SEAA Names Person of the Year, Lifetime Achievement Recipients

July 8, 2020 (Winston-Salem, N.C.) David Deem, President of Deem Structural Services, Longview, Texas, and Bob Beckner, retired Senior VP of Peterson Beckner Industries, Inc., Dallas, Texas were recently honored by the Steel Erectors Association of America.
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Deem was named SEAA’s 2019 Person of the Year, and Beckner, who recently stepped down from the SEAA Board of Directors in anticipation of retirement, was honored with a Lifetime Achievement award.

“David Deem is a strong advocate for the advanced of industry quality and safety standards. In addition to work with our organization, he also actively works to educate personnel through AISC and NISD programs,”
said Tom Underhill, Executive Director.

Among the technical publications he has assisted in writing are the Detailing Steel for Value and Safety and Detailing Guide for the Enhancement of Erection Safety.

In addition, he has been a featured speaker representing steel erectors at the North America Steel Conference.

Deem has been active in SEAA since 1995, and served on the Board of Directors at various times. He is currently the Vice President, Industry representative. “David Deem is a man of few words, but when he speaks, he is insightful and direct,” said Underhill.

Founded in 2013, Deem Structural Services is an AISC Advanced Certified Steel Erector. Previously, Deem operated Deem Steel Erectors, East Texas Erectors, and was Vice President of Operations for Peterson-Beckner Industries.

Bob Beckner, recipient of a Lifetime Achievement award, served on the SEAA Board of Directors for 27 years. “Bob Beckner is a selfless man who has given countless hours to our industry and organization,” said Josh Cilley, President of American Steel & Precast Erectors. Beckner is a past president of SEAA and recipient of the William Davis Service Award. He has also served on numerous AISC committees over the years.

About Steel Erectors Association of America
Founded in 1972, SEAA is the only national trade association representing the interests of steel erectors, fabricators, contractors, and related service providers. The association promotes safety, education and training programs for steel erector trades, including its Ironworker Craft Training curriculum. The association works in partnership with other steel construction, design, and steel product organizations to protect the interests of those who construct steel structures. Learn more at www.seaa.net.