FIND A CONTRACTOR BUYER'S GUIDE
BECOME AN INDUSTRY PARTNER
MCAA Logo
MEMBER LOGIN JOIN
NEWS
The 2026 MCAA Annual Online Auction is Now Open ↗

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.

 

____

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/.


About: Industry News
 0
The Importance of Instructor Support
April 2026

Whether you are a new or veteran masonry instructor, we all need support throughout our careers. We can never stop learning, and keeping up with ever-changing technology, materials, and installation techniques can be overwhelming alongside the everyday pr

Curtis Hoover
Resources
Read More
Vibing Masonry #11: Innovative Concrete Masonry Technologies in Healthcare Design
April 2026

In the high-stakes environment of healthcare design, every material choice is a clinical decision. Architects, engineers, and facility administrators are tasked with creating spaces that are not only resilient and code-compliant but also conducive to heal

Steve Blye
Technical Talks
Read More
Why Termination Bars Still Matter: A Practical Look at Long‑Term Flashing Performance
April 2026

In recent discussions across the masonry industry, I have heard termination bars described as “old school.” The implication is that with modern materials, primerless peel-and-stick flashings, advanced sealants, and structural insulated sheathing, mechanic

Linda Potter
Technical Talks
Read More
Building Solutions: The Critical Role of Cavity Space in Masonry Moisture Control
April 2026

Long before “rainscreen” became a popular term in building science, masonry cavity walls were functioning on that very principle. A brick veneer cavity wall is designed with the expectation that water will penetrate the exterior

Linda Potter
MAP Partner
Read More