To Terence O’Brien, the plumbing industry is the backbone of New York City.

And he believes in the industry so much that he’s dedicated most of his professional career to advocating for its stakeholders, working closely with elected officials and government agency leaders to reduce bureaucratic red tape and increase business opportunities for thousands of licensed professionals and their employees.

Born and raised early on in Bayside, Queens, Terence serves as Executive Vice President of the Association of Contracting Plumbers, Co-Executive Director of the New York State Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association and Senior Director of The Plumbing Foundation City of New York, Inc., complementary roles in which he advances strategies and policies that support the City’s essential sector of licensed, unionized plumbing firms.

“Plumbing is critical to our way of life, and our experienced members play an integral role in the construction of new homes, offices, schools and hospitals that fuel New York City’s economic engines and spur job creation,” said Terence, a married father of three. “Licensed professionals are needed to protect our City’s water systems, and in light of the recent Legionella outbreak, their knowledge and expertise have never been more valuable.”

Following in the footsteps of his father, Stewart – a former Executive Director of the Plumbing Foundation and Acting Commissioner at the New York City Department of Buildings – Terence has become one of the City’s top experts in labor relations, having worked at the Foundation for more than 18 years after serving within the New York State Senate and the New York State Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee.

“Simply put, the plumber protects everyone who lives, works and visits New York City,” he said. “Plumbing is a key component of water safety, gas safety and medical gas, and our members are leading the charge to green one million buildings citywide.”

Outside of work, Terence spends his time coaching his three sons, ages 8, 6 and 4, to play a variety of sports including baseball, football and lacrosse. From time to time, he enjoys playing a round of golf or cooking a quiet meal at home in Connecticut with his wife, Meghan.

A graduate of Syracuse University’s Maxwell School where he earned a B.A. in Political Science and Government, Terence applies his passion for politics to his day-to-day work. “The Foundation can speak for the entire industry, including union and non-union contractors, engineers and suppliers, and I am proud to play a role in shaping that message,” he said. Terence’s top priorities include educating lawmakers and agency heads about the importance of licensed plumbing work, as well as drafting new city and state legislation and testifying before legislative bodies to ensure the industry’s voice is heard loud and clear.

“Millions of New Yorkers depend on the expertise and experience of our members, and it is important that our elected and appointed leaders remember that,” he said.