Brian Gallagher, vice-president of marketing for Greenville based O’Neal Inc., has been elected 2017 chairman of the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) of the Carolinas, representing more than 1,800 member firms in North and South Carolina.
“(The year) 2017 has the potential to be a great year for the construction industry in the Carolinas,” said Gallagher. “ABC will continue to support member companies through education, workforce development and training opportunities, and networking events. We are committed to being a positive voice for the construction industry in our schools and community – providing students with exposure to construction career opportunities, leading community service initiatives, and working with state and national elected officials on critical issues for the construction industry.”
Executive members and directors are:
Chair: Brian Gallagher, O’Neal Inc.
Vice-chair: Casie Sears Kerr, Sears Contract
Treasurer, national board: Tom Headlee, Watson Electrical Construction
Past chair: Eric Perkinson, Brasfield & Gorrie
President: Doug Carlson, ABC of the Carolinas
CECA liason: Scott Colter, Colter Electric Company
Directors: Ken Peeples, BB&T Insurance; Art Odem, David Allen Company (national ABC board); Jeff Whtten, Starr Electric; Dave Knudson, Choate Construction Company; Kurt Eyring, Miller-Valentine Group; Ryan Wathen, Rodgers (national board); Chris Moore, Carolina Power; Robert Beale, W.M. Jordan Company; Derek Lanning, Miles-McClellan Construction; and Steve Smith, Smith Terry & Johnson Construction Law.
“Most importantly, ABC will continue to promote the merit-shop construction philosophy – which encourages open competition and a free enterprise approach that awards contracts based solely on merit, regardless of labor affiliation,” Gallagher said.
President and CEO Doug Carlson said ABC is the only construction industry association that represents the entire construction team – general contractors, specialty contractors, suppliers, industry professionals – with an equal voice.
