Contractors Hot Line is part of the Catalyst Communications Network publication family.
Contractors Hot Line is part of the Catalyst Communications Network publication family.
In recognition of Women in Construction Week, which takes place March 2-8, 2025, the Steel Erectors Association of America (SEAA) has named 17 women as part of its Steel Strong Women in Construction campaign.
Among them, seven have been selected as “Legacy Builders” and will be highlighted in SEAA’s social media campaign during the first week of March.
All nominees will also be honored at SEAA’s 2025 Convention & Trade Show, scheduled for May 6-9 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Candidates were evaluated based on their professional achievements, contributions to their teams, leadership or mentorship roles, community involvement and personal attributes.
“Each woman nominated is exceptional in her own right,” John Hughes, director of business development for Industrial Training International and a member of the SEAA Marketing Committee said.
“Their stories of perseverance and accomplishments are inspiring.”
Beverly Dolin, regional sales manager for Nelson Stud Welding and one of this year’s honorees, reflected on her 37-year journey in the industry.
“Thank you for encouraging women in construction. Hopefully, someday, our stories won’t be such an anomaly,” Dolin said.
“I began my career as a secretary — back when that title still 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.”
Dolin credited Nelson Stud Welding for providing her the opportunity to pursue her ambitions. For many years, she was the sole female field representative for the company.
Today, she holds the distinction of being the first woman to attain the western region sales manager position within her business unit.
Tammy Dean, chief financial officer at Gardner-Watson Decking in Oldsmar, Florida, and a member of the SEAA Marketing Committee, emphasized the importance of raising awareness about career opportunities for women in steel construction.
“Our goal with this project is to provide greater visibility to the career paths women are taking in steel construction,” Dean said.
“It was especially interesting to see the wide variety of roles these women are filling within the industry.”
To mark the campaign’s launch, SEAA selected a logo designed by Dani Carville, safety coordinator for SEAA member company S.L. Chasse Steel in Hudson, New Hampshire.
The logo will be 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, vice president of purchasing, Cooper Steel
• Marta Amador, Hodges Erectors, Inc.
• Amanda Long, senior vice president, industrial, Industrial Training International*
• Nicki Cole, vice president and chief financial officer, 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 U.S., Nelson Stud Welding, Inc.
• Kate Franquet, CRIS, senior safety and 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, certified welder, Pioneer Construction*
• Maria Soldano, ironworker/crew leader, Shelby Erectors, Inc.