Aaron Hilger, CEO

Aaron Hilger, SMACNA’s Chief Executive Officer, is a veteran association executive with two decades of experience as a coalition builder within the trades. As SMACNA’s CEO, Mr. Hilger is responsible for all aspects of the Association, including vision-casting, thought leadership, and advocacy. During Mr. Hilger’s term as CEO, SMACNA has embraced a member-centric approach focused on technological innovation, actively engaging in the regulatory and legislative process, and cultivating a strong partnership within the labor/management framework. In all of these capacities, Aaron remains committed to promoting the welfare of SMACNA members and the skilled trades as a whole.

Before assuming his role as CEO, Mr. Hilger was the President & CEO of the Builders Exchange of Rochester. His work included leading a collective of 13 local and state-wide trade associations, including the Construction Industry Association of Rochester, Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors’ National Association (SMACNA) Rochester, the Roofers Industry Fund and New York State SMACNA. Mr. Hilger has extensive experience with labor relations and employee benefit funds. 

Mr. Hilger holds a BA in Political Science and Psychology from the University of Rochester, an MA in Political Management from The George Washington University, and an MBA from the University at Buffalo. In 2021, he received The Presidents Hammer award from Flower City Habitat for Humanity in recognition of his leadership as chair of the Construction Committee and commitment to building a stronger community.