SMART General Secretary Joseph Powell is transitioning to a directorial role within the union to achieve a better work-life balance. This transition will be effective June 30. Powell began his career in the sheet metal industry in 1988 with his entrance into the four-year apprenticeship program in Sheet Metal Workers’ Local 206 in San Diego, California. He worked for University Mechanical and attended classes in the evenings, a dedication to advancement through education he has remained true to throughout his career. In 1992, he became a journeyperson and worked as a foreman with University Mechanical until 2000. Along with his responsibilities as a foreman, he was also an instructor with the JATC.
He began his union political service in 1994 when he was elected conductor, a position he held until 1997. He was a trustee from 1997 until June 2000. In 2004, after serving as a business representative for four years, he became the business manager/financial secretary-treasurer of Local 206. In January 2015, he became assistant to the general president. Powell was elected general secretary-treasurer on August 14, 2019, at the 2nd SMART General Convention. He has played a vital role in leading and directing SMART’s grassroots member engagement programs, including the SMART Army and its organizing initiatives in the sheet metal industry.
Daniel to Assume Role as SMART General Secretary-Treasurer on July 1
John Daniel, Business Manager and President of Local 265 from Carol Stream, Illinois, will assume the position of SMART General Secretary-Treasurer on July 1, 2024, having been elected by the SMART General Executive Council. Daniel has served SMART members for more than 30 years. John entered the sheet metal industry in 1991 as a sheet metal fabricator and installer and has served Local 265 as an instructor, organizer, business representative, financial secretary-treasurer, and most recently, the president/business manager. His career path has given him a well-rounded perspective of the sheet metal industry and the unionized sector's challenges. I have an open mind, am an active listener, leverage financial and relational assets, and employ technology to capture more work opportunities and attract the next generation of tradespersons. John is a trustee on local and national plans, and he received his bachelor’s degree in labor studies from the National Labor College.
