LONGVIEW, TX — The Steel Erectors Association of America (SEAA) names Drew Heron, Vice President of Operations for Deem Structural Services in Longview, Texas, and Jason McElrath, President of MP Specialty Insurance in West Columbia, South Carolina, as co-recipients of the 2026 Eddie Award. They received the award during the President’s Dinner at the 2026 Convention & Trade Show in Kansas City, Missouri.
Formerly known as the Person of the Year Award, the recognition was renamed to honor SEAA founding member Edward “Eddie” Williams. The award is presented annually to an individual who exemplifies dedicated service and a deep commitment to SEAA’s mission and values.
Heron joined the SEAA Board of Directors in 2020 and serves on the Executive and Events Committees while chairing the Awards Committee. He is widely recognized for leading the Project of the Year program and serving as master of ceremonies at SEAA's Convention & Trade Show. Colleagues praised his willingness to contribute wherever needed, as well as his representation of the association with professionalism, enthusiasm, and a sense of humor.
McElrath has been a member of SEAA since 1995 and has served on the Board of Directors since 2022. As Treasurer and Chair of the Finance Committee, McElrath provides financial oversight that helps ensure the long-term strength and stability of the association. Fellow members noted his steady leadership and willingness to work behind-the-scenes to keep the association financially strong.
“This year’s honorees embody what service should look like,” said Stephen Burkholder, former SEAA President and current Board Member. “They contribute not because of what they can gain for their companies, but because they genuinely want to make the steel construction industry better.
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“Drew took the initiative early in his career to become involved and has grown into one of SEAA’s most visible volunteer leaders. Jason was attending board meetings and offering thoughtful insight long before he was elected to the board, serving as a trusted sounding board on risk management and safety issues. Their selfless commitment to SEAA and our members makes them both deserving recipients of the Eddie Award.”
In addition to presenting The Eddie Award, SEAA also recognized Carrie Gulajan, President of Construction Insurance Agency, for decades of leadership. She received the William Davis Service Award.
