SMACNA Staff
Aaron Hilger, SMACNA’s Chief Executive Officer, is a veteran association executive with two decades of experience as a coalition builder within the trades. As SMACNA’s CEO, Aaron is responsible for several aspects of the Association, including vision-casting, thought leadership, and advocacy. During Hilger’s term as CEO, SMACNA has embraced a member-centric approach focused on technological innovation, actively engaging in the regulatory and legislative process, and cultivating a strong partnership within the labor/management framework. In all of these capacities, Aaron remains committed to promoting the welfare of SMACNA members and the skilled trades as a whole.
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Susannah Forde
Susannah is the Executive Director of Marketing and Communications for SMACNA. As an accomplished marketing and branding professional, Ms. Forde has over 20 years’ experience developing, overseeing and implementing innovative, award-winning campaigns for national and international corporate brands, nonprofits and associations. Susannah holds a BA degree in communications from the Pennsylvania State University.
Eli P. Howard, III
Eli P. Howard, III is the Executive Director of Technical Services and Research SMACNA. Howard has been with SMACNA for 25 years and is responsible for all SMACNA Technical Standards, Manuals and Guidelines for the HVAC, Industrial, Residential and Architectural industry.
Stan E. Kolbe, Jr
Stanley E. Kolbe, Jr. is Executive Director of Government and Political Affairs for SMACNA. Kolbe has been a construction industry Washington representative for 3 decades, working on industry issues representing SMACNA and prior to that, the American Institute of Architects. Earlier in his career, Kolbe worked for the US Conference of Mayors and the United States Senate Small Business Committee.
Linda Jennings
Linda Jennings is Executive Director of Market Sectors and Construction Technology. Ms. Jennings’ has literally grown up in the trade with her grandfather owning a sheet metal business and her father being a past chapter executive. She has managed three associations for decades including SMACNA San Diego chapter, Orange Empire SMACNA and the Inland Contractors Association.
Jason Watson
Jason Watson is the Executive Director of Labor Relations for the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors’ National Association (SMACNA). Mr. Watson has more than two decades of experience working with labor unions.
Nadine Witchel
Nadine Witchel, FCPA, FCGA is an experienced professional accountant and association leader with over 20 years of experience in accounting, operations, and information technology. She received her CPA, CGA from CGA Manitoba in 2005 and gained her Fellowship designation in 2013.
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