Shirley Named MCAA Pennsylvania State Chairman

Words: Mason ContractorsChristopher Shirley, masonry instructor at the Indiana County Technology Center (Indiana, Pa.), has been appointed to the position of MCAA Pennsylvania State Chairman.

Christopher is in his eighth year as a masonry instructor. Christopher holds an Associate’s degree from the PA College of Technology in Masonry. He earned his teaching certification, Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Workforce Education and Development from the Pennsylvania State University.

He is a member of the Industry Advisory Council for the PA Housing Research Center and a member of the Pennsylvania Concrete Masonry Association (PCMA) where he serves as President of the Masonry Instructors Association of PA and Maryland, a committee of the PCMA. He also assists the Pennsylvania SkillsUSA organization with the operation of State competitions.

“I elected to pursue teaching masonry as a way to give back to the Industry for all it has given me by training the next generation of masons, and I look forward to working with the MCAA.”

The Mason Contractors Association of America (MCAA) and our members welcome Christopher to his new role.
Contractor Tip of the Month: Get Used to the Pain
April 2026

Pain isn’t just negative; it’s a natural part of growing and improving. Instead of seeing pain as a reason to quit, recognize it as a sign you’re making progress. What sets successful people apart is their ability to stay calm and keep going when things g

Fechino Files: Diesels Below 32 Degrees
April 2026

I am guessing that if you are reading this, then you experienced the cold, late-January spell that took over most of the country. The cold weather has many effects on the operations of a masonry contractor, from job shutdowns to equipment starting issues,

Outreach Outlook: Building Momentum Across the Southern Region
April 2026

As April arrives, the pace of our outreach and workforce efforts across the Southern Region reaches a new level of intensity. This is the time of year when our programs, partners, and state collaborators all accelerate at once. SkillsUSA competitions are

Marvelous Masonry: Elbphilharmonie
April 2026

Most people know the Elbphilharmonie for its glass façade and dramatic roofline. From a distance, that’s what defines the skyline in Hamburg’s HafenCity district. But for masonry contractors and suppliers, the real story starts at the base.