Construction Specifications Canada transitions to association management model as Nick Franjic retires

Ontario Construction Report staff writer

TORONTO –  Construction Specifications Canada (CSC) has announced a significant shift in its operational structure, moving to an association management company (AMC) model following the retirement of long-time executive director Nick Franjic.

In a memo to members dated April 2, 2026, CSC President Kelly Sawatzky announced that the organization has engaged Association and Events Management International (AEMI) to oversee its day-to-day operations. As part of this transition, Kevin Beaulieu has been appointed as the new executive director.

The move marks the end of an era for the national technical association. Franjic, who holds the Certified Association Executive (CAE) designation, is retiring after more than three decades of service to the organization.

“CSC wants to acknowledge and thank our Executive Director, Nick Franjic, CAE for his leadership and contributions over the past 30 plus years,” Sawatzky stated in the announcement. “Nick’s leadership has been instrumental in shaping CSC into the respected national organization it is today. His commitment, institutional knowledge, and dedication to our members have left a lasting impact across the country.”

The decision to move to an AMC follows a formal proposal process by the CSC Executive Council. According to the association, the goal was to access a broader team of specialized support in areas such as financial management, digital services, and education while alleviating the burden on volunteer leadership.

“After careful consideration and consultation with the Board of Directors, we have engaged Association and Events Management International (AEMI),” Sawatzky said. “They bring a strong commitment to both the short- and long-term success of our association.”

While the management structure is changing, the association confirmed that its Board of Directors will continue to provide governance oversight. The organization also noted that its office location and primary contact number will remain unchanged.

Kevin Beaulieu takes the helm with more than 25 years of experience in not-for-profit leadership, governance, and communications. His background includes government relations at all levels and a focus on talent development.

“With our input, AEMI has appointed Kevin Beaulieu as Executive Director,” Sawatzky noted, citing his “ability to lead the organization effectively” and his “creative but structured approaches to challenges.”

To ensure stability during the hand-off, Clafton Fiola will remain in his current role as part of the AEMI team. Sawatzky emphasized that Fiola’s “continuity and institutional knowledge will be invaluable in ensuring a smooth transition.”

The transition will also introduce new team members to the CSC operations, including bilingual staff intended to better serve the membership across Canada.

Franjic will remain with the association over the coming months to assist with the onboarding of Beaulieu and to complete fiscal year-end initiatives. CSC expects to be fully integrated with AEMI by May 1.

Members will have the opportunity to meet the new leadership and bid farewell to Franjic at the upcoming CSC National Conference in Winnipeg this May.

CSC is a national multi-disciplinary non-profit association dedicated to the improvement of communication, contract documentation, and technical information within the design and construction industry.