Eddie Williams, CEO and chairman of Buckner Companies, Graham, N.C., (an AISC Member/Certified erector) was named Person of the Year by The Steel Erectors Association of America (SEAA) at its 44th annual convention and tradeshow in Charlotte-Concord, N.C.
“Eddie is our senior statesman, and his wise counsel and suggestions over the course of more than 60 years have shaped this association and the industry as we know it today,” said Alan Sears, awards chairman and banquet host.
Williams has worked to improve safety through his work with OSHA’s Steel Erection Negotiated Rulemaking Advisory Committee and the Cranes and Derricks in Construction Advisory Committee, Sears explained. He has pushed for fair competition and wages, quality control and productivity issues through active participation in AISC, Fabricators and Manufacturers Association (FMA) and other construction groups.
Upon receiving the Person of the Year award, Williams reflected: “Looking back, no one was speaking for the non-union ironworkers, the impetus behind SEAA. This association has come so far since then,” said Williams. “Thank you all for making this a first-class organization.”
In the 1950s, Williams began his career as a rod-buster for C.P. Buckner Steel Erection and eventually worked his way up to CEO. A founding member of the regional steel erector organization that was the precursor to SEAA, he has since served on the association’s Board of Directors for decades. Ten years ago he received the William Davis Service Award, the association’s highest honor. “I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t on the Board of Directors. It has been a very rewarding experience watching the association grow,” said Williams.