Focusing on Issues that Affect Contractors and Customers

About AAF/OASA

Who We Are and Where We Originated

Today we are known as the Outdoor Aluminum Structures Association. The original founding member had the awareness to create an association at the county level out of necessity and see it grow into a state association with a 50-year plan. As a 50-year-old association, our Board of Directors was tasked with predicting the future and laying out a plan to guide this association for the next 50 years.

We established the 2075 Committee to assist in the future goals and directions of the Association.

The devoted members were as follows:

Dennis Loughren, President
Greg Miller, 1st Vice President
Jeff Briar, 2nd Vice President
Dale Howerton, Treasurer
Richard Puls, Secretary
John Meyer, Immediate Past President (De Facto)
Kelsey Leggett, Executive Administrator

2075 Committee
Don Leggett, Chairman
Tom Johnston
Bill Feeley

Assist
John Meyer, Ethics Chair
Shawn Brown, UMDA Chair

Tracing the Evolution of the Aluminum Association of Florida as a Leading Industry Advocate

The Aluminum Association of Florida traces its origins to Pinellas County, born out of necessity after the St. Petersburg and Pinellas County Building Departments decided to stop issuing building permits. Ten men representing their respective companies met in May 1974 and decided to contribute $50 each towards hiring Edward O’Dell to do the necessary aluminum engineering. After it was complete and the men were back in business, they decided to form the Aluminum Association of Florida with Gerald Rehm as their first President.

Since its inception in 1974, the Association has evolved into a vital force in the industry, championing technical expertise and advocating for regulatory advancements.

From its Grassroots Beginnings in May 1974 the Aluminum Association of Florida has been driven by a commitment to industry excellence. After successfully navigating challenges and resuming operations, these founding members, under the leadership of Gerald Rehm, established the AAF to advocate for the aluminum sector’s interests.

Those Ten Founding Members Were:

Notably, the Association played a pivotal role in the creation of the Specialty Structure Contractor license category in the late 1980s, enabling contractors to operate statewide.

Recognizing the need for industry-specific regulations, the Association spearheaded wind tunnel research and presented findings to the Florida Building Commission, shaping the first version of the Florida Building Code in 2002.

In response to regulatory challenges in the early 2000s, the Association mobilized legal and legislative efforts, ultimately securing the passage of Senate Bill 404 in 2007, safeguarding the practice of “master file engineering” and preserving industry standards.

Past Presidents

2026 Association Officers

President
Dennis Loughren

First Vice President
Greg Miller

Second Vice President
Jeff Briar

Treasurer
Dale Howerton

Secretary
Nandy Trevino

Immediate Past President
Randy Davenport

Executive Admin
Kelsey Leggett

Code Consultant
Joe Belcher

Statute Lobbyist
Kari Hebrank

2026 Association Committees

Ethics Committee
John Meyers

Hospitality Committee
Nandy Trevino

Golf & Events
Gianina Ludwig

Membership Committee
John Nowokunski

Technical Committee
Eric Bahr

Hurricane Protection Committee
Tom Johnston: Chair
Bill Feeley: Co-chair

Government Affairs Committee
Andrew J. Gill Esq.

Fenestration Committee
Brent Hood

UMDA (AAF Suppliers)
Shawn Brown

Nominating Committee
Dennis Loughren, Eric Bahr, Joe Belcher, Al Beres, Gus Tarnowski

National Membership Consultant
Don Leggett

Huricane Forcast Consultant
David Dilley

2075 Committee
Don Leggett

What Our Members are Saying

Joining the Outdoor Aluminum Structure Association means aligning with the premier professional trade association representing aluminum contractors, fabricators, and businesses in the industry.

Our members are at the heart of everything we do, and their feedback speaks volumes. Here’s what some of our valued members have to say about their experience with the Aluminum Association of Florida.

Being part of the Outdoor Aluminum Structure Association has opened doors we never expected. We've connected with trusted contractors, gained valuable industry knowledge, and grown our customer base through member referrals. It's one of the smartest moves we've made for our business.

OASA has helped our team stay informed and competitive in a fast-changing industry. From code updates to best practices, the resources and events they provide are top-notch. We now feel more confident tackling large projects, knowing we have the support of a statewide network behind us.

Joining OASA has given our business more visibility and credibility. The association’s commitment to raising standards and promoting licensed professionals helps us stand out in a crowded market. We've built great relationships and gained trusted partners through OASA events.

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