The Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors’ National Association (SMACNA) recently announced Al LaBella of Blue Diamond Air Systems was elected by the Board of Directors to serve as president. LaBella’s year-long term in office began at the close of SMACNA’s 77th Annual Convention in Maui, Hawaii. 

With 20 years of experience in the sheet metal industry, LaBella is owner and president of Blue Diamond Air Systems – 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. 

“Al has been an indispensable part of the SMACNA leadership team. His boundless curiosity, passion for education, and drive to bring out the best in our contractors make him uniquely suited to lead SMACNA through the next year,” says Vince Sandusky, SMACNA’s Chief Executive Officer. “We are thrilled to welcome Al in his new role.”

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,” LaBella says. “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.