Committees
Empowering Industry Leaders to Collaborate, Innovate, and Drive Change Together
Discover ABC SoCal Committees
Welcome to the hub of collaboration, innovation, and leadership at ABC Southern California! Our committees are the backbone of our organization, bringing together passionate members to shape the future of our industry. Whether you're looking to champion safety, influence policy, foster workforce development, or connect with like-minded professionals, there's a committee for you.
Joining a committee is your chance to:
- Network with Industry Leaders: Build connections that will elevate your career and your business.
- Make an Impact: Collaborate on meaningful projects that shape the construction industry and promote the merit shop philosophy.
- Share Your Expertise: Contribute your unique insights to drive innovation and excellence across key initiatives.
Explore our committees below to find your fit and start making a difference today. Together, we can achieve more for our members, our workforce, and our industry.
Alumni Committee
- Staff Liaison: Kris Georgeson
- Email Kris
The Alumni Committee is devoted to building and nurturing a vibrant, connected, and supportive network of graduates. By fostering lasting relationships between alumni, current students, and the institution, the committee creates opportunities to celebrate achievements, encourage professional growth, and contribute to the ongoing success of all members. Through meaningful engagement, the Alumni Committee strengthens the community and ensures the legacy of excellence continues to thrive.
Key Initiatives of the Alumni Committee:
- Organize networking events to connect alumni with peers, current students, and industry professionals.
- Celebrate the accomplishments of graduates through recognition programs and alumni spotlights.
- Develop mentorship opportunities to support students and young professionals in their career paths.
- Provide platforms for alumni to share insights, experiences, and expertise with the community.
- Facilitate professional development opportunities to help alumni grow and adapt in their careers.
- Strengthen ties between alumni and the institution through regular updates, events, and communication.
- Encourage alumni involvement in institution programs, events, and philanthropic efforts.
- Create a sense of pride and belonging among alumni through shared experiences and community-building initiatives.
Craft Championships Committee
- Chair: Rod Wiederspahn
- Staff Liaison: Klarissa Rose
- Email Klarissa
- Website
The Craft Championships Committee is committed to advancing workforce development and training in the construction industry. This group of skilled professionals takes the lead in organizing and designing the annual Craft Championships competition, a premier event that celebrates craftsmanship, promotes excellence, and inspires the next generation of construction talent. By showcasing the skills and dedication of industry professionals, the committee highlights the value of training and the opportunities available within the trades.
Key Initiatives of the Craft Championships Committee:
- Competition Design: Develop and oversee the format, challenges, and criteria for the local Craft Championships competition.
- Workforce Development: Promote opportunities for training and skill-building within the construction industry.
- Showcase Excellence: Highlight the talents and dedication of craft professionals through a high-profile event.
- Engage Industry Partners: Collaborate with contractors, educators, and industry leaders to support and enhance the competition.
- Inspire the Next Generation: Encourage participation from apprentices and trainees to foster growth and interest in the trades.
- Event Planning: Coordinate the logistics of the annual competition, ensuring a seamless and impactful experience for participants and attendees.
- Promote Industry Awareness: Use the competition as a platform to raise awareness about career opportunities in the construction trades.
- Celebrate Achievements: Recognize and reward the outstanding performances of participants, reinforcing the importance of craftsmanship and training.
DELTA Task Force
- Chair: Brett Wright
- Staff Liaison: Kris Georgeson
- Email Kris
The DELTA Task Force is dedicated to creating opportunities for individuals with different abilities and talents to thrive in skilled trade careers. Inspired by the personal experiences of staff and members, the task force addresses the unique challenges faced by differently-abled individuals in entering and succeeding in the trades. Through innovative training programs, inclusive hiring practices, and industry partnerships, the DELTA Task Force aims to foster a more diverse and equitable workforce that reflects the values of the merit shop philosophy.
Key Initiatives of the DELTA Task Force:
- Develop and implement training programs focused on safety that are tailored to the needs and strengths of differently -abled individuals.
- Partner with contractors to promote inclusive hiring practices across the industry.
- Raise awareness about the benefits of a diverse workforce through education and outreach efforts.
- Provide mentorship and support to young adults entering the trades to ensure their long-term success.
- Identify and address barriers to employment for differently-abled individuals in the construction industry.
- Collaborate with community organizations to connect potential apprentices with training opportunities.
- Advocate for policies and programs that promote workforce inclusivity and accessibility.
- Celebrate success stories of individuals and companies leading the way in inclusive trade practices.
Electrical Certification Training Committee
- Chair: David Crowell
- Staff Liaison: Kris Georgeson
- Email Kris
- Website
The Electrical Certification Training Committee is dedicated to shaping the next generation of skilled professionals by guiding training programs that prepare Electrical Trainees for real-world success. This committee provides a platform for members to influence training initiatives, share insights, and ensure programs align with industry needs and standards. Together, we strengthen the workforce and advance opportunities for craft professionals.
Here’s how you can contribute as a committee member:
- Ensure Electrical Trainees receive high-quality training that prepares them for successful careers in the electrical field.
- Play an active role in shaping the direction and content of training programs.
- Stay informed with reports and updates from the State level to align training with industry regulations and standards.
- Support the development of field training to bridge the gap between classroom learning and on-the-job experience.
- Actively participate to make a meaningful impact on the future of the electrical workforce.
- Build valuable connections with other industry professionals and stakeholders.
Electrical Unilateral Apprenticeship Committee
- Chair: Tad San Nicolas
- Staff Liaison: Kris Georgeson
- Email Kris
- Website
The Electrical Unilateral Apprenticeship Committee plays a vital role in shaping the future of the electrical workforce. By fostering collaboration, education, and industry engagement, this committee empowers members to contribute to the growth and success of the Merit Shop philosophy while ensuring the workforce is prepared to meet evolving challenges.
Here’s why joining the committee is a valuable opportunity:
- Get involved on curriculum/training points to benefit your workforce.
- Strengthen the Merit shop and free enterprise.
- Learn how ABC is run and help improve the program to benefit your membership.
- Benefit from networking within other in the industry and build relationships.
- Have input on training topics or continue education classes needed.
- Give back to the electrical community.
- Input on ABC rules and regs.
- Discussions on trending industry changes and effects they have on education.
- In classroom observation to learn what the classroom experience is like for your workforce.
- Early insight on upcoming ABC events.
- Updates on government affairs regarding the electrical community.
- See the value your monthly / yearly fees create. (help support)
- Obtain information on future PLA votes affecting projects / districts / cities.
- Learn more about what ABC offers to subscribing employers.
- Help prepare and shape the upcoming workforce for success.
Foremanship Academy Task Force
- Chair: David Crowell
- Staff Liaison: Kris Georgeson
- Email Kris
- Website
The Foremanship Academy Task Force is committed to preparing the next generation of foremen to lead with confidence, skill, and excellence in the construction industry. By developing a robust curriculum focused on leadership, technical expertise, and project management, the task force addresses the growing need for specialized training and workforce readiness. Through collaboration with industry experts and ongoing evaluation, the Foremanship Academy ensures that aspiring foremen are equipped to meet the highest standards of safety, quality, and efficiency on job sites
Key Initiatives of the Foremanship Academy Task Force:
- Design and continuously refine a comprehensive curriculum tailored to the demands of foreman leadership.
- Equip participants with the technical skills and knowledge needed to manage teams and oversee projects effectively.
- Emphasize leadership development, including communication, decision-making, and conflict resolution skills.
- Provide hands-on training and real-world scenarios to prepare participants for challenges in the field.
- Foster collaboration between educators, industry leaders, and practitioners to ensure curriculum relevance.
- Support workforce readiness by bridging the gap between current industry needs and the available talent pool.
- Offer mentorship opportunities to guide participants through their leadership journey.
- Highlight the importance of safety, quality assurance, and efficiency in every aspect of foreman training.
- Create a lasting framework for leadership development that advances the construction industry.
Government Affairs Committee
- Chair: James Kerr
- Staff Liaison: Russell Johnson
- Email Russell
- Website
The Government Affairs Committee is dedicated to advancing the merit shop philosophy and promoting free enterprise through strategic political advocacy. By actively engaging with policymakers, monitoring legislation, and mobilizing members, the committee ensures the voice of the construction industry is heard on critical issues. Through its efforts, the Government Affairs Committee protects the interests of ABC members and promotes a fair, open market that benefits the industry and the broader economy.
Key Initiatives of the Government Affairs Committee:
- Policy Advocacy: Work with policymakers to support legislation that upholds the principles of merit shop and free enterprise.
- Legislative Monitoring: Stay informed about local, state, and federal legislation affecting the construction industry.
- Member Mobilization: Encourage member engagement through grassroots advocacy campaigns and participation in legislative processes.
- Political Action Committee (PAC): Support candidates and initiatives that align with ABC’s values and industry priorities.
- Educational Outreach: Inform members about the impact of political decisions on their businesses and the construction industry.
- Issue Campaigns: Lead targeted campaigns to address pressing industry challenges, such as project labor agreements (PLAs) and regulatory burdens.
- Community Engagement: Build relationships with other like-minded organizations to strengthen advocacy efforts.
- Event Participation: Host and participate in events such as legislative days, fundraisers, and forums to amplify the industry’s voice.
Membership Committee
- Chair: Ken Marargee
- Staff Liaison: Lisa Rockefeller
- Email Lisa
- Website
The Committee supports the ABC strategic goal to continuously grow and deliver value to a diverse and committed membership. Utilizing a grassroots approach, the Membership Committee creates a relationship with members built on principles of high trust and collaboration to deliver useful membership development products and services as determined by chapter need and in a data-driven, strategic manner.
Here’s how the Membership Committee achieves its mission through focused initiatives:
- Create and implement a plan to drive member retention.
- Create and implement a plan to drive new membership.
- Identify and help deploy events that provide ROI to members.
- Promote events and member attendance.
- Identify and help establish relationships with like-minded associations.
- Develop and implement a plan to help and promote participation in STEP, AQC and EIC.
Multilateral Apprenticeship Committee
- Chair: Tatton Kilmer
- Staff Liaison: Kris Georgeson
- Email Kris
- Website
The Multilateral Apprenticeship Committee is committed to developing and maintaining top-tier apprenticeship programs that prepare individuals for successful careers in the construction industry. By fostering collaboration between contractors, educators, and industry leaders, the committee ensures that training programs align with workforce demands, uphold industry standards, and support the growth of the next generation of skilled professionals.
Here’s how the committee works to shape the future of the workforce:
- Shape the next generation of the workforce by guiding and influencing apprenticeship programs that create skilled professionals for the construction industry.
- Collaborate on curriculum design and ensure training aligns with industry needs and future workforce demands.
- Promote hands-on learning experiences that empower apprentices to succeed in real-world scenarios.
- Advocate for the merit shop philosophy by fostering equal opportunities for apprentices from diverse backgrounds.
- Stay informed on legislative and industry updates to ensure apprenticeship programs remain compliant and effective.
- Build partnerships with contractors, educators, and industry leaders to strengthen training initiatives.
- Mentor and support apprentices as they progress through their educational and career journeys.
- Help develop pathways for career advancement, ensuring apprentices have opportunities to grow and thrive in their trades.
- Support the growth of the next generation of skilled professionals in the Plumbing, Sheet Metal, and Low voltage trades.
Safety Committee
- Chair: Mark Milne
- Staff Liaison: Eric Glover
- Email Eric
- Website
The mission of the ABC Safety Committee is to educate, motivate, and inspire our members to prioritize and implement best-in-class safety practices. By fostering a culture of continuous learning, we aim to empower individuals and organizations to proactively address safety, ensuring every workplace is safe, compliant, and prepared for future challenges.
Committee Projects
- Safety Community Platform
Develop an interactive platform where members can share insights, access resources, and discuss safety challenges. The goal is to build a collaborative space for continuous improvement in safety standards across the industry.
- ABC Newsletter & Awards
Updating format of the newsletter to keep members informed on the latest safety practices, updates, and success stories. Recognize and celebrate outstanding safety achievements through awards, highlighting individuals and organizations that excel in commitment to workplace safety.
- Safety Summit 2025
Host a flagship event focused on bringing together industry experts, thought leaders, and members to discuss current trends, safety technology, mental health, and other key topics. The Safety Summit 2025 will serve as a hub for learning, networking, and exploring innovative safety solutions for the future.
Student Advisory Committee
- Chair: Nichole Jacubinas
- Staff Liaison: Aaron Viveros
- Email Aaron
The Student Advisory Committee serves as the voice of the student body, advocating for the diverse needs and interests of students while fostering a supportive and inclusive community. By promoting collaboration, peer support, and active engagement, the committee ensures every student feels heard, valued, and empowered throughout their educational journey. Dedicated to giving back, the Student Advisory Committee strengthens connections between students and the broader community through impactful initiatives and outreach.
Key Initiatives of the Student Advisory Committee:
- Advocacy and Representation: Serve as a bridge between students and leadership, ensuring student concerns and perspectives are addressed.
- Community Building: Create an inclusive and supportive environment that encourages collaboration and mutual respect.
- Peer Support Programs: Facilitate mentorship and peer networks to help students navigate academic and professional challenges.
- Community Outreach: Organize donation drives, volunteer efforts, and events to give back to local communities and foster goodwill.
- Leadership Development: Empower students to take active roles in shaping their academic and professional futures.
- Enrichment Activities: Plan events and initiatives that enhance the student experience and promote engagement.
- Open Communication Channels: Provide platforms for students to voice their ideas, challenges, and feedback.
Young Professional Committee
- Chair: Seth Walston
- Staff Liaison: Luke Hobbs
- Email Luke
The Young Professional Committee empowers emerging leaders under 40 to grow personally, professionally, and within their communities. By offering a platform for networking, mentorship, and career advancement, the committee supports the next generation of professionals in achieving their goals and making a meaningful impact on the industry. Through leadership, collaboration, and service, the Young Professional Committee cultivates a vibrant and inclusive community dedicated to inspiring positive change and innovation.
Key Initiatives of the Young Professional Committee:
- Networking Opportunities: Host events that connect young professionals with industry leaders, peers, and mentors.
- Career Development: Provide resources, workshops, and training to help members advance in their careers.
- Leadership Development: Equip members with the tools and skills needed to take on leadership roles in their organizations and beyond.
- Diversity and Inclusion: Foster an inclusive environment that welcomes professionals from all backgrounds and perspectives.
- Innovation and Inspiration: Promote creativity and forward-thinking approaches to address challenges and seize opportunities in the industry.