The Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors’ National Association (SMACNA) has announced seven candidates for its Board of Directors. The election will take place during the Annual Business Meeting on Oct. 28, 2026, as part of SMACNA’s Annual Convention in Orlando.
Nominees
- Chad Bunting – President and owner of Schoppe Co. Inc. in Salt Lake City, Utah. He represents a long-established sheet metal contractor specializing in HVAC systems for institutional and commercial facilities.
- Jason Hanson – President of Dakota Metal Fabrication. He has worked in the industry since 1990 and has held numerous leadership roles within regional and national SMACNA organizations.
- Gary Luthe – President and CEO of Luthe Sheet Metal in Cherry Hill, New Jersey. He has been involved in the industry since 1982 and previously served on SMACNA’s national Board of Directors.
- Philip McShane – President of McShane Mechanical Contracting in metro Detroit. He founded the company in 1997 after beginning his career as an apprentice.
- Ernie J. Menold – Chairman of Ernest D. Menold Inc. in Philadelphia. A third-generation industry leader, he has participated in several SMACNA technical, financial and workforce-related committees.
- Angelo Paris – Owner and general manager of Apollo Sheet Metal in British Columbia. He entered the industry in 1987 and has held leadership positions within SMACNA British Columbia and local apprenticeship programs.
- Rebecca Wiseman – CEO of PM Contracting in Kansas City. Her responsibilities include business development and operations, while she also participates in education and training initiatives within the sheet metal industry.
Election and Terms
Six nominees are expected to receive four-year terms, while two candidates have specified shorter remaining terms:
- Chad Bunting: term expires in 2027
- Gary Luthe: term expires in 2029
- Other nominees: four-year terms
Why It Matters
The slate reflects a broad cross-section of the union sheet metal and HVAC contracting sector, including small and mid-sized specialty contractors, family-owned businesses, apprenticeship leaders and experienced association representatives. Their backgrounds also span HVAC installation, fabrication, workforce training, technical standards and contractor management.
For construction owners and specialty contractors, the board election is relevant because SMACNA plays a national role in industry standards, contractor education, workforce development and business resources for the sheet metal and HVAC sector.
Source: SMACNA.
