SMACNA Appoints Al LaBella as New Board President
At the end of the annual conference in Maui, Hawaii, SMACNA National announced Al LaBella of Blue Diamond Air Systems was elected by the Board of Directors to serve as president for a one-year term.
Blue Diamond Air Systems is a full-service metal fabricator and mechanical contractor specializing in design and drafting, sheet metal fabrication, HVAC, piping, controls installation, and service maintenance. The company prides itself on a team-oriented approach and a dedication to client service. LaBella leads more than 100 employees at the Medford, New York-based company.
LaBella has a strong interest in technology, innovation, and education, which stems from his former role as an educator and coach of high school football and lacrosse. His thirst for knowledge has contributed to his involvement in SMACNA, and he credits the association for providing him with the necessary education that gave him the tools to successfully run his business.
He has attended every SMACNA educational program offered, including Business Management University, Financial Boot Camp, and Supervisor Training. He has also served on a variety of committees over the last decade, including the SMACNA/SMART Best Practices Market Expansion Task Force, SMACNA PAC Committee, National Energy Management Institute Committee, and others. LaBella is also an active member of SMACNA of Long Island, where he works to recruit the next generation of industry workers.
“SMACNA embraced me as a new member many years ago and I owe the association for giving me the best educational experience and tools to help me succeed,” said LaBella. “It is an honor to serve SMACNA as president. I look forward to all we will accomplish together in the next year to advance the industry.”
In his new role as president, LaBella will pursue workforce development initiatives and use his platform to spotlight the importance of educational resources and tools to help contractors thrive within the industry.
Aaron Hilger Named SMACNA National’s CEO
SMANCA National has announced Aaron Hilger as the organization’s new Chief Executive Officer, effective January 1, 2022. Hilger is assuming the role upon the retirement of Vincent Sandusky, who has been SMACNA’s CEO since 2008. A dedicated association executive that has provided strategic leadership to a variety of industry associations and coalitions, Hilger looks to advance SMACNA’s mission of creating a competitive advantage for members, while also serving as an advocate for contractors.
“Having the opportunity to serve SMACNA and its members at the national level is as exciting as it is humbling,” Hilger says. “For more than 75 years, SMACNA has been a shining example of what a well-run association can achieve for its members and the industry at large. I am highly confident about our industry’s future and look forward to further accelerating the value SMACNA brings to all our members.”
“Aaron’s wealth of expertise and passion for the industry stands to make our association better,” said Al LaBella, President of SMACNA. “Knowing the positive impact he’s had at SMACNA New York State and SMACNA Rochester, I’m thrilled to work with him on a national platform.”
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