Mechanical Contractors select first woman president

Real Estate Weekly, August 4, 2004

The Mechanical Contractors Association of Chicago has selected Kathy McCauley as the first woman President of their board.

She was inducted as President at the MCA's annual meeting on June 4, at the Peninsula Hotel in downtown Chicago. Ms. McCauley is Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of McCauley Mechanical Construction, Inc., Bridgeview, Ill.

"This is a wonderful honor," said Ms. McCauley. "I've grown up seeing my family's involvement in this organization and all the friendships that resulted. I look forward to working with the Association's helpful staff." Established in 1888, the Mechanical Contractors Association of Chicago is the voice of the union mechanical contracting industry in Chicago, serving area firms engaged in the installation of heating, ventilating, air-conditioning and process piping.

The Association provides a variety of services to its members, from labor relations and communications to educational seminars and programs to government affairs and engineering services, and more.

McCauley, 42, holds a bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering and a master's degree in Construction Management. As a fourth-generation leader in the mechanical contracting industry--and also a working mother--she would love to see her daughter, Kallie, 13, continue the family legacy someday.

Mechanical contracting, like most construction-oriented trades, is a predominately male industry, and Ms. McCauley has this advice for women thinking about entering the field. "You don't have to change your personality," she said.

"Don't feel you have to overcompensate or take on an edge to prove yourself. Just be yourself and never discount the fact that you are a woman.

"Do your best work and take pride in what you do. Mechanical contracting is a great industry with many exciting options.

"I enjoy my career and look forward to going to work every day."