ROCHESTER, N.Y., Nov. 11, 2021 — Builders Exchange of Rochester President Aaron Hilger is leaving his position to become CEO of a national association, the organization announced today. Board Chairwoman Melissa Geska also announced that the board of directors is initiating a national search to find Hilger’s successor.
In January 2022, Aaron Hilger will become CEO of the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors’ National Association (SMACNA), a 3,600-member national organization with operations in all 50 states and in the Canadian provinces. His last day at Builders Exchange, which he has led since 2003, will be Dec. 31, 2021.
“Leaving the Builders Exchange after 18 years is bittersweet but the chance to take on the president role at SMACNA is a once in a lifetime opportunity,” Hilger said. “My top priority has always been to help build a great construction industry, which we have achieved locally thanks to the support, dedication and guidance of the board, our staff, our members and our partners. I now have the opportunity to further grow the construction industry, but on a much broader scale.”
“All of us on the board of directors are excited for the next chapter of Aaron’s career and we congratulate him on his new role,” said Melissa Geska, board chairwoman. “Builders Exchange has experienced tremendous growth in membership, partner collaboration, staff and global recognition under Aaron’s leadership. He will be greatly missed, but thanks to what Aaron has helped build, we are well positioned for continued growth under our next Executive Director.”
Geska added that the board of directors has engaged a search firm to find the organization’s next leader, and that, while it will be conducted on a national basis, the initial focus will be on local talent.
About Builders Exchange of Rochester With more than 600 members and affiliates and their related 12,000 employees, Builders Exchange of Rochester (robex.com) is committed to investment in the western and central New York region. Since its founding in 1888, the Builders Exchange advocates for the construction industry, negotiates public policy and labor agreements, helps secure funding for local projects, offers workforce development and safety training courses, facilitates the public and online planrooms, and keeps its membership informed of construction information, news and discount programs. Representing the key leaders in the commercial, industrial, and governmental construction industries through its Board and membership, the Builders Exchange is devoted to seeing the local economy grow, and with it the sustainable growth of its built environment.
