Focusing on Issues that Affect Contractors and Customers

About AAF

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

2025 Association Officers

President
Dennis Loughren

First Vice President
Greg Miller

Second Vice President
Jeff Brier

Treasurer
Dale Howerton

Secretary
Richard Puls

Immediate Past President
Randy Davenport

Executive Admin
Kelsey Leggett

Code Consultant
Joe Belcher

Statute Lobbyist
Kari Hebrank

2025 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
Mike Mobley

Government Affairs Committee
Andrew J. Gill Esq.

Fenestration Committee
Vacant

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 Leggit – Chair

What Our Members are Saying

Joining the Aluminum Association of Florida 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 Aluminum Association of Florida 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.

AAF 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 AAF 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 AAF events.

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