ASSOCIATION NEWS

■ SEAA Honors 17 Women in Construction, Recognizing Legacy Builders and Industry Leaders

In support of the 2025 Women in Construction Week that took place March 2-8, 2025, the association recognized 17 women who were nominated by colleagues. Of the 17 nominees, seven were selected as “Legacy Builders,” who were featured in social media campaigns the first week of March.

Candidates were evaluated on their professional achievements, contributions to the team, leadership or mentorship, community involvement, and personal qualities. “Each woman nominated is exceptional in her own right,” said John Hughes, Director of Business Development for Industrial Training International, and member of the SEAA Marketing Committee. “Their stories of perseverance and accomplishments are inspiring.”

The Owners

“Don’t be afraid to get out of your comfort zone.”

— Kelly Ketring

* Sarah Long , Principal, Essential Perimeter Safety Systems

* Kelly Ketring , President, Premier Steel, Inc.

• Patti Davis, President, Ropac, Inc., has led the company since 1985. She prioritizes a workplace culture that values diversity, safety, and continuous learning, which has directly led to high employee satisfaction, low turnover, and improved jobsite productivity.

• Jennifer Nix , Shelby Erectors, Inc., founded Shelby Erectors after being laid off from a high school teaching position in 1997. Supporting breast cancer prevention is one of the company’s philanthropic missions. Each October, employees proudly wear pink to champion the cause.

The Executives

“Come with integrity, a strong work ethic, and a desire to continuously improve.” — Amanda Long

• Gina Hardison, VP of Purchasing, Cooper Steel, has dedicated over 40 years to the company. She started as a receptionist in 1983 and is now the Vice President of Purchasing. Under her leadership, her department has purchased nearly 100,000 tons of steel this year alone.

• Marta Amador, Hodges Erectors, Inc. has established the company’s social media presence in order to highlight their teams’ accomplishments. She guides team members with patience and confidence, creating a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement.

* Amanda Long , SVP, Industrial, Industrial Training International

• Nicki Cole, Vice President & CFO, Piedmont Steel Company, LLC, is a natural leader and mentor who inspires her team through encouragement and collaboration. She has helped the company achieve a milestone of 1,000,000 hours without accident or injury.

See Legacy Builders* videos on SEAA’s YouTube channel.

The Managers

“Make your voice heard. Sit at the front of the table and make well-informed decisions with confidence.”

— Kate Franquet

• Abby Stinson, Business Unit Manager-Projects, Cooper Steel, approaches every project with an innovative mindset, leveraging her experience to drive success. Her commitment to project excellence and employee development makes her invaluable.

• Teri Harmon, Executive Assistant, Deem Structural Services, is the unsung hero of the company, and is a key player on each and every team. Her involvement in projects is critical to its success, always executing at the highest quality.

• Aly Hardy, Project Manager, Gardner-Watson Decking, Inc., has managed over 100 projects in the last year, with 60 of them totaling over $4 million. Her attention to detail and perfection is what makes her stand out. Her drive cannot go unnoticed.

• Beverly Dolin, Regional Sales Manager, Western US, Nelson Stud Welding, Inc., after starting as a receptionist and putting herself through college, she came the first women to be a Nelson Stud Welding Outside Field Sales Representative.

* Kate Franquet , CRIS, Senior Safety & Risk Manager, S&R Enterprises

The Trades

“Not being taken seriously is an issue with no simple fix.”

— Johnna O’Gassian

* Ada Booras, Structural Ironworker, Welding Trainer, and Structural Steel Officer Engineering Intern, MAS Building & Bridge, Inc.

* Johnna O’Gassian, Ironworker/Foreman, MAS Building & Bridge, Inc.

* Audrey Terwilliger, Certified Welder, Pioneer Construction

• Maria Soldano, Ironworker/Crew Leader, Shelby Erectors, Inc., worked her way from a laborer to Forman in her 10 years working for the company, and is one of the few women working in the reinforcing steel industry. She is and always will be the backbone of her crew.

■ 2025 Fall Stand Down

The winning hard hat sticker from the annual contest is now available for SEAA members to purchase. The design was submitted by Joe Brown, Construction Manager for Group Steel Erectors, Inc., based in Dickson, Tennessee. His submission, which followed the theme “Proud to Be an Ironworker,” captures the essence of the trade.

This year’s Fall Prevention Stand Down poster, “Don’t Fall for False Security. Tie Off Right at Any Height!” addresses one of the most underestimated risks in construction—falls from 25 feet or less. Thanks to sponsorships from SEAA’s Safety and Education Committee and Trivent Safety Consulting, the poster was polybagged with this issue of Connector

■ EZARC Building Solutions Becomes Training Unit

EZARC Building Solutions, based in Lindon, Utah, has joined SEAA’s network of Ironworker Training Units and Assessment Sites. Specializing in the semiconductor industry, EZARC Building Solutions upholds an exceptional commitment to safety, with an impressive EMR of 0.67 and a TRIR of 0.35. In addition, the company is AISC Certified and woman owned.

“Joining SEAA’s training network allows us to align our workforce development goals with industry-leading standards,” said Matt Godsey, Vice President of EZARC Building Solutions. “Becoming a certified NCCER Training Facility strengthens our ability to foster a highly skilled workforce while maintaining our unwavering focus on safety and quality.”

■ SEAA Endorses NISD Certifications

SEAA’s Board of Directors voted in January to endorse a series of certification programs offered by the National Institute of Steel Detailing. The programs include: Individual Detailer Certification, Quality Procedures Program, and CD-BIM Certification. Learn more at https://www.nisd.org/.

“Detailers are the first to translate a structure’s design into precise, buildable plans. When detailers understand OSHA requirements and erector best practices, many potential hazards are eliminated right from the start,” said David Deem, President of Deem Structural Services and SEAA board member.

Congratulations 2025 Award Winners

Project of the Year

Miscellaneous Metals, Class I

Central Texas Steel Erectors

Miscellaneous Metals, Class II

ORBIT Industrial Service and Maintenance

Structural, Class I

Hodges Erectors, Inc.

Structural Class II

All Things Metal, LLC

Structural, Class III

GMF Steel Group

Structural, Class IV

Alliance Riggers & Constructors, Ltd.

Training Excellence

World Class, Category 1

GMF Steel Group

World Class, Category 1

Derr & Gruenewald Construction, LLC

World Class, Category 2

Shelby Erectors, Inc.

Safety Excellence

World Class

Cooper Steel

Derr & Gruenewald Construction, LLC

GMF Steel Group

High Plains Steel Services, LLC

MAS Building & Bridge, Inc.

Premier

Flex-Erect

Gardner Watson Decking

Group Steel Erectors, Inc.

JPW Erectors, Inc.

L.R. Willson & Sons, Inc.

Piedmont Steel Company, LLC

S&R Enterprises, LLC

Gold

Cubas Welding Construction, Inc.

Shelby Erectors, Inc.