Brick Industry Association Announces New Leadership

The 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 office VP and  of administration.

2014-2016 Board Leadership

Hanson Brick Senior VP 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 COO Stephen Sears, former VP 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. 
- BIA’s 2014 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.