SMACNA Recognizes Mechanical Contractors and Industry Leaders at 2026 Annual Convention

Highlights

• SMACNA recognized contractors, chapter executives and legislative advocates during its 2026 Annual Convention in Orlando, Florida.

• Paul Klaus of icon Mechanical received the Contractor of the Year award.

• Bel-Aire Mechanical, a Legence company, was named Safety Innovator of the Year.

• Scott Vidimos began his term as SMACNA president, succeeding Todd Hill.

• Awards also recognized contributions to labor relations, legislative advocacy and industry safety.

Convention Awards Recognize Industry Contributions

Industry association awards provide recognition for leadership, safety performance, legislative involvement and labor relations across the mechanical and sheet metal contracting sectors. The 2026 annual gathering of the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors' National Association (SMACNA) brought together members in Orlando, Florida, for educational sessions, industry networking and a product exhibition.

Among the award recipients, Paul Klaus of icon Mechanical in Granite City, Illinois, received the SMACNA Contractor of the Year award. John Quarnstrom of SMARCA, representing Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota, received both Chapter Executive of the Year and the Charles Corbett Excellence in Labor Relations Award.

Safety and Legislative Leadership Awards

Several additional awards recognized contributions to industry advocacy and workplace safety.

Mike Hilgert of Superior Duct Fabrication in Pomona, California, received the SMACNA Legislative Contractor of the Year award. Ronda Gilliland-Lopez of SMACNA New Mexico was recognized as Chapter Executive Legislative Advocate of the Year.

Randy Pagel of Bumler Mechanical in Sterling Heights, Michigan, received the Distinguished Legislative Service Award. Athena Chiera, vice president of Athena Engineering in California, was named the recipient of the 2026 SMACNA Safety Sponsorship.

Bel-Aire Mechanical, a Legence company, received the Safety Innovator of the Year award.

Association Leadership and Industry Relevance

The convention also marked a leadership transition, with Todd Hill completing his term as SMACNA president and Scott Vidimos assuming the association's presidency. The event program included educational sessions, the College of Fellows golf and pickleball tournaments, and a product show.

Why It Matters

Recognition across contracting, safety, labor relations and legislative advocacy highlights the range of leadership responsibilities within the mechanical and sheet metal construction industry. For contractors and construction owners, these areas are directly connected to workforce management, jobsite safety, regulatory engagement and industry collaboration.

Source: SMACNA.