The Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors’ National Association (SMACNA), the leader in promoting quality and excellence in the sheet metal and air conditioning industry, recently announced that James T. Strother Jr., Executive Director of SMACNA of Western Pennsylvania, is this year’s Chapter Executive of the Year. Announced at SMACNA’s 79th Annual Convention in Phoenix, this special award is given to the person who has made a positive and significant impact on SMACNA as a national association and the local chapter.  

“For over two decades, James has been committed himself to building bridges between members and partner organizations in the ‘Bridge City’ of Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania,” said Aaron Hilger, SMACNA’s Chief Executive Officer. “His advocacy in legislative affairs and commitment to bringing up the next generation of leaders in our industry deserves to be celebrated. I am thrilled to congratulate James on earning 2023 Chapter Executive of the Year.”

Strother joined SMACNA of Western Pennsylvania in 2001 as their Executive Director, a role he’s held since. During his 22-year tenure, he’s championed a strong working relationship with SMACNA’s partners at SMART Local 12. James also has assisted members through labor relations and contract negotiations. Strother has also been crucial in SMACNA’s legislative relations in both the Keystone State and nationally.  

Prior to joining SMACNA of Western Pennsylvania, Strother was the Director of Safety and Health for SMACNA National and was the Assistant Director of Safety and Health for the AFL-CIO union, where he helped update OSHA 40-hour construction safety programming. 

In addition to his job as Chapter Executive, Strother is also the co-chair for SMART 12’s healthcare and retirement plans management. He is also a member of the Builders Guild of Western Pennsylvania and a National Joint Adjustment Board Arbitrator. 

ABOUT SMACNA:

SMACNA is an international trade association representing 3,500 contributing contractor firms and is a leader in promoting quality and excellence in the sheet metal and air conditioning industry. SMACNA members are responsible for effectively delivering the clean air Americans breathe in offices, homes, and hospitals; for many of the attractive facades you see on today’s stadiums and office buildings; and for the comfortable, healthy, and safe living environments in which our citizens live out their daily lives. SMACNA has national offices in Chantilly, Va., outside of Washington, D.C., and on Capitol Hill. For more information, visit www.SMACNA.org.