Rich McClees

Assistant to the General President, SMWIA

As the principal assistant to General President Mike Sullivan, Rich coordinates the day-to day activities of the office, working closely with the various Departments in the International. He deals with major policy and program issues affecting the operations of the union throughout the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. Prior to assuming his current position, he served as the SMWIA’s Chief International Representative overseeing the jurisdiction responsibilities of the union.

His wide range of experience as the Business Manager and Financial Secretary- Treasurer of Local 206 in San Diego has given him first-hand experience in contract negotiations, organizing, budgeting and representation of the membership in legislative and political activities related to labor issues. He began his career with the local as an apprentice instructor, then Business Representative and Training Coordinator for the San Diego JATC.

Rich’s industry experience in production work, sheet metal fabrication and installation of architectural sheet metal and kitchen equipment, plus supervisory experience in nuclear HVAC fabrication, HVAC system detailing and estimating, and HVAC fabrication and installation enhanced his ability to rise quickly in the sheet metal and air conditioning industry.

He has held numerous executive positions in the labor movement involving the building and construction trades, apprenticeship programs, health and pension programs, and property trust management.

Rich is a major participant on the industry’s Best Practices Marketing Committee and is a strong supporter of the labor-management initiatives, such as the Partnership Conference, to increase the industry’s market share of work.

Rich McClees

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