The Steel Framing Alliance (SFA) today announced that Larry W. Williams has resigned as president of the SFA, and will leave the organization on Monday, September 1, 2008 in order to join the International Iron and Steel Institute (IISI) in Brussels, Belgium, as General Manager, Market Development and Sustainability.

As president of SFA for the past five years, Williams has led the steel framing industry’s market development efforts in both the residential and commercial markets in the United States and Canada. “Larry has done a tremendous job leading SFA and he certainly will be missed,” said Don Moody, Chairman of the SFA Board and General Manager, Light Gauge Framing Development, NUCONSTEEL. He added, “Larry understood the changing market dynamics of the industry and in recent years managed a transition of the organization’s focus from trade association activities to product management and marketing initiatives.”

During his tenure at SFA, Larry led advancements in the competitiveness of steel framing through insurance discounts and technical initiatives, as well as implementation of the industry’s technical field marketing program. Also during this time, SFA membership grew from 300 to 1,500 architects, engineers, builders, contractors, distributors, stud and component fabricators, tool and equipment manufacturers, steel producers, and zinc producers.

Larry was also a key member of the industry’s Post-Katrina hurricane response program, and developed collaborative relationships with other organizations and government agencies ranging from structured partnerships, cooperative agreements, and industry consolidations.

“The SFA and steel framing industry is in a better competitive position today than it was just a few years ago, and I know that under the leadership of the SFA board that the steel framing industry will remain on track for significant growth in this ever changing marketplace,” said Williams. “While I am looking forward to a new challenge, I am proud to have had the opportunity to be closely involved in the evolution and growth of this industry.”

“The industry remains committed to supporting the home builder and commercial and residential market developers as they search for new approaches to construction,” said David C. Jeanes, President, American Iron and Steel Institute’s (AISI) Steel Market Development Institute.
A search for Williams’ replacement will begin immediately. In the interim, a team comprised of AISI senior management and representatives of SFA’s Board of Directors will work with the SFA staff to ensure smooth operations while a search for the new president is underway.
For more information, contact the Steel Framing Alliance at (202) 785-2022 or visit www.steelframing.org.

Source: Steel Framing Alliance, August 7, 2008