Association News: AAMA honors Rich Walker; Janice Yglesias appointed as new executive
Posted on May 10th, 2018
The American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA) honors Rich Walker as he steps aside after serving for 18 years as its president and CEO. Janice Yglesias, executive vice president of the organization, succeeds him, assuming control over all daily operations effective May 10, 2018.
An industry veteran, Walker joined AAMA in 1996 as technical director and advanced to Southeast region director before accepting the president and CEO position in 2000. Under his leadership, the organization has experienced tremendous growth and success. Beyond expanding AAMA's technical offering, which serves as the cornerstone of the association, Walker led the implementation of strategic objectives expanding the scope of services to include comprehensive education such as the FenestrationMasters® Program, legislative and regulatory monitoring and validation of fenestration product performance in Florida.
"Rich has made an indelible, positive impression on the AAMA culture," says Mike DeSoto, AAMA chairman of the board and chief operating officer of MI Windows and Doors, Gratz, Pennsylvania. "The organization's commitment to the ethics and science required to publish consensus-based standards are a direct reflection of his leadership."
Yglesias succeeds Walker after having started her career at AAMA in February 1999. In June 2000, she was promoted to marketing manager and has since held management positions overseeing membership, education, office and association operations and human resources. Most recently, Yglesias served as association services director, continuing to guide her existing areas of responsibility while additionally advising on accounting and product certification activities.
In a February 2018 news release announcing Yglesias' promotion to executive vice president, Walker was quoted as saying, "During her 19 years with AAMA, Janice strived to learn and understand all AAMA operations, programs and services. That knowledge has been transferred into countless improvements in AAMA procedures and productivity, making this a very well-deserved promotion." He went on to say that Yglesias is "a tireless worker who always finds time to consult with members and staff, extending her outstanding ethical standards, personal integrity, strong leadership and teamworking skills."
"The Board of Directors has the highest confidence in Janice," said DeSoto. "She has our full support to lead AAMA into the future and evolve the organization to best accomplish our strategic objectives."
AAMA is the source of performance standards, product certification, and educational programs for the fenestration industry.SM
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