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.

During the first two years of his apprenticeship, Winstead worked as a sheet metal apprentice with Brice Mechanical. From 2013 to 2016, he was an automation/testing, adjusting and balancing (TAB) technician at Intech Mechanical. At the start of 2017, he joined EMCOR Services Mesa Energy in Sacramento as a commissioning and automation specialist before moving into project management. In this role, he designed, programmed, and implemented advanced HVAC control strategies while also conducting educational presentations for industry groups.

On April 1, 2024, Winstead joined the National Energy Management Institute (NEMI) as a Representative for the Western Region. In this role, he leads efforts to ensure the successful execution of program requirements, coordinates educational initiatives, and serves as a subject matter expert in legislative advocacy, technical standards, and code development. His work is dedicated to optimizing energy efficiency, advancing workforce development, and ensuring compliance with industry standards.