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.

The Science of a Straight Line: Why Masonry’s Smallest Decisions Make the Biggest Differences
September 2026

There is a unique phenomenon in construction: the human eye can spot an out-of-plumb wall from 50 yards away across a crowded job site. We might not always be able to explain the exact mathematical deviation without a laser level, but our brains instantly

The Utah Masonry Council's Masonry Education Day
September 2026

The 2026 Masonry Education Day at Interstate Brick in West Jordan is bringing together members of Utah’s architecture, engineering, and construction community for a day focused on education, technical understanding, and workforce development. The event r

MCAA Upstate New York: Regaining Market Share Through Education
September 2026

The Upstate New York chapter of the MCAA was established in 2014 by a dedicated group of both union and non-union masonry contractors, producers, and suppliers who shared concerns about the declining use of masonry. T

GEN NXT: Luis Sontay
September 2026

For this month, the MCAA got to sit down with aspiring mason Luis Sontay. From taking an interest in masonry as a kid to placing 1st in a postsecondary competition, Luis’ dedication and passion for the trade is clear. Luis describes his early passion fo