Bu Mary Klett, ASA Communications Team
2025 marks five years since the American Subcontractor’s Association (ASA) and the National Glass Association (NGA) joined proverbial hands and united efforts to raise the tide for all subcontractors.
It’s with great admiration and yet a little sorrow that we congratulate Nicole Harris for her leadership as President & CEO and 35-year commitment to the NGA, as she steps down to enjoy a little more personal time in July.
Harris has been with the NGA for 35 years, leading the organization for 11 years as President and CEO.
“Nicole’s legacy is defined by her ability to unite, inspire, and lead with vision,” stated Rick Locke, CEO of Montana Sash & Door and 2024-2025 NGA Board of Directors Chair. “One of her proudest accomplishments, and certainly one of her most impactful, was her leadership in the 2018 NGA-GANA combination. She had the foresight and determination to create a unified trade association that could better serve the entire glass and glazing industry. Her efforts ensured that the vital technical and advocacy work of GANA not only continued but flourished as part of a stronger, more cohesive organization.”
Locke also noted Harris’ tireless cultivation of her team at NGA, many of whom have worked with her for more than thirty years, reflecting “her ability to mentor, inspire, and lead by example,” he said.
Passing the Torch
ASA also extends a warm welcome to industry veteran, Lakisha Ann Woods, CAE, NGA’s next President & CEO as of July 14, 2025.
“On behalf of our entire organization, I extend a heartfelt welcome to Lakisha as the new CEO of NGA. We’re excited to continue building on the strong alliance between our associations, and we look forward to collaborating under her leadership to advance our shared goals and make a lasting impact in the construction industry,” noted Richard Bright, CEO of the American Subcontractors Association.
Lakisha Ann Woods, CAE, is a global speaker and author of the book Never Get Their Coffee: Empowering Fearless Leadership which ranked #1 in business on Amazon. She is currently a host for the television show America ByDesign: Architecture, featured on CBS.
Woods is the former EVP/Chief Executive Officer of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) where she increased revenue 40 percent and grew membership to a historic high of more than 100,000. Woods also previously served as President & CEO of the National Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS) where she led efforts to expand the organization’s programs and markets while growing and strengthening its membership base.
Prior to joining NIBS, Woods was the Sr. VP & Chief Marketing Officer at the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), where she oversaw a 27-member team responsible for all marketing and revenue-generating programs, including sponsorship sales and partnerships with major national companies.
Woods is also a Past Chair of the Board for the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE), served on the MPI Advisory Board and is a Certified Association Executive (CAE). She also previously served as Vice Chair of the U.S. Green Building Council Board of Directors and on the Advisory Board of Crosswalk. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Maryland in College Park and lives with her husband and daughter in Howard County, Maryland.
“It was a thorough search effort, and we were unanimous that Lakisha’s credentials and experience will continue to grow NGA’s excellent service and results for our members and the glass and glazing industry,” said Rick Locke, CEO of Montana Sash & Door and 2024-2025 NGA Board of Directors Chair.
Welcome, Lakisha!
