A Last Word

Dear Members and friends,

This is my final column for the STA monthly newsletter!

Effective January 3, 2023, I am retiring as the STA’s Executive Director after having served in this position for nearly a decade, and my successor, Felice Farber, will be stepping into the Executive Director’s position. I will remain in an advisory role to her and the STA Board of Directors until the end of February.  You will be hearing more from and about Felice Farber in the coming months and the plans that she has for moving the STA forward in 2023 and beyond.

It is a bittersweet decision for me to leave the STA after all of these years.  I have thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to serve you, the members, of our association.  However, there comes a time when one has to make the decision to move on and pass the leadership torch to the next generation.

From day one, I have been in awe of our STA members and the extraordinary work that you do in building the many construction projects that make New York City, the greatest city in the world.  Your commitment to delivering only the highest quality construction product, in a safe and efficient manner, is not matched anywhere else in the country.  STA contractors are simply the best that you can find in construction!

I had the opportunity to work with a committed and outstanding STA Board of Directors and Advisory Board since 2013.  I thank each and every member of these boards for their commitment, counsel and guidance over those many years.  The same is the case for those who have served on our various committees and unselfishly given their time and resources on behalf of New York City’s union subcontractor community.

I would especially like to thank the different STA Board Presidents with whom it has been an honor to serve during my tenure as STA Executive Director, including Jerry Liss, Bob Ansbro, Rob Weiss, Joe Leo, and Anthony Acerra.  The time and effort that each of these leaders put into their work as volunteer Presidents cannot be recognized enough and should not go unappreciated by our membership.

Finally, I must extend a heartfelt thank you to STA Senior Vice President Samantha Sweeney-Annarumma, a close colleague I have had the pleasure to work with during my entire service as Executive Director.  Sweeney’s professionalism and contributions to the operations of the STA cannot be overstated.  The STA is fortunate to have her continued service as the association moves forward with a new generation of leadership!

Again, it has been a pleasure and an honor to serve you the members of the STA over these past nine years.  I wish you and your families a happy and healthy holiday season and much success in 2023!

Sincerely,
Hank Kita
Executive Director, STA