The Metal Construction Association (MCA) is dedicated to advocating for its member companies, ensuring their voices are heard in the industry and beyond. By actively engaging in advocacy efforts, MCA helps shape policies and regulations that directly impact the metal construction sector. This support not only protects the interests of our members but also fosters a thriving business environment, enabling companies to innovate, grow, and succeed.
CHICAGO – December 9, 2025 – The Metal Construction Association (MCA) is pleased to announce its new officers for 2026. Elected by MCA members, the board will be led by Lee Ann Slattery of ATAS International, the organization’s first female chair.
Slattery joins executive committee members:
Vice chair: Bill Hartford, Sherwin-Williams
Treasurer: David Stermer, Metal Sales
Secretary: Chandler Barden, CIDAN Machinery
Past chair: Brian Partyka, Carlisle Companies Inc
Market development chair: Jules Dekovics, OMG
MRA president: Todd Miller, Isaiah Industries, Inc.
Slattery joined the MCA board in 2020 and quickly became an officer, serving as chair of the market development committee. In 2023, she received MCA’s Patrick R. Bush Service Award. She serves on the education committee for the National Women in Roofing and is also a founder and a director of the Let’s Build Construction Camp for Girls. In 2020, she was inducted as a Fellow of the Construction Specifications Institute, where she served on its national board for four years.
“I am excited about the upcoming growth and innovation for MCA, and I believe we will reach new milestones with such a talented team of industry leaders on the board and staff,” said Slattery.
Slattery will succeed Chandler Barden, who most recently served as chair. Barden will continue serving as the association’s secretary. The organization extends special thanks to him for his ongoing dedication to the industry.
The executive committee works alongside MCA directors, who include:
RC Antal, ATAS International
Michael Beck, Accurate Perforating
Mark Carlisle, US Steel
Dustin Haddock, S-5!
Jessica Haddock, S-5!
DJ Highnote, RoofHugger
Jeff Hock, Sheffield Metals
Sean McCue, Precoat Metals
Ken McLauchlan, Carlisle Building Products
Karan Patel, Applied Fabricators
John Trifonoff, East Coast Metals
Jodi Wagoner, Steel Dynamics
Mike Weis, Petersen Aluminum Corp.
The board members are elected by the MCA members from the slate recommended by the nominating committee, with each serving a three-year term.
About the Metal Construction Association
Founded in 1983, MCA represents over 100 member companies that manufacture and distribute products for the metal construction industry. The association’s mission is to promote the use of metal in the building envelope. Member volunteers collaborate on projects to educate contractors and architects about best practices for metal design and installation, while also ensuring compliance with evolving building codes and standards that support safety, sustainability, and performance. Companies involved in MCA benefit greatly from activities focused on research, codes and standards, market development, and technical programs. For more information, visit metalconstruction.org.
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At the new 30-story McMaster Graduate Residence Tower in Hamilton, Ontario, Diamond Schmitt architects crafted 550 single-skin metal wall panels to create a dynamic aesthetic and revitalize the downtown core.
Inspired by the chevron floor plate façade design on the neighboring Hamilton City Hall, the angular, dimensional cladding begins at the podium level and extends vertically across all façades.
Winning a MCA 2025 Design Award in the Single-Skin Metal Wall Panel category, Judge Kevin Wagner, AIA, associate principal at Substance Architecture in Des Moines, remarked, “The folds of the metal, it’s really captivating—just thinking about what it took to fabricate because every piece is custom. It’s this totally unique, sculptural piece of art.”
“The closer you get, the more refined it gets,” observed Judge Rick Schneider, FAIA LEED, founder, ISTUDIO Architects, Washington, D.C. “There’s one gesture repeated at different scales in different materials.”
“Some of the paneling is perforated, so it’s even more intricate,” added Judge Dan Rodriguez, principal founder at Rodriguez Romero Design and Architecture in Los Angeles. “You almost couldn’t use any other cladding because of how intricate it was.”
To achieve the architect’s vision for the metal façade, PPG Duranar Sunstorm Aluminum Plate panels were selected. For fabricator Sobotec, the aluminum panels were an ideal material to create the varying geometric shapes comprising the modern, finned design. The fabricated panels can also be individually removed and repaired on a panel-by-panel basis, allowing any scrapes or dings to easily be fixed in the long term.
Duranar Sunstorm is a mica-effect, two-coat system which adds pearlescent mica flake to the color layer to create a metalescent look. The long-lasting, weather-resistant, aesthetic finish is achieved without aluminum flake or a third clear coat layer.
The angled panels, perforated metal and curtain wall — combined with an expansive public plaza — engage the surrounding community. A rooftop terrace with panoramic urban views, an integrated cycling path system and convenient access to public transit further enhance the student experience. Building amenities include a fitness center, outdoor rooftop running track, movie room, study spaces, music room, games room and a rooftop BBQ area.
The building is tracking LEED Gold and features a high-performance building envelope and operable windows for individualized comfort. The extensive green roof offset stormwater, reduces the heat island effect and supports biodiversity.
The high-rise houses 600 graduate students and their families and contributes to a vibrant, inclusive campus culture that enriches community life.
In sum, Wagner concluded, “The McMaster University tower is above and beyond. It deserves all the recognition.”
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