Third Generation Tradesman Retires 

Originally published by NEMI. Reprinted with permission. 

Photo Courtesy of NEMI

After more than 45 years in the industry, Vince Alvarado, NEMI director of implementation, is passing the torch to the next generation.

Vince was hired by NEMI in 2023 after serving four terms as business manager and financial recording secretary at SMART Local 49 in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where he also took on the roles of president of the New Mexico Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO; and as a member of the Construction Industries Commission, the State Workforce Development Board and the New Mexico Economic Recovery Council. 

A third-generation tradesman, Vince got his start in the industry at age 18. He apprenticed at Local 49, then moved to Las Vegas in 1987 to be a member of Local 88, where he served as a general foreman on the construction of the Luxor. A year later, he returned to New Mexico, where he went on to serve as the training center’s coordinator and instructor and, later, Local 49’s organizer and president.

Vince was instrumental in the passing of statewide fire life safety legislation in New Mexico, and since joining NEMI he has been a key resource for other locals seeking, and successfully passing, legislation in their states.

During a commemoration of his retirement at the ICB Conference in June, Cassandra Kline, ICB director of certification, presented him with a plaque and sincere congratulations.

“There’s a quote I keep coming back to that SMART General President [Michael] Coleman said at the convention: ‘When you look in the mirror, you should see the people who’ve shaped you.’ When I look in the mirror today, I see Vince — in the lessons he’s taught me, in the integrity he’s modeled, and in the voice in my head reminding me to do things the right way, not the easy way,” she said. “He’s shown us what it means to lead, to build not just buildings but people. And to do it all with grit, grace and unwavering commitment to the union and the values that hold us together.”

Vince thanked colleagues for well wishes on Local 49’s social media post, writing, “I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to each and every one of you for your warm congratulations and kind wishes as I embark on this new chapter of my life. Your support and encouragement have meant the world to me. Retirement is a bittersweet moment, filled with memories of our time together and excitement for what lies ahead. I will cherish the friendships and experiences we’ve shared, and I look forward to staying in touch.”

Congratulations, Vince!