2025 SMACNA Annual Convention

Investor and Macroeconomic Researcher

Rebecca Patterson is a globally recognized investor and macroeconomic researcher with more than 25 years’ experience studying how politics and policy intersect with economic trends to drive financial markets.

First Woman Thunderbird Pilot, Combat Veteran, Fighter Squadron Commander, White House Fellow & Adviser, and Indomitable Spirit

Col. Nicole Malachowski, USAF (Ret.) defies stereotypes. Yes, she was a jet fighter pilot, but if you think you know her based on that, you’d be wrong. A leader, a combat veteran, the first woman pilot on the Thunderbirds Air Demonstration Squadron, a White House Fellow, and an inductee into both the National Women’s Hall of Fame and the Women in Aviation International Pioneer Hall of Fame–she even has a Star Trek Federation starship named after her, the USS Malachowski (NCC-1619).Nicole’s distinguished 21-year Air Force career exceeded her wildest dreams. But the dream came to an end when a devastating tick-borne illness left her struggling greatly to speak or walk for almost nine months. An indomitable spirit, Nicole fought back against overwhelming odds and prevailed. Drawing on stories from her career and personal life, Nicole inspires audiences to rethink the challenges they face every day. She urges them to go beyond resilience and become resurgent.

Stand-Up Comedian and Actress

Caroline Rhea is a stand-up comedian and actress, best known for her role as "Hilda Spellman” from the hit series ‘Sabrina The Teenage Witch’ and her numerous comedy specials. She voices the Mom on Disney’s hit series, ‘Phineas and Ferb’. She has starred in many films including Hallmark’s A Mrs. Miracle Christmas as Mrs. Miracle and roles in NBC’s Lopez vs. Lopez and Jon Cryer’s Extended Family.

President, SMACNA

Tom Martin is SMACNA’s President and President of T.H. Martin, Inc., a full-service mechanical contractor based in Cleveland, Ohio.  Martin is an industry innovator and highly regarded member of SMACNA-Cleveland, which represents more than 60 contractor firms in northeast Ohio. He has served as the chapter’s president since 2014.

Co-Founder, Heavy Metal Summer Experience; Former President, SMACNA

Angie Simon is a past SMACNA President (2019-2021) and Advisor to the Board of Western Allied Mechanical in Menlo Park, California. Simon has risen through the ranks at Western Allied Mechanical, starting as a project manager in 1987.Under her guidance and leadership, the company has grown its annual revenue from $50 million to more than $110 million. She is applauded as a trailblazer and visionary for her passion to retain and recruit a more diverse workforce, both at Western Allied Mechanical and across the industry. She is also the Co-Founder of the Heavy Metal Summer Experience, a summer camp for high schoolers to teach them about the sheet metal and mechanical industry.

Operations Manager, Southland Industries

Principal, Hermanson

Christopher Gourley is a seasoned industry leader with nearly 30 years of experience and a deep passion for mentorship, relationship-building, and community impact. Throughout his career at Hermanson Company, Chris has worked in nearly every facet of the trade, starting as a material handler, apprentice, and foreman, and advancing into roles in project management, sales, and business development.

Former President, SMACNA; Former President, The Waldinger Corporation

Guy Gast is the retired past President of The Waldinger Corporation - Iowa Division. The Waldinger Corporation employs over 2000 construction and service professionals in the Midwest and is a premier MEP and truck-based service provider. 

President, Poynter

As President of Poynter, Joseph Lansdell has harnessed the power of data to transform operations, scaling Poynter into a $400 million operation. His strategic use of data not only fueled growth but also streamlined communication between managers and staff—creating a culture of transparency and accountability.

CEO and Founder, Iron Man of IT

Jeff Sample has devoted the past 25+ years to transforming companies. Jeff optimizes companies throughout the construction industry by designing solutions, optimizing strategic advantages, and breaking down information silos. His passion for outdoor adventure and Ironman competitions garnered him the moniker "The Ironman of IT".
 
As an Industry Evangelist, Jeff promotes collaboration and the transformation of construction to help project teams reach their potential. His depth of IT experience in various industries and his passion for continuous improvement have made Jeff a popular speaker and vocal thought leader in construction, spending much of his time educating on multiple topics to better the industry. 

President, McCusker-Gill, Inc.

Kevin Gill, Jr. is President of McCusker-Gill, Inc., a family-owned and operated, full-service HVAC Sheet Metal Contractor business located in Hingham, MA. In 2023, Kevin was the proud recipient of the SMACNA Contractor of the Year award – a current accolade he attributes to, and accepted on behalf of, the whole team at McCusker-Gill, Inc.

Director of Operations, Ernest D. Menold, Inc.

Robert Atwell is the Director of Operations at Ernest D. Menold, Inc. Starting in the sheet metal trade as a Local 19 sheet metal apprentice, he has over 30 years’ experience holding all the positions of Foreman, General foreman, Detailer, Estimator, Project Manager, Project Executive, and now Director of Operations.

Executive Director of Technical Services and Research, SMACNA

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.

Senior Project Manager of Technical Resources, SMACNA

Geoff Parks is a Senior Project Manager in the SMACNA Technical Resources department with over 30 years of experience in the sheet metal industry. His background includes completing a union sheet metal apprenticeship program and working in shop fabrication, CAD/BIM, estimating, project management, and senior leadership at a major East Coast sheet metal company.

Senior Project Manager, SMACNA

Project Manager, Western Sheet Metal

President, Dynamic Air Solutions

Douglas A. Ratley is the President of Dynamic Air Solutions, based in St. Louis, Missouri. With a career spanning over three decades, Doug began as a technician with Senco Service in 1988 and advanced to a project management role at Systems Testing and Analysis, where he worked from 1993 to 2011. Since starting at Dynamic Air Solutions in December 2011, he has led the company in delivering expert test and balance services for hospitals, laboratories, and commercial buildings, with a focus on code compliance, safety, comfort, and energy conservation.

Director of Specialty Metals, Poynter Sheet Metal

With over 30 years of industry experience, Luke Bland specializes in delivering tailored sheet metal solutions that meet the unique needs of each client. His expertise spans every phase of a project—from budgeting and estimating to final installation—ensuring seamless execution and high-quality results. Luke leads Poynter’s Specialty Metals division and works closely with the sales team, mentoring staff and maintaining a sharp focus on exceeding client expectations. 

Product Manager, Miller Electric

Sam Noland is a product manager with Miller Electric. She joined Miller Electric in 2020 as an applications engineer and has been in the welding industry for 19 years. Sam is the company translator taking information from end users, distribution partners, and sales team members and helping our teams turn that into new and improved products and services for the ever-evolving welding industry. She has worked as a line welder for a security product company, sales support and installation field engineer at a welding supply distributor, and an applications engineer for our automation products.

Co-Owner, Madon Sheet Metal

Dr. Devon Madon is the co-owner of Madon Sheet Metal, a union fabrication shop in Illinois specializing in high-quality HVAC components and custom welded assemblies. She holds a PhD in Early Modern Literature from Loyola University Chicago and spent nearly a decade teaching literature and communication. Devon now combines her background in education with her work in the skilled trades, focusing on business strategy, leadership development, and ethical technology. She writes and speaks about lifelong learning, AI, and the value of dignified work in modern manufacturing.

Vice President, P1 Construction

Don graduated from Central Missouri State University with a Bachelor of Science in Safety Management in 1998. He spent three years as Safety Manager for a large General Contractor, before starting his 23+ year career with P1 Construction. In his career at P1 Construction, he has held the roles of Safety Director, Vice President of Safety and is currently Vice President. P1 Construction employs over 1300 employees and works across the country from Hawaii to Florida. He is involved in several national safety committees, MCAA, PFI, SMACNA, NECA and AGC. He is the past president of Construction Safety Group of Kansas City and co-founder of the Safety Alliance of Kansas City. He was the MCAA/Milwaukee Tool Safety Professional of the year in 2021.

CEO and Technology Strategist, Steel Toe Consulting

Jonathan Marsh is the CEO and Technology Strategist at Steel Toe Consulting, where he helps construction companies build better systems with the right mix of tools, tech, and strategy. He’s spent over 20 years in the mechanical trades—first working as a designer and engineer, then leading the engineering, IT, and VDC teams at a large mechanical contractor.

Director of Data & Analytics at Modern Niagara

Charles Davis, P.Eng. is Director of Data & Analytics at Modern Niagara, a leading Canadian mechanical contractor. With over 30 years of experience spanning civil engineering, manufacturing, technology, and construction, Charles leads the digital business solutions and data infrastructure supporting Modern Niagara’s operations nationwide. Based in Ottawa, Ontario, he specializes in developing data-driven strategies that enhance productivity, collaboration, and operational efficiency across project teams. Charles is passionate about integrating secure and scalable technologies—including AI—to drive digital transformation within the construction sector.

Global Technology Evangelist, Procore Technologies

Kris Lengieza, the Global Technology Evangelist at Procore Technologies, brings a wealth of experience and passion to the intersection of construction and technology. Previously serving as the VP of Global Partnerships & Alliances, Kris oversaw a diverse ecosystem spanning channel, ISV, public, and association partnerships. His recognition as one of the Top 40 Construction Professionals Under 40 by ENR and BD&C underscores his impact in the industry.

Chapter Executive, SMACNA Sacramento

With more than three decades of experience in association leadership, Cheryl Sprague has been a transformative force in the Sacramento region. As Chapter Executive for SMACNA Sacramento for the past 12 years—and the 2024 SMACNA Chapter Executive of the Year—Cheryl is celebrated for her strategic leadership and ability to foster meaningful collaboration. A nationally certified master facilitator, she excels at guiding organizations through complex conversations and mission-focused governance. Cheryl’s board service across both industry and nonprofit sectors reflects her commitment to strong leadership and organizational impact.

Vice President of Marketing and Business, Intech Mechanical

Intech Mechanical
Roseville, CA

Partner | Vice President of Construction, Intech Mechanical

A trailblazer in the construction industry, Pansy Romo leads Intech Mechanical’s Construction Division with authority and vision—overseeing project execution, labor, safety, and supply chain operations. Renowned for her leadership and advocacy, Pansy is a passionate voice for women in construction and a dedicated mentor to rising professionals. Her board service includes the SMACNA Sacramento Board of Directors, Sacramento Regional Builders Exchange, and the Construction Industry Education Foundation, among others. Her influence extends far beyond her company, driving initiatives that promote equity, education, and progress throughout the industry.

Principal, Brick & Mortar Ventures

Alice started her career in the AEC industry with DPR Construction in the San Francisco Bay Area building UCSF Medical Center at Mission Bay and Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford. She led the Bay Area Skunkworks group and implemented various construction technologies on project sites. In April 2016, Alice relocated to Singapore to help start up the Southeast Asia HQ for DPR Construction as the resident BIM/VDC and construction technology expert and worked on data center projects. She was part of various workgroups led by the Singapore Building and Construction Authority (BCA), was a part-time lecturer for the BCA Academy BIM Management Certification Course, taught BIM courses for RICS and spoke at various conferences in the region. She joined the Digital Built Environment Institute(DBEI) organizing committee whilst in Asia and is now part of the DBEI North America Committee since her relocation back to San Francisco. After realizing the slow pace of digitization in the construction industry, Alice joined the Brick & Mortar Ventures team to work with startups that want to disrupt the way we design, construct and maintain the built world.

Partner and Principal, Brick & Mortar Ventures

Kaustubh Pandya, P.E. brings over eight years of strategy and industry experience in the AEC industry. Prior to Brick & Mortar Ventures, Kaustubh was with McKinsey & Company for over four years advising engineering & construction firms, investors, construction technology providers, and owners. He also contributed to and co-authored research in construction technology at McKinsey. Before joining McKinsey & Co, he worked as a forensic structural engineer assessing catastrophic failures and improving building resilience. Kaustubh holds a B.S. in Civil Engineering from U.C. Berkeley, a M.S. in Design Construction Integration from Stanford, and an MBA from MIT Sloan School of Management. He is an avid rock climber and enjoys spending time in the great outdoors with his wife Konstantina and two daughters.

CEO, Stratus

Jake Olsen, P.E. has worked in the construction industry as an engineer and entrepreneur for over 20 years both in the USA and abroad performing engineering, building teams, starting companies, launching products, and developing software for the builders of tomorrow.

Director of Construction Technology, Hermanson Company

Matt Cordova is a seasoned leader in construction technology, bringing over a decade of experience in driving digital transformation within the construction industry. As Innovation + BIM Manager, Matt excels at integrating advanced tools, software, data analytics and best practices to optimize project efficiency, improve pre-fabrication processes, and enhance collaboration across teams. His expertise spans BIM implementation, training, and data-driven decision-making, ensuring projects meet high standards of innovation and sustainability. Known for his strategic vision and hands-on approach, Matt is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of construction tech, setting new benchmarks for the industry’s digital evolution.

Co-founder and CEO, RIVET Work

Ryan Meitl (MS. EE, NC State University) is co-founder and CEO of RIVET Work. At RIVET, Ryan has worked with over 100 MEP contractors to implement labor planning best practices that improve operations, mitigate the impact of schedule compression, improve labor productivity, and reduce margin erosion.

Chief Technology Officer and Co-Founder, ServiceTrade

Brian Smithwick co-founded ServiceTrade in 2012 with a vision to transform how commercial contractors leverage technology to build better businesses. As Chief Technology Officer, Brian leads the adoption of cutting-edge innovations at ServiceTrade, continuously monitoring emerging technologies across industries to identify opportunities that can benefit commercial contractors.

Senior Project Manager, Energy Balance & Integration

Rallin is a Senior Project Manager at Energy Balance & Integration, bringing over a decade of experience in system design, analysis, and implementation across a wide range of construction projects. Holding both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of New Mexico, he combines technical expertise with strong leadership and project management skills.

Representative for the Western Region, National Energy Management Institute (NEMI)

Steven Winstead entered the sheet metal industry a week after his high school graduation in 2008. He began his apprenticeship three years later at the Northern California Valley Sheet Metal Workers’ Training Center in Sacramento, California, for the International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation (SMART) workers Local 104.

Director of Social Media, SMACNA

Cody Shook is currently the Director of Social Media for the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors’ National Association. Born and raised in Ashburn, Virginia, Shook holds two bachelor’s degrees from West Liberty University and a master’s degree in communications from Syracuse University. Before joining SMACNA, Cody worked as a Producer and Social Media Manager at a sports radio station in Washington, D.C., where he averaged over one million impressions per month on Twitter for eight consecutive months. Shook has been with SMACNA for three years now and has increased the social media following by 60%. Cody continues to promote the sheet metal industry through his engaging content and collaborations with members of the skilled trades industry.

Special Assistant for Political Affairs, SMACNA

Denise Murphy McGraw is the SMACNA's Special Assistant for Political Affairs. She has more than three decades of state and local government experience and has worked for SMACNA on the state level in New York for nearly 20 years. Denise is regularly named a top New York lobbyist by City & State and her work has earned her a national Women in Government Relations Excellence in State Advocacy nomination.

Executive Director of Government and Political Affairs, SMACNA

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.

Principal and Owner, Kumabe HR

Marie Kumabe is the Principal and Owner of Kumabe HR, overseeing the Executive Recruitment and Human Resource Consulting Division.

Marie comes with 25 years of experience in business, with 15 years specifically dedicated to executive search, human resource consulting and staffing. Her impressive credentials, exceptional skill and commitment to the success of her clients has resulted in a loyal and growing base of clients who trust her to execute their human resources and executive search needs discreetly and effectively. Marie is a recognized leader in Hawaii in the field of staffing and human resources as is demonstrated by her thriving firm and her appointment as the current Faculty Director for the Masters of Human Resources Management program at the Shidler College of Business at the University of Hawaii.

Business Developer | Helper | Strategist | Consultant | Leader | Speaker | Writer

Graham Corsar is a business developer, helper, strategist, consultant, leader, speaker and writer. His work focused on connecting owners, engineers, constructors, and fabricators with the tech they need to get things done. He presently helps a number of large MEP firms in the Western US put technology to work. Graham got his start in the family business learning the craft of drafting and process piping design, and grew up in the oil sands boom at the turn of the millennium. Married, with five grown children, and one grandchild, Graham and his wife Jennifer live in a small mining town in northern Saskatchewan where they are active in their faith community and everything else that comes with big families, aged parents, and awesome kids.

Product Specialist, Trimble

Meet Kipp Ivey, a Product Specialist at Trimble focusing on Mechanical trades within the AEC Segment. His unique career path began 40 years ago with a foundation in the skilled trades—completing a sheet metal apprenticeship and rising from journeyman to executive management, including time as a SMACNA contractor. Complemented by studies in mechanical engineering and computer science, this deep industry grounding informs his work in construction technology over the past two decades.

Technical Solutions Executive, Autodesk

Mike Zivanovic is a Technical Solutions Executive at Autodesk, where he helps construction teams adopt and implement Autodesk Construction Cloud to streamline workflows, improve collaboration, and reduce risk. With over a decade of industry experience, Mike began his career as a union Pipefitter before transitioning into project management, VDC leadership, and eventually full-time instruction in construction technology.

Director of Innovative Technology and Fabrication, SMACNA

Travis Voss is SMACNA’s Director of Innovative Technology and Fabrication where he aids member contractors in identifying the critical technological trends within the industry and assist members in remaining at the forefront of these developments.

Chief Executive Officer, Exit Consulting Group, Inc.

Andrea Steinbrenner is the Chief Executive Officer at Exit Consulting Group, Inc. (ECG). An experienced, versatile executive who has worked across a multitude of industries throughout her career, Andrea’s objective is to leave businesses better than she finds them and works hard to provide her clients and companies with their best possible outcome.

Owner, Evergreen State Sheet Metal, Inc.

Russell Kimball is the Owner of Evergreen State Sheet Metal, Inc., (aka Evergreen State Heat & AC) a company specializing in residential and light commercial HVAC and electrical services across the greater Seattle area. With over 25 years at the helm, he has expanded the business with additional divisions: Evergreen Eastside (company acquisition), and Evergreen State Electrical Services (organic growth). A seasoned entrepreneur, Russell brings expertise in residential HVAC sales, finance, and turnaround restructuring.

Vice President, Barnes & Dodge, Inc.

Andy Phelps is the Vice President of Barnes & Dodge, Inc., bringing over 20 years of industry experience to the role. He earned his degree in Architectural Engineering from the University of Kansas in 2005 and is a licensed Professional Engineer in California, Kansas, and Missouri. A dedicated member of Sheet Metal Local 2, Andy also serves on the SMACNA-KC Board and the SMACNA Technical Resource Committee, contributing his expertise to advance industry standards and practices.

Vice President of Engineering, Design Mechanical

With 40 years of experience in the design and construction of building systems, Jim Megerson leads Design Mechanical’s pre-construction and engineering team while keeping current with issues of building systems design, including indoor controlled environments for agriculture, energy efficiency standards and green building practices. During college, Jim completed the Sheet Metal Contractors Local 2 apprenticeship program where he gained invaluable knowledge in the fabrication and installation of sheet metal products, HVAC equipment, test and balance for large commercial, material handling and clean room applications. His experience combines world class engineering knowledge along with hands-on, tool belt wearing experience to balancing design, construction cost, operations & maintenance to achieve the best return on the owner’s HVAC investment.