Photo courtesy Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC)
Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) announced that Stephanie Schmidt-Lehmann—2022 chair of the ABC board of directors and former president of Poole Anderson Construction, based in State College, Pa.—has been named executive vice-president of industry relations and member value. In this role, Schmidt-Lehmann will bring leadership, vision, and strategic thinking to ensure the association delivers on its value proposition for its 68 chapters, 22,000 member companies, and the overall construction industry.
Schmidt-Lehmann will develop programs and services that help ABC members win and deliver work safely, ethically, and profitably while creating and deploying an effective business development strategy. She will lead ABC’s communications, events, strategic partners, member services, and marketing teams, as well as its inclusion, diversity, and merit initiatives.
“With more than 40 years of experience in construction management, design build, and general contracting services in leadership positions from business development to operations, [Schmidt-Lehmann] will provide valued expertise and insights to the ABC team, our stakeholders, and the industry at large,” says Michael Bellaman, ABC president and CEO. “ABC is delighted to welcome a veteran construction leader to the helm of our industry relations, member value, and IDM initiatives so that ABC can deliver even better solutions to move the industry forward.”
At Poole Anderson Construction, an ABC-accredited quality contractor that has attained the highest level of achievement in ABC’s STEP Safety Management System, Schmidt-Lehmann was responsible for formulating the strategic direction and oversight of day-to-day company performance, servicing sectors such as higher education, healthcare, hospitality, and multifamily residential. With Poole Anderson Construction since 1999, Schmidt-Lehmann also served as vice-president of business development, vice-president of operations, and executive vice- president. She was named one of the 2022 Construction Champions Industry Veterans by Construction Dive and one of the 2021 Top 9 Outstanding Women in Construction by Construction Business Owner.
“ABC is my passion, and I am proud to have been involved in this association at the local and national level for nearly 25 years,” says Schmidt-Lehmann. “To now serve the industry that has given me so much opportunity is the honor of a lifetime. I understand what is important to industry leaders and look forward to using my experiences and leadership to collaborate with them and build strong partnerships. Quality is infused throughout every aspect of what ABC delivers and I am excited to advance the association’s strategic goals.”
