SMART general president to retire

International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers (SMART) General President Joseph Nigro is retiring, effective on April 30.

Nigro is stepping down from his position in order to focus on recovering from a series of recent surgeries.

“I have committed my heart and mind to accomplishing the goals we have set, but my health has taken me in a direction I did not anticipate,” Nigro said in a letter to union leaders. “Unfortunately, I have been unable to recover to a level I expect of myself as your general president — the level of effort the members deserve.”

Nigro is a career sheet metal worker from Local Union 17 in Boston. He has served at general president since July 2011.

“I am grateful to our members for the steadfast support they have given me in merging our two great organizations,” Nigro said. “I have every confidence we have collectively built a team of International and Local Union leaders who can get the job done for the membership.”

The SMART General Executive Council unanimously voted March 12 to appoint General Secretary-Treasurer Joseph Sellers Jr. to fill the position of general president and Chief of Staff Richard McClees to fill the position of general secretary-treasurer.