SFA interim president named

Larry W. Williams has resigned as president of the Steel Framing Alliance, Washington, D.C., to join the International Iron and Steel Institute in Brussels, Belgium, as general manager of market development and sustainability. As president of the Steel Framing Alliance 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 board and general manager of light gauge framing development at NUCONSTEEL, Denton, Texas. “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.” Williams 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, the Steel Framing Alliance’s 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. Williams also was a key member of the industry’s post-Katrina hurricane response program and developed collaborative relationships with other organizations and government agencies. SFA’s board of directors has named Mark Nowak as interim president during the formal search for a new president. Nowak, working closely with SFA for several years and heading the technology and codes program since 2007, will take over daily operations and strategic initiatives. “Mark Nowak is highly qualified to assume the role of acting president, his industry knowledge as well as his long and valuable strategic relationship with the SFA will facilitate a very smooth leadership transition,” Moody said.