SMART General President Joseph Sellers, Jr. has announced that he will retire from his current position, effective May 31st, 2023. Upon his retirement, Sellers will be succeeded by current Assistant to the General President Michael Coleman.
Sellers began his journey in the industry in 1980 as an apprentice with Local 19 in Philadelphia. Four years later, he became a journeyman. He continued rising through the union ranks until 2002 when he became Local 19’s president and business manager.
In 2009, Sellers became a member of the international leadership team with his election as 11th Vice President in 2009. In 2011, he was elected as General Secretary-Treasurer. Sellers became SMART’s General President in May 2015 and was reelected in August 2019.
During his time at the top of the union, Sellers championed several efforts to improve the sheet metal industry. He helped establish the BE4ALL Committee to promote belonging in the industry and the I Got Your Back campaign that sought to unite workers from across the industry, no matter their backgrounds.
In discussing Sellers’ contributions, SMACNA CEO Aaron Hilger said, “I could not have imagined a better partner in the industry than Joe Sellers. He worked tirelessly to help shape an industry that is diverse, resilient, and highly skilled. He will be missed.”
Coleman has been a SMART member since 1985. He rose through the ranks of Local 33 in Northern Ohio. At the international level, he has served as ninth general vice president, SMART director of business and management relations, and finally, Assistant to the general president.
Hilger continued, “While I am losing a great partner in Joe Sellers, I am gaining another one in Mike Coleman. I am excited for what the future holds.”
