Represent the industry
Maintain a strong presence in Annapolis and engage decision-makers on legislation and policy affecting utility contractors.
About AUC of Maryland
Built for the people who build what Maryland depends on.
AUC brings utility contractors, industry partners, public agencies, and elected leaders together to strengthen the industry—and the relationships that move it forward.
Become a member
Our story
Serving Maryland’s utility industry since 1950.
The Associated Utility Contractors of Maryland, Inc. was incorporated on March 11, 1950 by contractors committed to the welfare and advancement of the utility contracting industry.
More than seven decades later, AUC remains an active construction-industry voice in Maryland. The Association convenes contractors and partners around practical issues—from specifications and jobsite safety to legislation, contracting practices, and public-agency relationships.
AUC is also a founding and highly active member of the Clean Water Construction Coalition, connecting Maryland members with a broader effort to support clean-water infrastructure.
What we do
Practical work. Shared progress.
Four enduring priorities turn the Association’s purpose into action.
Improve the work
Bring specification committees together with public works leaders and elected representatives to address industry problems.
Advance safety
Connect members with seminars and guidance on MOSH, OSHA, underground-facility protection, and general jobsite safety.
Build relationships
Create lasting professional connections through meetings, education, and signature gatherings such as golf, fishing, and the bull roast.
Our objectives
The standards we work toward.
The original language has been edited for clarity while preserving the Association’s stated intent.
- 01
Build better relationships among utility contractors, public agencies, private owners, architects, and engineers.
- 02
Maintain high professional standards in the conduct of business and the performance of work.
- 03
Combat unfair practices and correct unsatisfactory industry conditions.
- 04
Develop contracting methods that relieve contractors of improper risks.
- 05
Strengthen business and social relationships among Association members.
- 06
Promote sound labor relations that recognize the legitimate rights of employees and employers.
- 07
Advance sound business practices and improve the standing of utility contractors in the business community.
A record of involvement
Progress made through steady participation.
AUC’s work has long connected the field with the policy table. The Association’s committees meet with local public works and elected representatives, and its advocacy has contributed to changes affecting contractor lien rights for utility lines in public rights-of-way.
In 1990, Maryland legislation expanded participation in the Miss Utility system to owners of utility lines—including fiber optics—helping ensure underground lines are marked before work begins.
Explore advocacy and resourcesLeadership through the years
A tradition of member leadership.
From the Association’s founding to today, these presidents have helped carry AUC’s work forward.
Current presidentBruce Bergeron
View the full list of past presidents 40 terms
Lavern Dettman2025
Tom Linton2024–25
Keith Eagle2020–22
Clyde Slacum2018–20
Donnie Cross2016–18
Tom Baldwin2014–16
Artie Bell2012–14
Hans Ruppenthal2010–12
Matt Ruddo2008–10
Edward Lipinski, III2006–08
Peter G. Ligon2004–06
Thomas J. Iacoboni2002–04
Myrt Gaines2000–02
Artie Bell III1998–00
Raymond J. Marocco, Jr.1996–98
James A. Barron1994–96
Philip E. Naylor1992–94
W. Lee Gaines, Jr.1990–92
Walter F. Gainer1988–90
J. Warren Jones1986–88
Raymond J. Marocco, Jr.1985–86
Frank Cossentino1983–85
Jay Matricciani1981–83
William H. Stinson, Jr.1980–81
Raymond M. Hoover1977–80
Thomas F. Anderson, Jr.1976–77
Kenneth E. Cooper1975–76
James L. Plowden1974–75
James S. Ulrich1972–74
Leonard D. Wilson1971–72
Harry J. Peyton, Jr.1969–71
H. Milton Ambrose1967–69
Thomas C. Iacoboni1965–67
Robert J. McCollom1962–65
Max F. Carozza1960–62
Raymond J. Marocco1959–60
Harry Friedman1957–59
Guy J. Matricciani1954–57
T. Gordon Bautz, Sr.1953–54
Guy J. Matricciani1950–53
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