Lee Ann Slattery takes the helm at MCA

By Emma Peterson. 

Learn how she and the MCA team are advocating for the industry amid a complex business landscape. 

Recently, Lee Ann Slattery of ATAS was welcomed as the first female chair holder in the Metal Construction Association (MCA)’s history. Lee Ann brings over two decades of industry experience and a passion for advocacy that is sure to fuel MCA’s mission of amplifying the collective voice of metal professionals. 

This prioritization of advocacy will be especially important in the current business environment, which economist Alex Chausovsky described as “changing from a state of uncertainty to a state of complexity.” These complexities that Alex references include everything from rapidly evolving geopolitics to the decentralized regulatory environment.  

With reduced federal government involvement and changes in administrative policy, state legislators and regulatory agencies are likely to become more active in setting regulations. 

How does the MCA and its prioritization of advocacy help us navigate this? Jeff Henry, the executive director of the Metal Construction Association, explained in an article for April 2026 edition of Metal Construction News: 

With reduced federal government involvement and changes in administrative policy, state legislators and regulatory agencies are likely to become more active in setting regulations...[Those are sectors where] an active, engaged voice [is key] to ensure the continuation of policies that directly benefit and strengthen the industry.  

Being that voice is the vital role MCA plays. Their advocacy takes many forms, including their partnership with the National Roofing Contractors Association’s (NRCA) National Roofing Day, advocation for immigration reform, involvement in Pell Grant fundraising and more! And with Lee Ann’s recent appointment as chair, we can only look forward to the other ways that MCA will be advocating for a business climate that their members can succeed in.  

Want to learn more about what MCA is up to? Read Jeff Henry’s entire article from the April 2026 edition of Metal Construction News.