SMACNA Staff

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.

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SMACNA National Headquarters 4201 Lafayette Center Drive Chantilly, Virginia 20151 Tel: (703) 803-2980

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Susannah Forde

Susannah Forde is the Executive Director of Marketing and Communications for SMACNA. As an accomplished marketing and branding professional, Ms. Forde has over 20 years of experience developing, overseeing and implementing innovative, award-winning campaigns for national and international corporate brands, nonprofits and associations. Susannah holds a BA degree in communications from Pennsylvania State University.

Eli P. Howard, III

Eli P. Howard, III, is the Executive Director of Technical Services for SMACNA. Mr. Howard has been with SMACNA for over 25 years and is responsible for all SMACNA Technical Standards, Manuals, and Guidelines for the HVAC, industrial, residential and architectural sheet metal industry.

Linda Jennings

Linda Jennings is the Executive Director of Membership Development and Innovation. Ms. Jennings has literally grown up in the trade with her grandfather owning a sheet metal business and her father being a past chapter executive. Linda has managed three associations for decades including SMACNA San Diego, Orange Empire SMACNA, and the Inland Contractors Association.

Stan E. Kolbe, Jr

Stanley E. Kolbe, Jr. is the Executive Director of Government and Political Affairs for SMACNA. Mr. Kolbe has been a construction industry Washington representative for over 3 decades, working on industry issues representing SMACNA and prior to that, the American Institute of Architects. Earlier in his career, Stan worked for the US Conference of Mayors and the United States Senate Small Business Committee.

Tara Long

Tara Long, CMP, DES is the Executive Director of Meetings and Convention. Ms. Long brings 17 years of proven expertise in planning and executing events of all sizes. Ms. Long has a wealth of knowledge in contract negotiation, budgeting, and onsite operations. Tara is passionate about delivering exceptional event experiences.

Jason Watson

Jason Watson is Director of Labor Relations at SMACNA National. Mr. Watson has been with the Association for more than 15 years and has over 20 years of experience in labor relations and government affairs. Jason has successfully and regularly helped SMACNA members resolve challenging labor related issues and disputes.

Nadine Witchel

Nadine Witchel, FCPA, FCGA is the Chief Financial Officer for SMACNA. Ms. Witchel is an experienced professional accountant and association leader with over 20 years of experience in accounting, operations, and information technology. Nadine received her CPA designation from CPA Manitoba in 2005 and gained her Fellowship designation in 2013.

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