SMACNA Staff

Frank Wall, SMACNA’s Chief Executive Officer, is a dedicated executive who has provided strategic leadership to a variety of industry associations and coalitions. Wall looks to advance SMACNA’s mission of creating a competitive advantage for members through industry education, labor relations, standards development, industry representation, and business studies.

Frank most recently served as the Mechanical Contractors Association of America’s (MCAA) Executive Director of Operations. At the National Office, he served as Executive Director of the John R. Gentile Foundation and handled the day-to-day operations of the association. In addition to his role at the MCAA, Frank also worked with C. Richard Barnes and Associates as a faculty member, helping facilitate leadership courses for the unionized electrical industry.

Prior to his time at MCAA, he was Executive Director of the Plumbing and Mechanical Contractors Association of Oregon. There, he helped the association develop a partnership between labor and management to promote progress by uniting in the common goals of professionalism, quality, productivity, cost-effectiveness, safety, and expanding the market share of the union's mechanical, industrial, and service contracting industries. His goals were achieved through education, labor relations, public relations, and government affairs, both locally and nationally.

Frank also served as President of the Portland Executives Association, Vice Chair of the Oregon Workforce Development and Talent Board, and a member of the State Prevailing Wage Committee. He served on the Portland Public Schools CTE Advisory Council, board member of the Oregon Building Congress, and board member of the Emerald Cities Coalition. He was presented the Driving Force Award by Governor Kate Brown in 2018, recognizing his outstanding accomplishment in workforce development in the state of Oregon.

“We are pleased to be led by a professional with the leadership and industry skills necessary to navigate the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead,” said SMACNA President Todd Hill. “He is the right person to take the helm in achieving our objectives.”

Frank is a long-time volunteer for the March of Dimes. He has served on the organization’s National Board of Trustees and on their National Volunteer Leadership Council. Frank has traveled the United States speaking to boards and volunteers about board development and board excellence. Born and raised in Northeast Portland, Frank graduated from the University of Oregon with a BS in Journalism. He has been married to his wife Colleen for 45 years and has two adult sons and three granddaughters.

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 the Executive 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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