My Journey: Ginger Slaick, Chapter Executive SMACNA Georgia

By Jessica Kirby

When Ginger Slaick started her career in the sheet metal industry, it wasn’t for the usual reasons.

“After high school, my plan was to become a court reporter,” she says. “So, I went to Brown College of Court Reporting, but quickly realized my fingers weren’t going to move that fast. I then studied to be a paralegal, but just was not happy in that field.”

SMACNA Georgia was looking for an administrative assistant, so Slaick responded to a newspaper ad. “I honestly had no idea what association management was, but I took a chance,” she says.

Her predecessor Buddy Mawyer hired her, and for the next 18 years, he was a kind and helpful mentor who gave her every opportunity to learn the industry. When it was Mawyer’s time to retire, Slaick applied for the chapter executive position. It was a step up she felt ready for, but mostly, it was to serve an industry that she believed in.

“I always loved working for the association, the people, what SMACNA stands for, and the opportunities it provides,” she says. “It was time for me to take the next step and advance my career.”

Although she brought experience to the table, it is important to know she wasn’t just handed the position. The board of directors interviewed her and several other candidates, eventually deciding she was the best person for the job.

Slaick became the first female chapter executive for the sheet metal industry in Georgia, a milestone that typically means more to people who hear it than it does to her. “I try not to get caught up in gender,” she says. “I’d just like to normalize that the board of directors hired the best person for the job, and I had to go through the same process as everyone else.

“In my job as an administrator, I knew my role. I worked hard, and I took every opportunity to learn as much as I could about the association. My selection as chapter executive speaks volumes for the contractors I represent. I appreciate their openness and willingness to give me that opportunity.”

Twenty-six years later, she still feels grateful to be a part of the SMACNA “family” and work with highcalibrercontractors who complete life-changing projects and help families live their best lives by providing rewarding, high-paying jobs. Her role changes every day—a challenge and a blessing—and more than anything, she considers herself a servant leader.

“Because there are so many different aspects of this work, from labor negotiations and serving as a trustee on the benefit funds to planning meetings and social events, I get to use my experience and knowledge in a variety of areas,” she says. “Plus, it often presents opportunities to challenge me on different levels.”

Like most areas in North America, SMACNA Georgia is facing labor challenges, a task the association is addressing by making sure the potential sheet metal labor force in Georgia (and North Carolina, which Slaick also represents) feels represented and encouraged to become involved.

“The future generation should not see our trade as an afterthought or fall-back plan,” she says. “It is an excellent career and provides tremendous opportunities. For years, the pendulum swung to ʻcollege for everyone’ and that has been the focus for a long time.”

Over that timeframe, people seem to have forgotten about the skilled trades, she adds, and the stigma about blue collar work has grown but should be no more.

“We say we are the best kept secret, but we don’t want to be,” she says. “It is time to change the mindset.” A college graduate herself, Slaick believes students should learn about both college and the skilled trades as higher education options.

SMACNA Georgia started recruitment initiatives just three years ago after completing a strategic plan and identifying the need for engagement in the recruitment process. Now, in addition to the Local’s recruiting efforts, the association vets and filters resumes before sending potential candidates on to contractor members.

It also works with Local 85 on sponsorships, including the high school football kick-off to the season, which takes place as Mercedes-Benz stadium, built in part by SMACNA Georgia contractors. Joint recruitment initiatives include commercials about the sheet metal industry during breaks and co-sponsoring the Georgia High School Football Hall of Fame.

“We are trying to hit all aspects of appealing to the future generation,” she says. “Having a good relationship with our Local is essential to moving the industry forward. We know we’re not always going to agree, but our relationship allows us to discuss the issues and hear each other out. True collaboration is key to success.”

For those considering a career in sheet metal, Slaick’s advice is to be open because a career in sheet metal offers many opportunities, some of them unexpected. “You might think you are heading in one direction, but you never know what might come available,” she says. “Try to pair with someone who can pour into you, and then soak it all in.”

She says it is important to work hard, do your best, and appreciate the role you are in for what it can teach you about what might come next.

“But this isn’t really about me,” she concludes. “My real work and focus is how our association can truly support and best help our contractor members.” ▪

For free resources to help with your recruiting efforts, log in at pinp.org and checkout Recruiting under the Resources menu. An account is available to all members.