At just 29 years old, Samantha DeAlmeida Roman was hired as the director of government affairs at Associated Builders & Contractors of NJ. A year later, leadership of the organization faced challenges, and recognizing DeAlmeida Roman’s hard work, knowledge, and commitment, the board of directors named her president and chief executive officer at just 30 years old in 2021.
Associated Builders & Contractors of NJ(ABC-NJ) was founded on the merit shop philosophy and helps members develop people, win work, and deliver that work safely, ethically, and profitably for the betterment of the communities in which the organization and its members work. ABC-NJ is the largest chapter in the country with over 1,400 member companies that employ over 100,000 people.
Since DeAlmeida Roman took the helm, the ABC-NJ Apprenticeship Program has grown tremendously, now offering training in dozens of trades. DeAlmeida Roman has also taken the chapter to the next level by growing its presence and visibility while bolstering its credibility.
“My vision for ABC-NJ is that of a credible organization that fights for opportunities and fairness for those that work in the construction industry, regardless of labor affiliation,” said DeAlmeida Roman.
In addition, she has a vision for the industry as a whole that it becomes more inclusive to women, minorities and veterans. “Through my work and others like me, I believe we can change the culture of the industry and help diversify the workforce while providing opportunities to those that are interested in a career in construction,” said DeAlmeida Roman.
These efforts have included working closely with educational institutions and statewide organizations, including the African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey to bring ABC-NJ’s apprenticeship training program to under-served communities throughout the state. DeAlmeida Roman has also been recognized for her work with countless accolades, including top mentions for several years on Insider NJ’s Top Millennials, Insider NJ’s Power List, Insider NJ’s Top Labor List, and most recently, an award during the Women Who Empower event.
“Construction and labor are not the fields that I ever thought I would be working in, but I have found myself here not by coincidence or chance, but on my own merit and hard work,” said DeAlmeida Roman. “A little blind faith in yourself goes a long way and even when you are unsure of where an opportunity will lead, it is best to be open minded; life has a funny way of leading you where you need to be.”
