Thursday, May 15, 2025

WECA’s Government Relations Director Rex Hime’s natural affinity for his role stems from his passion for advocacy.

“Distilling complex issues into simple and compelling messages, believe it or not, is fun for me. Combining the fact that I truly believe in the cause of fighting for WECA members and merit shop advocacy, along with the amazing staff, membership, and mission that WECA has fostered, gave me the confidence to jump in headfirst, knowing this was the place for me,” says Rex.

Rex joined WECA as the Central Valley Regional Relationship Manager in late 2022 and became WECA’s Government Relations Director in 2023. Prior to WECA, Rex majored in Strategic and Corporate Communication and minored in Political Science at Chapman University and worked as a registered lobbyist and the Vice President of Strategic Communication for the California Business Properties Association for five years.

As WECA’s Government Relations Director, Rex serves as the “eyes, ears, and megaphone of the association at the local, state, and federal levels, representing the interests of WECA membership. Essentially, I manage relationships with federal, state, and local elected officials, regulators, key public policy officials, and influential members of the public. If people are trying to take away your opportunity to work in any way, shape, or form, I will ensure your voice is at the table – because if you’re not at the table, you’re on the menu.”

Rex appreciates many things about working at WECA but particularly appreciates WECA’s member-driven ethos.

“For those of you who have only known WECA when it comes to your association experience, frankly, you are spoiled,” says Rex. “The fact that WECA is truly a member-driven organization drives our success. If members want to make something happen, have a small idea, or a crazy idea, in any branch of work WECA takes part in, the amazing staff always accepts the challenge and gets to work. Our members’ continued involvement in board meetings, public testimony at political meetings, helping with interviews for apprentice intake, among everything else, is a clear sign from membership to staff—you’re not alone, and membership is here to work with staff and help us achieve our goals. Thank you to all the members and staff at WECA who have made my time here a pleasure.”

Rex has accomplished much in his time here at WECA but continually strives ever higher.

“I hope to end the discrimination that persists in the construction industry based solely on affiliation. Every contractor and every worker, regardless of their affiliation, deserves a fair chance to earn a living, provide for their families, and contribute to building our communities. I hope to level the playing field, foster real competition, and ensure that taxpayer dollars are spent wisely and fairly,” says Rex.

Remember Rex’s affinity for advocacy? He takes it seriously. Outside of work, when Rex is not working out or watching sports (specifically the Sacramento Kings), he continues to think of creative ways to promote fair and open competition in the construction industry, even going as far as to promote it on the Jumbotron at a Kings Game at Golden 1 Center.

“Advocacy never ends!”, quips Rex.

Thank you, Rex, for your tireless advocacy for WECA and our membership, and for your ceaseless (and creative!) promotion of fair and open competition in the construction industry.