SEAA Names the 2025 Legacy Builders for its Steel Strong Women in Construction Campaign

In support of the 2025 Women in Construction Week (March 2-8, 2025), the Steel Erectors Association of America recognizes 17 women who were nominated by colleagues. In addition, seven were selected as “Legacy Builders,” who will be featured in the association’s social media campaign the first week of March.

All nominees will also be recognized during SEAA’s 2025 Convention & Trade Show, May 6-9, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Candidates were evaluated on their professional achievements, contributions to the team, leadership or mentorship, community involvement, and personal qualities. “Each woman nominated is exceptional in her own right,” said John Hughes, director of Business Development for Industrial Training International, and member of the SEAA Marketing Committee. “Their stories of perseverance and accomplishments are inspiring.”

Upon being notified of her nomination, Beverly Dolin, Regional Sales Manager for Nelson Stud Welding described her 37 years in the industry as an amazing adventure. “Thank you for encouraging women in construction. Hopefully someday, our stories won’t be such an anomaly,” she said.

She continued: “I began my career as a secretary (back when the title of secretary existed). As I advanced in administrative roles, I realized I wanted more—I wanted to be on site, walking scaffolding 100 feet in the air, watching rebar be tied. But it was the 1980s, and this was not a typical role for women,” she said.  Nelson Stud Welding gave her a chance to explore that dream. For many years she was the sole female field representative for the company. Today, she is the first female in the business unit to attain the Western Region Sales Manager position.

“Our goal with this project is to provide greater visibility to the career paths women are taking in steel construction. It was especially interesting to see the wide variety of roles these women are filling within the industry,” said Tammy Dean, Chief Financial Officer, Gardner-Watson Decking, Oldsmar, Florida, and member of the SEAA Marketing Committee.

To kick off the campaign, the SEAA Marketing Committee selected a logo designed by Dani Carville, Safety Coordinator for SEAA member-company S.L. Chasse Steel, Hudson, New Hampshire. The logo is featured on banners and hard hat stickers available to SEAA members.

2025 Steel Strong Women in Construction
*Legacy Builders

The Owners

• Sarah Long, Principal, Essential Perimeter Safety Systems*          
• Kelly Ketring, President, Premier Steel, Inc.*
• Patti Davis, President, Ropac, Inc.
• Jennifer Nix, Shelby Erectors, Inc.

The Executives

• Gina Hardison, VP of Purchasing, Cooper Steel
• Marta Amador, Hodges Erectors, Inc.
• Amanda Long, SVP, Industrial, Industrial Training International*
• Nicki Cole, Vice President & CFO, Piedmont Steel Company, LLC

The Managers

• Abby Stinson, Business Unit Manager-Projects, Cooper Steel
• Teri Harmon, Executive Assistant, Deem Structural Services
• Aly Hardy, Project Manager, Gardner-Watson Decking, Inc.
• Beverly Dolin, Regional Sales Manager, Western US, Nelson Stud Welding, Inc.
• Kate Franquet, CRIS, Senior Safety & Risk Manager, S&R Enterprises*

The Trades

• Ada Booras, Structural Ironworker, Welding Trainer, and Structural Steel Officer Engineering Intern, MAS Building & Bridge, Inc.*
  
• Johnna O’Gassian, Ironworker/Foreman, MAS Building & Bridge, Inc.*
• Audrey Terwilliger, Ironworker/Certified Welder, Pioneer Construction*
  
• Maria Soldano, Ironworker/Crew Leader, Shelby Erectors, Inc.