Progress, Partnerships and Possibility

When I took on this SMACNA leadership role back in 2022, the world was a different place. We were still navigating the global pandemic, and there was uncertainty regarding the overall construction marketplace.

Since then, SMACNA has evolved into an association that is actively growing and changing to advance our renewed mission of serving our members effectively.

Marketing

The Marketing & Communications Department, led by Susannah Forde, launched a new, user-focused website. We also introduced National Career in Trades Week, our first national public relations campaign aimed at raising awareness of job opportunities in the trades. The campaign received strong local and national media coverage, including a front-page feature in The Wall Street Journal. Next year, we will expand this initiative through industry partnerships. Our collaboration with SMART continues to advance shared priorities. We have also strengthened our social media and video content to showcase member achievements and thought leadership on key issues.

Markets / AI / Education

The market sector councils and task forces have also been busy under Linda Jennings' direction. They are creating new programming at every opportunity. Some examples include the work being done by the industrial market sector task force on productivity and safety, the architectural task force’s efforts to leverage trade shows to increase industry awareness, and the residential group’s work to use new media tools to expand market footprint.

In a similar vein, the AI Task Force, led by Travis Voss and Hugh Seaton, is working diligently to help our members navigate the rapidly evolving AI landscape. Through their informative webinars and other materials, we hope to answer the questions our members have on this complex topic.

We recognize that traditional white papers may not be the most accessible format for our members. To address this, we have converted many of these resources into podcasts and infographics, and we will continue to develop on-demand videos for greater accessibility.

Our education programming continues to evolve. SMACNA now offers 40 to 50 web-based courses annually and has expanded chapter education opportunities. Core programs such as PMI and BMU are scheduled more frequently and are available to interested chapters. Erykka Thompson is leading an education task force focused on expanding field leadership, supervisory and project management offerings.

Ultimately, the FAB Forum exemplifies our programming. Fabrication remains at the heart of our industry, and it is more important than ever that we keep our members on the cutting edge of the technologies and best practices emerging in this arena. Linda’s team has done a tremendous job in building a program that gives contractors the tools and best practices they need to succeed.

Technical

Our technical standards remain one of the key assets produced by our association. Eli Howard and his team continue to consistently produce tools of maximum value to our members. We have produced several technical videos to increase the exposure and utility of these items. This is just the beginning of our push to make our standards as accessible as possible. We are working to translate select manuals into Spanish, ensuring that all contractors deliver work aligned with our top-of-the-industry guidelines.

Government Relations

Stan Kolbe and the rest of the Government and Political Affairs Group have been highly effective in advocating for our members and our industry in Washington. The 118th Congress witnessed Stan’s group skillfully lobbying for the enactment of key provisions to advance modernizing airport Infrastructure, Nuclear Power Financing-Permitting Reform and reforms for project labor agreements. As we work through the 119th Congress, we were already successful in enacting the extension of our top tax priority provisions and we will press our lawmakers on key items, including change order reform and the SAFER Banking Act.

Labor Relations

Labor relations and local bargaining support have long been core services of SMACNA. Jason Watson has expanded the department's work and is actively working with Chapters to create stronger relationships with labor. He has also held additional training programs and is building a new trustee training program for 2026.

Our association exists to advance the industry and support our members. The team's ongoing efforts reflect this commitment, and we remain vigilant in addressing emerging needs and trends.

Aaron Hilger

SMACNA CEO

Published: August 28, 2025

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