Steve Pettersen - Labor Relations Specialist
Labor Relations is the foundation of the association and probably the reason you've become an MMCA member. Steve Pettersen is the chief negotiator, has over 30 years experience, and has negotiated labor agreements with pipe trades unions in the Midwest. This can only be done successfully by knowing the needs MMCA members and developing a working relationship with local union representatives. He also is a management trustee on several fringe benefit funds and joint apprenticeship committees.
Gary Thaden - Government Affairs Director
MMCA's Government Affairs Director Gary Thaden keeps a vigilant eye on the Minnesota Legislature and other areas of Minnesota state and local government. Thaden helps legislators and other government officials understand the benefits of MMCA positions on workers’ compensation, unemployment compensation, employment law, construction contracts and payment issues, licensing, and tax law. After over 30 years of lobbying he's developed the trust with government officials that benefits MMCA members.
Matt Marquis - Labor Relations Attorney
Matt Marquis is primarily involved in the negotiation and administration of collective bargaining agreements for MMCA. His work also includes researching and advising employers in areas such as OSHA, Fair Labor Standards Act, employment law, and policy drafting. He serves as an employer-appointed professional trustee on Taft-Hartley pension, health and welfare benefit trust funds, and apprenticeship funds. Marquis earned his law degree at the University of St. Thomas - School of Law in Minneapolis, where he was a President’s Scholar.
Sophie Thaden - Director of Communications & Digital Media
Sophie Thaden develops and manages MMCA’s digital and print communications strategies and works to identify innovative ways to promote and enhance the industry through marketing and educational programs. Thaden works closely with the Government Affairs Director on legislative issues and is a registered lobbyist for the Minnesota Mechanical Contractors Association. Thaden holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from University of Minnesota.
MMCA Office
& Training Center
10590 Wayzata Blvd., Ste. 100
Minneapolis, MN 55305