SEAA Installs Chris Legnon as President, Announces New Leadership

The Steel Erectors Association of America (SEAA) has installed Chris Legnon, vice president of technology at Cooper Steel Fabricators Inc., as its president for the 2026-2027 term. The association also announced its newly elected officers and board of directors, along with the appointment of a new director of membership and business development.

Legnon, who has spent more than 20 years with Cooper Steel Fabricators, has served on the SEAA board of directors since 2015. During his tenure, he has chaired the Marketing Committee, served on the Executive Committee and was named SEAA Person of the Year in 2024.

According to the association, Legnon's priorities as president include continuing SEAA's membership growth while expanding workforce development initiatives, safety education and technology resources for steel erection contractors.

“Our industry is evolving quickly, and SEAA needs to evolve with it,” said Legnon. "Artificial intelligence has tremendous potential to improve estimating, scheduling, document management and safety analysis, but technology only creates value when it’s implemented thoughtfully. Our industry has always managed risk carefully, and that same discipline should guide AI adoption—just one of the challenges facing our members today,” he said.

The leadership transition follows a period of membership growth and geographic expansion for SEAA, as well as the introduction of additional member services for steel erection business owners.

Officers and directors elected by the membership began their terms July 1. Newly elected directors are Troy "Twig" Terwilliger of Pioneer Construction and Katy Williams of Williams Erection Company. Returning directors include Drew Heron of Deem Structural Services LLC, Bryan McClure of Trivent Safety Consulting, Jack Metcalfe, representing the National Institute of Steel Detailing, and Lee Shaw of Kern Erectors Inc. Each will serve three-year terms.

The association's officers for the 2026-2027 term are Chris Legnon, president; Carrie Gulajan of Construction Insurance Agency Inc., president-elect; Glen Pisani of MAS Building & Bridge Inc., vice president, industry; Bryan McClure of Trivent Safety Consulting, vice president, associate member; Jason McElrath of MP Specialty Insurance, treasurer; and Marc Cox of Gardner-Watson Decking Inc., secretary.

SEAA also announced the appointment of Hunter Telleri as director of membership and business development. Telleri previously worked in business development roles with ADP and other business-to-business organizations, where she focused on client development and strategic growth. She will oversee membership recruitment and engagement efforts for the association.

"Hunter's experience building relationships and helping businesses grow will strengthen SEAA's ability to recruit, engage and support members throughout the steel construction industry," said Pete Gum, executive director.

“Beyond growing membership, I want to be a hands-on resource for our members to help them navigate any challenges and take full advantage of what SEAA has to offer them,” said Telleri.

Founded in 1972, the Steel Erectors Association of America is a national trade association representing steel erectors, fabricators, contractors and related service providers. The organization promotes safety, education and training programs for the steel erection industry, including its Ironworker Craft Training curriculum.