Sampogna joins OGCA team as new vice-president

In his new role as vice-president of the Ontario General Contractors Association, Andrew Sampogna plans to focus on advocacy and engagement.  

“The position of VP is a new one for the OGCA,” Sampogna told the Daily Commercial News. “I’ll be working closely with the president, working towards the successful implementation of the OGCA’s strategic objectives and supporting our committees with my main focus on advocacy, engagement with external stakeholders; fostering new and maintaining existing relationships with both members and stakeholders; as well as promoting the OGCA as the voice for the ICI construction industry.”

Sampogna comes to the OGCA following 30 years with the Office of the Employer Advisor (OEA) both employer advocate providing employers with advice education and representation in the area of workplace safety and insurance. Sampogna officially started the new position Aug. 6.

“Throughout my career at the OEA, I’ve worked with many construction contractor clients and stakeholders, developing a deep understanding of the issues, challenges and the opportunities faced by the industry.” he said. “I can see issues from a contractor’s perspective.”

One of the highlights of his career has been the transition to his current role, he said.

“After over 30 years at the OEA, where I had the opportunity to work with many remarkable people, clients and stakeholders, stepping into this new position feels like a culmination of everything I’ve learned,” Sampogna said. “I’m excited about the challenges and the opportunities ahead, and I see this role as a chance to apply my experience in a way that will truly make a difference to the ICI construction industry while also continuing to grow and connect with our members.”

His first few weeks on the job have been spent shadowing OGCA president Giovanni Cautillo.

“I’ve been focusing on learning more about our association and our members, meeting our team, meeting members and stakeholders so that I can ultimately identify how best to use my skills and experience to be of assistance to our members and the OGCA and bring value to the association,” Sampogna explained. “I’m really looking forward to our annual general meeting in a few weeks where I hope to meet a number of them under one roof.”

In addition to meeting members, one of his top priorities is to get to know the needs of members.

“In the area of advocacy, my priority is working with buyers of construction and continuing to communicate how OGCA members can assist them in meeting their organizational needs,” said Sampogna. “In the area of engagement, my priority is working at increasing communication and engagement with existing and potential new members of the OGCA and continuing to identify emerging issues and pain points – sharing valuable information with members and working with stakeholder groups, and buyers of construction, to increase awareness of the association and its members.”