSSA Board of Directors for the final decision. The term limit for each committee member is four years with an option to renew, a process which just took place. 

Seats on the TC are highly sought after. People who are appointed are already actively volunteering, attending meetings as guests, and serving on task groups before they are poised to join the committee. Employees of FSSA member companies are permitted to hold one seat on the committee. The committee is divided equally between manufacturers and installers, with seven seats and two alternates each. 

Are you the right fit?  Qualified candidates should be well engaged with fire suppression systems. Sometimes it’s through testing and product development, installation and design of systems, or engineers who do a little of everything surrounding suppression systems. In any case, the committee members who contribute the most are passionate about fire protection; willing to work on projects even when the path to a solution is unknown; and are strong verbal and written communicators.

Even if you don’t wish to be a technical committee member you can join the meetings as a guest. It’s an excellent way to learn more about our industry, the systems we represent, and contribute without having to attend the meetings in person. All TC meetings are now hybrid meetings allowing people who have RSVP’d to join the meeting virtually. This enables broader participation from our member companies. 

Are you interested or know someone who should apply?  Be on the lookout for an official announcement regarding FSSA Technical Committee openings in early January.