MCAA Names Conner Birdsong As First Regional Youth Outreach and Education Director

Words: Mason Contractors

The Mason Contractors Association of America (MCAA) is excited to announce the appointment of Conner Birdsong as the organization's first Regional Youth Outreach and Education Director. This new role is a significant step in MCAA's commitment to fostering the next generation of masonry professionals.

Conner Birdsong, an accomplished leader in program management, career and technical education (CTE), and contract oversight, brings a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to the position. His previous role as a Correctional Programs Consultant with the Florida Department of Corrections involved facilitating partnerships and driving program implementation.

"I am thrilled to join the MCAA as the Regional Youth Outreach and Education Director," said Conner Birdsong. "This role provides a unique opportunity to engage with young people and inspire them to explore careers in masonry. I look forward to working closely with educational institutions and industry partners to develop programs that will equip students with the skills they need to succeed."

The Regional Youth Outreach and Education Director will play a pivotal role in supporting regional education centers and aligning with the CMU Checkoff's mission to promote and support the masonry industry. This appointment is part of MCAA's broader initiatives, including the Masonry Alliance Program for suppliers, the innovative GEORGE AI system, the MASONRY STRONG Podcast, and an expanding team. These efforts underscore MCAA's commitment to leading the masonry industry into a new era of growth and innovation.

“Conner's energy and commitment to youth education make him an excellent addition to our team. His role is crucial in expanding our outreach efforts and ensuring a steady pipeline of talent for the masonry industry. Together, we aim to bridge the gap between education and industry, fostering a new generation of skilled masons," said Robert Melgaard, MCAA’s Director of Youth Outreach and Education.

This appointment is part of MCAA's ongoing initiatives, including the Masonry Alliance Program for suppliers, the innovative GEORGE AI system, the MASONRY STRONG Podcast, and expanding team. These efforts underscore MCAA's commitment to leading the masonry industry into a new era of growth and innovation.

Restoring the Breath of the Building: The Life-Saving Science Behind Historic Masonry Repairs
July 2026

When I first set out to become a historic preservation and restoration mason, I imagined that most of my trade would involve repairing the effects of old age. Instead, 99 percent of my work is attempting to stabilize and reverse damage caused by recent an

Laying the Foundation for the Future: Workforce Development at the Arizona Masonry Council
July 2026

For generations, masonry has been built on a simple but powerful principle: knowledge passed from one set of hands to the next. In Arizona, the Arizona Masonry Council (AMC) is working to ensure that tradition continues by investing in one of the industr

What Mason Contractors Don't Know Is Costing Them Money
July 2026

Most mason contractors can tell you exactly what a job should cost before it starts. Bid labor hours, material takeoffs, and crew rates per square foot. The numbers are on paper, and they look right. What most can't tell you is whether those numbers held

Preserving Masonry Aesthetics with Concealed Lintel Systems
July 2026

Masonry has long been valued for its ability to create buildings with character, permanence, and visual appeal. Features such as arches, deep reveals, corbelling, and decorative brickwork continue to be popular design elements in modern architecture. Howe