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SMACNA Names Frank Wall as New CEO

Following four years, SMACNA Chief Executive Officer Aaron Hilger steps down, with SMACNA leadership appointing Frank Wall to the roll

Frank Wall SMACNA — Courtesy of SMACNA / Staff photo

**LEADER:** Prior to his time at MCAA, Frank Wall was Executive Director of the Plumbing and Mechanical Contractors Association of Oregon.

Frank Wall will take overs as the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors’ National Association (SMACNA) organization’s new Chief Executive Officer, effective January 20, 2026. In a press release, SMACNA notes Wall's prior experience as Mechanical Contractors Association of America’s (MCAA) Executive Director of Operations is critical. Appointed in January 2022, SMACNA's former CEO Aaron Hilger served the group for more than four years.

SMACNA's statement declared Wall "a dedicated executive," with even more extensive experience outside of his prior COO role. Wall looks to advance SMACNA’s mission of creating a competitive advantage for members, through labor relations, standards development, industry representation, and more.

At the national MCAA office, he served as Executive Director of the John R. Gentile Foundation and handled the day-to-day operations of the association. In addition to his role at the MCAA, Frank also worked with C. Richard Barnes and Associates as a faculty member, helping facilitate leadership courses for the unionized electrical industry.

Prior to his time at MCAA, he was Executive Director of the Plumbing and Mechanical Contractors Association of Oregon. There, he helped the association develop a partnership between labor and management to promote progress by uniting in the common goals of professionalism, quality, productivity, cost-effectiveness, safety, and expanding the market share of the union mechanical, industrial, and service contracting industries. His goals were achieved through education, labor relations, public relations and government affairs, both locally and nationally.

Wall also served as President of the Portland Executives Association, Vice Chair of the Oregon Workforce Development and Talent Board, and member of the State Prevailing Wage Committee. He served on the Portland Public Schools CTE Advisory Council, board member of the Oregon Building Congress, and board member of the Emerald Cities Coalition. He was presented the Driving Force Award by Governor Kate Brown in 2018, recognizing his outstanding accomplishment in workforce development in the state of Oregon.

“We are pleased to be led by a professional with the leadership and industry skills necessary to navigate the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead,” said SMACNA President Todd Hill. “He is the right person to take the helm in achieving our objectives.”

Wall is a long-time volunteer for the March of Dimes. He has served on the organization’s National Board of Trustees and on their National Volunteer Leadership Council. Frank has traveled the United States speaking to boards and volunteers about board development and board excellence. Born and raised in Northeast Portland, Frank graduated from the University of Oregon with a BS in Journalism. He has been married to his wife Colleen for 45 years and has two adult sons and three granddaughters.