Association News- Fall 2024

SEAA Announces Liaisons to Industry Associations

SEAA has appointed several of its Board of Directors to act as liaisons to key industry associations which have similar interests to SEAA. These representatives will play a crucial role in maintaining strong connections and ensuring that SEAA remains informed about relevant activities within these organizations. These volunteers will make quarterly reports to the SEAA board of directors.

• American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC): Drew Heron, Vice President Field Operations, Deem Structural Services

• National Institute of Steel Detailing (NISD) : Jack Metcalfe, Retired

• Steel Joist Institute (SJI): David Deem, President and Founder of Deem Structural Services

• Steel Decking Institute, (SDI): Jason Kulvinskas, Vice President, Gardner Watson Decking

• National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER): Jason Zyla, Safety Manager, Shelby Erectors and Tim Eldridge, President Education Services Unlimited and SEAA Craft Training and Assessment Director

■ SEAA Invites Members to Join Committees

SEAA is currently seeking dedicated members to join committees with open positions. This is a valuable opportunity for those looking to make an impact within the industry while contributing to the organization’s growth and success. Committees are made up of employees of member companies. Each committee is led by a chairperson. Members serve for three-year terms.

If you’re interested in joining one of these committees or learning more, please contact Krista Whittemore.

Awards Committee: Help recognize and honor outstanding achievements within our industry.

Events Committee: Planning and execution of peer groups, Meet & Greets, Golf Tournament and Convention.

Marketing Committee: Assist in promoting our brand and developing content and resources for members.

Membership Committee: Contribute to enhancing member engagement and recruitment strategies.

Strategic Planning Committee: Participate in long-term planning to guide the future direction of SEAA.

■ 2025 Awards Programs Now Open

SEAA has opened the submission forms for 2025 Project of the Year, Safety Excellence, and Craft Training Excellence awards. Awards programs are for members only.

Project of the Year

The Project of the Year Award is for projects that topped out in 2023 or 2024. Categories include structural and miscellaneous metals. Structural steel projects will compete in one of four classes, determined by the dollar value of the erection contract. Miscellaneous metals projects will compete in one of two classes, based on contract value amount. Submissions are evaluated by an independent panel of judges based solely on information presented with each submission.

Safety & Training Excellence

The Safety Excellence Award acknowledges SEAA members in good standing that go above and beyond in the effort to provide ironworkers a safe place to work, while the Craft Training Excellence Award is for companies that are playing a critical role in the development of skilled ironworkers. Winners are selected in blind presentation by SEAA’s Safety & Education Committee.

Winners are recognized during the Awards Ceremony at SEAA’s 2025 National Convention & Trade Show and will be invited to participate in panel discussions.

There is no cost for SEAA members to submit an application. The application deadline for Project of the Year is December 31, 2024, and the deadline for Safety Excellence and Craft Training Excellence awards is January 31, 2025.

■ New Leaders Named to Association’s Board of Directors

SEAA’s Board of Directors named officers elected for a one-year term beginning July 2024. In addition, association members have confirmed a new slate of directors. The incoming SEAA President is Jack Nix, Chief Operations Officer for Shelby Erectors, Inc. He is supported by David Deem of Deem Structural Services as Immediate Past President and Chris Legnon of

The other new officers include:

• Glen Pisani of MAS Building & Bridge, Inc., VP, Industry Member

• Carrie Gulajan of Construction Insurance Agency, Inc., VP Associate Member

• Jason McElrath of MP Specialty Insurance, Treasurer

Bryan McClure of Trivent Safety Consulting, Secretary

Four incumbents were re-elected to new

• Richard Bostick, Piedmont Structural Company

• Steve Burkholder, S&R Enterprises, LLC

• Marc Cox, Gardner-Watson Decking, Inc.

• Duke Perry, Gardner-Watson Studs, LLC

In addition, two individuals were appointed to vacated positions. Jamie Hopkins of United Rentals was appointed by the Executive Committee to fill the remaining term of Dave Brown. “Big Dave” Brown passed away on May 31, 2024. Geoff Kress, Gardner-Watson Decking, was appointed by the Executive Committee to fill the remaining term of Tom Schlickbernd, who recently retired.