To Everybody Who Makes IAPMO Succeed, I Say Thank You!
As we wrap up another year, I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has contributed to our journey. First and foremost, a big thank you to our Board of Directors. Your dedication and vision have been instrumental in guiding us through numerous updates and challenges this past year. I am proud of the commitment each of you has shown, and it truly makes a difference in our organization.
I also want to extend my appreciation to our membership. Your unwavering support, engagement with local chapters, and participation in advocacy efforts drive us all forward. It’s your passion and commitment that fuel our initiatives, and I want you to know how much this means not just to me, but to every member of the board.
A special thank you goes out to our committees. Your hard work in enhancing our educational offerings, publications, and community outreach is invaluable. Without your dedication, IAPMO could not thrive.
And to our industry partners, thank you for recognizing the importance of collaboration. We understand that our collective efforts create opportunities and sustain our industry. Your support is vital, and we look forward to continuing our partnership.
I’d also like to acknowledge the partners who help introduce the next generation to our organization. By funding annual memberships, you’re not just supporting individuals; you’re investing in the future of our community. Thank you for that commitment.
A heartfelt acknowledgment goes to our staff, who are truly second to none. Their tireless efforts in organizing events, providing field services, and ensuring everything runs smoothly are what keep us operational. To the entire team, thank you for your hard work and dedication. Without you, none of this would be possible.
Before I conclude, I want to address a topic that has been generating some buzz: our newly implemented guidelines for committee appointments, effective with the 2025 cycle. It’s essential to clarify that these changes are designed specifically for special committees and not for our consensus committees. The primary goal of these guidelines is to ensure a balance between experience and fresh perspectives in our committees.
Under the new guidelines, individuals will be limited to serving on a maximum of two special committees at a time. Additionally, after six consecutive years on a committee, members will need to rotate off for at least two years before reapplying. This decision stems from a desire to welcome new, younger voices into our organization, allowing for a diverse range of experiences and insights. It should be noted, the committee term guidelines are a strong recommendation; in the event the board determines an unusual need, committees can deviate from these guidelines.
I understand that many of you may feel anxious about this change. I have heard your concerns, and I want to assure you that this is a positive step toward inclusivity. Having experienced individuals is invaluable, but it’s equally important to provide opportunities for others to contribute. I can relate personally; I applied for several committees over the years and faced repeated rejections. It can be discouraging, but I encourage everyone to keep applying. The doors are still open, and your contributions are vital.
One last thing, I want to share some updates from our community initiatives. In January, the members of the Conference Planning and Special Projects Committee provided hygiene buckets to a homeless shelter in Florida, a touching experience that underscored the importance of community engagement. In July, they again distributed hygiene packages in Boston. What they’ve accomplished has been unbelievable. They assembled and distributed 200 of these packages and they’re trying to set the bar even higher every place the Board goes.
Many of us have been fortunate to participate in IWSH projects, which have made an immensely meaningful impact. I invite anyone interested in volunteering for future projects to reach out. We have ongoing initiatives in Alabama, the Philippines, Australia, and beyond. Every contribution, no matter how small, has the power to change lives. Let’s continue to support each other and uplift our communities together.
Thank you all for your dedication and support. Here’s to another successful year ahead!
Steven Panelli
PRESIDENT
President Steven Panelli is chief plumbing inspector for the city and county of San Francisco. As chief plumbing inspector of a large metropolitan city, Panelli has been directly involved in the conception and framework for water conservation, storm water management, and other environmental legislation and city polices.
Born and raised in San Francisco, Panelli attended Sacred Heart High School and graduated in 1989. Two days after graduation, he was given the opportunity to work for a family friend at Heiro Plumbing. He then applied to Local 38 and completed the apprenticeship program. Shortly after becoming a journeyman, he again had the privilege to work for one of the most respected companies in San Francisco, Servadei Plumbing.
Panelli was hired in 2000 as a plumbing inspector for the city and county of San Francisco and was subsequently promoted to senior inspector in 2005 and chief plumbing inspector in 2009.
“Without the support and professionalism of my inspectors and seniors, I would not be able to be the chief I am today,” he says. “They have always had my back no matter what and I appreciate all the hard work they perform every day.”
Panelli is an apprentice instructor for the JATC of Local 38.
A contributing member of IAPMO for many years, Panelli is always willing to volunteer his time to his IAPMO chapter and has been an alternate for the plumbing and mechanical technical committees. Panelli has represented San Francisco Local 38 and the Western Pipe Trades at IAPMO’s annual conferences, as well.
“I feel very fortunate to be a part of this organization and look forward to supporting my fellow Board of Directors members, IAPMO staff, and, of course, our association members in my new role as president,” Panelli says.
Besides his dedication to the plumbing industry, Panelli enjoys playing golf, bowling, pool, bocce and sometimes a friendly game of snooker. He would never have made it to where he is without the love, support and patience of his loving wife, Lorena. His children, Steven and Daniela, have always been two of the most important people in his life, as well.