James Milburn becomes NDA president

James Milburn speaking at the NDA’s Demolition Phoenix event. (PHOTO: KHL)

The managing principal of family contractor business Milburn Demolition succeeds Scott Homrich, who has completed his two year term.

The handover took place during the banquet to conclude the NDA’s annual convention and expo, which this year was titled Demolition Phoenix after the Arizona city that hosted it.

And James was quick to pay tribute to both Scott Homrich and Chris Godek for their leadership of the association during a testing period affected by Covid-19.

“If I didn’t thank them I wouldn’t be doing my job.”

James said that while membership of the NDA is growing, with further “significant” growth expected in the next few years, the subject of workforce shortages is still a concern.

He added that it was a problem shared by other demolition bodies, including the European Demolition Association - whose own president Stefano Panseri was at Demolition Phoenix and made a special presentation to James during the evening.

“Workforce initiatives are among our highest priorities,” James told the audience.

Meanwhile, as Scott Homrich bowed out as president, his company remained in the spotlight.

Two employees - Nick Straub and Mike Brant - were inducted into the NDA Hall of Fame, while a new scholarship was created in the name of the late Roger Homrich, who was also a former NDA president.