BIA launches 2014 with new leadership

Words: Lorelei HarloeThe Brick Industry Association (BIA) has ushered in a year of change, appointing new board officers and staff leadership. Appointments follow the retirement of outgoing BIA President and CEO Gregg Borchelt, celebrated with top industry honors.

“Our board and council members continually demonstrate a strong commitment to BIA and the American clay brick industry,” said Ray Leonhard, BIA’s new president and CEO, promoted from chief financial officer and vice president of administration.

2014-2016 Board Leadership

Hanson Brick Senior Vice President Charlie Ward, also general manager Hanson Building Products - Light Products, Charlotte, N.C., starts a two-year term as BIA chairman of the board. Ward succeeds former Chairman Brett Packer, president, Packer Brick Inc. The new BIA Vice Chairman is Sam Strang, president of Alley-Cassetty Brick, succeeding Bob Belden, president and CEO, The Belden Brick Co. Joe Rice, president, Belden Tri-State Building Materials, was named secretary, replacing Ward.

BIA Manufacturer Council Chair is Davis Henry, president, Henry Brick Co. Inc., succeeding Butch McAvoy, president of The McAvoy Brick Co. Inc. Suzanne McAnallen, president, Donley Brick Co., is BIA Distributor Council Chair, replacing Rice.

New BIA Staff Leadership

As President and CEO, Leonhard will lead BIA in its strategic direction, effectively using the association’s resources to implement programs and services that maximize member value. New Chief Operating Officer Stephen Sears, former vice president of marketing and member services, will lead BIA’s marketing and communication programs, member recruitment and member services. Sears will also help establish local brick councils in key markets around the country.

Honoring Borchelt

Praised for his outstanding 40 years of industry wide service, the highly respected former BIA President and CEO Gregg Borchelt retired with honors, including:

2014 C. DeWitt Brown Leadman Award by the Mason Contractors Association of America (MCAA)

Recognized as a “true gem,” Borchelt was the second person ever outside the contractor community in the history of MCAA’s award recognized for exemplary leadership in advancing the masonry industry.

J. Gregg Borchelt Winner of BIA Lifetime Achievement Award

Presented by the executive committee, recognized for his outstanding accomplishments and dedication to the advancement and betterment of the clay brick industry.
About: Featured
Central Avenue Elementary School – A Modern Take on Historical American Masonry

Central Avenue Elementary School is a project that the team here at Warfield Masonry completed in 2021. Located in Midland, Washington, the project involved the demolition and replacement of the original Central Avenue School built in 1949. The original e

Jake Sulya
Featured
Read More
New Technology in Masonry Classrooms

The world of masonry is evolving with the implementation of new technologies. These advancements are reshaping how this craft is taught, learned, and executed by merging traditional techniques with modern innovation to develop skilled masons prepared to m

Cassie Mejia
Featured
Read More
Best Practices for Hiring Top Talent

Hiring the right employees is critical for the success of any business. Effective hiring practices not only ensure you're bringing in top talent, they also help to minimize risks and create a positive work environment. Here are some best practices to con

Lisa Hagenson
MAP Partner
Read More
Get Ready for the 75th Midyear!

I’m Sheryl Dentinger, wife of the current MCAA Chairman, Dick Dentinger. I started being a part of the MCAA conventions over 40 years ago, since Dick and I started dating. Bill Dentinger, my father-in-law, a legendary man, was chairman at the time we wer

Sheryl Dentinger
Featured
Read More