2026 Board of Directors Nominees |
PRESIDENT
Angela Ragusa
My name is Angela Ragusa, and I am a Civil Engineer for the Port of Los Angeles. I went to California State University Long Beach for my undergrad in Civil Engineering and last year received my master’s in public administration. I am a Professional Engineer in Civil Engineering (PE) and have a Construction Documents Technologist (CDT) certification. I have been a member of CSI since 2018 and am interested in continuing to serve on the Board as the President to further the profession of specification writers and inspire the next generation on the importance of specifications, standards, and communication of information through the construction documents.
I started as a student engineer in the Specifications and Special Projects Section of the Engineering Division and have been working on specifications for the last 13 years, in addition to Project Management and supervising associates and students. I oversaw the transition of our specifications into SpecLink-E and now SpecLink Cloud.
VICE PRESIDENT
Gloria Garcia
I am an Architectural Rep for Arcadia Inc, LLC. I have over 23 years’ experience in the glazing industry. I specialize in architectural design, specifications, project management, and outside sales. I bring a solutions-oriented mindset to every project and plan on doing so as a Vice President-2. Continuing to be part of the Board, I will contribute to meaningful collaborations across disciplines and support the next generation of construction professionals.
I would be honored in serving the Board as VP2 for the upcoming term. I currently serve as a board director for LA CSI since 2025. I look forward to working alongside my current and future board member peers.
TREASURER
Hilda Torres
I’m a sales representative for Arcadia Products, LLC, in Vernon, CA. I have been in the industry for over 45 years, 30 with United States Alum and over 15 with Arcadia. For the first 12 years I learned various roles working in the office including credit, order desk, and estimating.
With all my training and excellent leadership I was able to learn storefront, curtain walls, windows, and commercial doors application and provided this service to architects and glazing contractors.
I started my CSI membership in 1998 in Los Angles and 2006 in Ontario, San Bernadino County.
I’m looking forward to bringing my years of experience to help LACSI in the role of Treasurer duties, I hope you vote for me.
SECRETARY
Stanley Kiernicki, AIA, CCCA, CDT, LEED BD+C, Dipl. Tech. (Building)
I’m a Senior Project Architect licensed in California and an Associate with Perkins&Will Los Angeles. I have over 35 years of experience in the design and construction of corporate, commercial, civic, and healthcare projects. For the last seven years, I’ve been working primarily in Construction Contract Administration on large civic and healthcare projects.
My previous roles include QA/QC director at Leo A Daly (LA) and Craft and Delivery Lead at NBBJ (LA). I was named the 2017 NBBJ (LA) Mentor of the Year.
I have served on the LACSI Education Committee for the last three years, have instructed CCCA classes the last four years, and was voted in as a LACSI Director last year. I enjoytraining, mentoring, and working collaboratively to solve complex design problems.
I’m looking forward to bringing my years of experience to help further LACSI’s vision of promoting building excellence through documentation, education, and teamwork.
CONTROLLER
Brad Brewer
As controller I hope to continue advancing the LACSI mission to “advance quality construction through communication, education, research and service.” Over the last year in the director board position, I have been involved in the President’s Long-Range Planning Committee, the LACSI Education committee, and am currently serving as the LA CSI Chapter representative for CSI West Regional meetings. Being involved in multiple groups has helped further my understanding of how the local and regional chapters operate and what specific goals need to be advanced. By meeting with current controller, the LACSI treasurer, and LACSI board members, I am developing a deeper understanding of the controller roll and responsibilities for a smooth transition.
I see LACSI’s value as providing common ground for communication and relationships between the parties and educators of the AEC industry. CSI is where product manufacturers, fabricators, installers, designers, engineers, and owners can establish the clear communication that leads to the amazing and useful spaces we all aspire to being involved with.
I received my master’s degree in architecture from SCI-Arc in Los Angeles and have been practicing architecture in southern California since 2002. I am a member of the American Institute of Architects, a CDT-certified active member of LACSI, and a current senior associate at NAC Architecture in Los Angeles.
DIRECTORS
Al Almassian
In seeking election to the LA CSI Board, I bring a strong blend of technical expertise, architectural insight, and chapter leadership experience. I have been with CertainTeed/Saint-Gobain since 2006 and currently serve as an Architectural Solutions Manager, where I collaborate closely with designers and specification writers to support product integration and resolve technical challenges. I hold a master’s degree in architecture, which grounds my work in understanding design and building science.
I have been an active CSI member since 2018 and served on the Dallas CSI Board beginning in 2019. As Chapter President in 2022–2023, I successfully guided the chapter out of the COVID period, reestablishing in‑person meetings and events to strengthen member engagement. In addition, I served as the first VP of DEI for the IIDA Texas–Oklahoma Chapter from 2023–2024, supporting the implementation of regional DEI initiatives.
I am committed to contributing this experience and collaborative leadership to LA CSI.
Nigel Chiddick
I believe I would be a strong candidate for a Director role on the Los Angeles CSI Chapter Board because of my 28 years of experience in the industry, combined with my passion for sustainability and design. As the owner of Seven Source, I represent manufacturers of innovative, sustainable building envelope solutions, including green roofing systems, 3D printed concrete, and photovoltaic rainscreen systems. My work blends traditional building science principles with modern technologies, allowing me to bring practical, forward-thinking solutions to architects, consultants, and contractors across California. This aligns closely with CSI’s mission to improve construction communication and project delivery.
Beyond my professional experience, I am deeply committed to supporting students and advancing diversity within the industry. My involvement with Black Building Envelope Professionals (BBEP), Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), and the University of the West Indies reflects my dedication to mentorship, education, and expanding access to opportunities. I strive to bridge industry and academia while promoting sustainable design, and I would bring an inclusive, forward-thinking perspective to strengthen the CSI Los Angeles Chapter’s impact.
Dean Salasnek
My name is Dean Salasnek, and I am the Southwest Regional Sales Manager for SOPREMA, a global building materials manufacturer specializing in roofing and waterproofing systems. I have over six years of experience in the building materials manufacturing industry, working closely with architects, consultants, and contractors across the AEC community.
I earned my Bachelor of Science in Political Science from Northern Arizona University and my MBA from Grand Canyon University. My professional discipline is sales and business development within the building envelope sector.
I have been a member of the Los Angeles CSI Chapter for less than a year and am excited to become more involved in the local CSI network. As a relatively new member and recent addition to the LA community, I bring a fresh perspective and a strong desire to contribute to collaboration, education, and meaningful industry relationships through CSI.