Leading Through Collaboration: Working with Local Code Officials to Increase Market Opportunities
Tuesday, February 17 | 11:00 a.m.. – 12:00 p.m.
Effective leadership in the construction industry requires more than technical expertise—it demands strong relationships with those responsible for interpreting and enforcing the rules that shape our built environment. This session explores how construction professionals can take a proactive, collaborative approach in working with building code officials to influence code development, improve enforcement practices, and drive safer, more sustainable outcomes.
Speakers:
Dennis Moran
SMART Local Union 265
Dennis Moran is a recognized leader with more than 40 years of expertise in the HVACR industry, known for bringing technical excellence, practical insight, and forward-thinking solutions to every project and organization he supports. His deep industry engagement includes active affiliations with NFPA, ACCA, SMACNA, and the International Training Institute, where he contributes to advancing safety, standards, and contractor performance nationwide.
A committed advocate for workforce development, Dennis serves on the Technology Center of DuPage HVAC Advisory Committee, helping shape the next generation of skilled technicians. He also brings his experience to public service as a valued member of the DuPage County Zoning Board of Appeals, applying his industry knowledge to support responsible community growth.
Respected for his leadership, credibility, and decades of hands-on experience, Dennis continues to be a driving force in elevating HVACR professionalism and education.
Joe Carone
SMART Local Union 265
Craig Reehten
NEMI
After serving in the Navy for a decade, Craig Reehten found a career in sheet metal, entering the apprenticeship at Sheet Metal Workers Local 36’s training center in his hometown of St. Louis in 2004.
Following his apprenticeship, Reehten worked as a foreperson and testing, adjusting and balancing (TAB) technician, superintendent and supervisor for local contractors. In 2009, soon after his apprenticeship graduation, he joined Local 36’s training staff as a part-time instructor, a position he held until becoming a full-time instructor in 2017. At the beginning of 2021, he also took on the role of vice president of Local 36.
In addition to his TAB work in training and on the jobsite, Reehten served on Local 36’s Fire Life Safety Legislation Task Force and presented the fundamentals of fire life safety to the Fire Marshals’ Association of Missouri, St. Charles County code officials, Metro West Fire Protection District and Wentzville code officials, among others.
Reehten earned an associate degree from Southwestern Illinois College and maintains many industry certifications, including ICB-accredited certifications in TAB as well as a Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) with the American Welding Society and Accredited Test Facility Welding Supervisor credentials.
In the fall of 2021, Reehten accepted the position of field staff representative and TAB specialist with the International Training Institute (ITI), the education arm of the International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation (SMART) workers. Four years later, he moved into his current position as administrator for the National Energy Management Institute (NEMI), a not-for-profit organization that works with public and government organizations as well as private companies to make buildings safer and healthier while improving energy efficiency.