Austin, Texas — October 21, 2019 — The Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors’ National Association (SMACNA) today announced Chris Walker, executive vice president of CAL SMACNA, as the Chapter Executive of the Year at its 76th Annual Convention in Austin, Texas. The annual award is a special honor reserved for the person who has made a positive and significant impact on not only their local association, but SMACNA as well.
“Chris is a career lobbyist who took his passion of advocating for legislative and regulatory actions to another level when he joined CAL SMACNA,” said Vince Sandusky, SMACNA’s Chief Executive Officer. “He is a true team player, using his expertise to benefit SMACNA locally and nationally while also looking out for everyone’s best interests. I’m not surprised by his recognition as the Chapter Executive of the Year and congratulate him on this well-deserved honor.”
Walker has more than two decades of experience advocating on legislative and regulatory issues before the California State Legislature as well as executive branch departments and agencies. He was hired as a legislative representative for CAL SMACNA in 2001 and became executive vice president in 2016, marking his transition from a lobbyist to an official SMACNA executive. He now supports the organization on a national and local level.
As executive vice president, Walker is focused on addressing critical issues on behalf of SMACNA contractors — from energy efficiency and air quality to curriculum standards for career and technical education. He has been instrumental in launching workforce development and educational programs, creating and expanding market opportunities for contractors, and advancing Fire Life Safety programs. He has also collaborated with California’s Energy Commission to implement a Title 24 HVAC Systems Acceptance Testing Program.
CAL SMACNA is comprised of seven chapters throughout California, and Walker plays an important leadership role across these local organizations and with their membership. He has made a positive impact on CAL SMACNA operations by prioritizing communications, securing record attendance at programs and events, and taking the necessary actions to address regulatory and legislative needs across SMACNA chapters in the state.
Walker has a degree in political science from the University of California, Davis. He resides in Sacramento, Calif. with his wife and children.
ABOUT SMACNA:
SMACNA is an international trade association representing 3,500 contributing contractor firms and is a leader in promoting quality and excellence in the sheet metal and air conditioning industry. SMACNA members are responsible for effectively delivering the clean air Americans breathe in offices, homes, and hospitals; for many of the attractive facades you see on today’s stadiums and office buildings; and for the comfortable, healthy, and safe living environments in which our citizens live out their daily lives. SMACNA has national offices in Chantilly, Va., outside of Washington, D.C., and on Capitol Hill. For more information, visit www.smacna.org.
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Jeff Henriksen
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