WASHINGTON, DC  Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) announces that Shon Smith, Prefabrication Manager at ACI Mechanical, Inc. in Ames, Iowa, has been named ABC's first Young Professional of the Year. Smith was among three finalists for the award chosen based on their career achievement, leadership, and vision for future industry enhancement from a field of more than 100 nominations.

"Shon is a product of the opportunity our industry affords those who are willing to put in the effort to pursue their dreams and ABC is proud to honor Shon for his commitment to his craft and to promoting a positive image of the construction industry," said ABC Vice President of Environment, Health, Safety and Workforce Development Greg Sizemore. "Through his recruitment efforts of top industry talent at Iowa high schools, involvement with ABC's University of Northern Iowa student chapter and work with apprentices, Shon plays an important role in developing the industry's future skilled workforce. Along with the strong field of Young Professional of the Year nominees, Shon is the embodiment of the bright future of the merit shop construction industry in Iowa and across the country."

ABC's Young Professional program was founded in 2014 and aims to shape the future of the construction industry by supporting the growth of professionals under the age of 40 who are employed by ABC member companies. The field of more than 100 nominees included nominees from 47 ABC chapters and more than 80 member companies.

In addition to his role at ACI Mechanical, Smith, a veteran of the U.S. Navy and past Sailor of the Quarter for the Pacific Fleet, is a Wingman for the Folds of Honor Foundation. Smith has spent 12 years in the construction industry, beginning as a Sheet Metal Apprentice, and is a past gold medal winner of the National Craft Championships (NCC) sheet metal competition (2008).

Smith also serves on the following ABC National and ABC of Iowa committees:

Vice Chair & Project Manager, NCC Committee
Trustee, ABC of Iowa Apprenticeship Trust
Project Manager, ABC of Iowa's Craft Championships Task Force
ABC of Iowa Continuing Education Task Force
ABC of Iowa Facilities Task Force

Smith was recognized during ABC's 2015 Leadership Week Conference in San Diego, California.