A New Reflection

Above: NGA staff visiting the Los Angeles manufacturing and office location for member company CRL in August. Pictured from left to right: Erin Lindsay, director, CRL architectural business development; Carla Ohlmaier, CRL vice president, engineering; Lakisha A. Woods, NGA president and CEO; Katy Devlin, NGA vice president of content and programming; Michele Nosko, NGA COO; and Crista Tekstra, CRL vice president, marketing. 

As Lakisha A. Woods, CAE, takes the helm as president and chief executive officer of the National Glass Association, Glass Magazine’s Katy Devlin, NGA vice president of content and programming, sat down with Woods to discuss this moment of transition and the opportunities to embrace evolving challenges and new possibilities in the architectural glass and glazing industry—as seen through the lens of her past experiences and future aspirations.

Woods stepped into the pivotal role in July, with a wealth of experience in associations representing the built environment. She is the former executive vice president and CEO of the American Institute of Architects, previously served as president and CEO of the National Institute of Building Sciences, and prior to that, was the senior vice president and chief marketing officer at the National Association of Home Builders. She brings fresh energy and an insightful perspective to serving NGA’s members and shares her early impressions and vision for NGA.

Katy Devlin: At the time of this interview, you’ve been in the glass world officially for three weeks. What strikes you so far about this industry?

Lakisha Woods: I’m energized by the unity of the people that I’ve spoken with. Even though they represent the whole supply chain, and oftentimes compete, they lead with a passion that everybody shares for this industry. From my conversations with our board and other leaders, once you join the glass industry, you never leave—that speaks volumes about the strength of this community. I’m excited to encourage others to find their places here as well.

KD: You come to NGA with a deep background in the building industry. How does that background inform your approach to leading NGA?

LW: My entire career has been rooted in the built environment, working with architects, sub-contractors, general contractors and homebuilders, so I’m not new to the construction space. I have an appreciation for what they do, and I love knowing that the members I represent design and/or build all the spaces where we live, work, learn and play. It’s a joy to look up and be able to say, ‘My members do that.’

Each association I’ve led or members I’ve worked with has taught me something new and revealed connections back to my past work. I’m excited to hear how important architects and specifiers are to the glass industry and the members of this association. They’re key stakeholders, often connected through organizations like AIA and the Construction Specifications Institute. Bridging these relationships and building more collaborative networks is a priority for me.

KD: How do you see your fluency with other parts of the building industry helping you as NGA’s CEO, especially when dealing with diverse groups like subcontractors, manufacturers or building code leaders?

LW: It really helps that I speak a common language across the building industry. Whether it’s manufacturers or code officials, I understand the different perspectives and challenges. Everyone is ultimately focused on creating spaces that are safe, healthy and meet human and environmental needs. That shared goal makes collaboration a lot easier.

I have a strong network of fellow CEOs across the built environment, who come together to make sure that we’re all doing what we can to help our various stakeholders. This allows me to think strategically about being a better leader for my organization and a better advocate for the industry.

KD: You emphasized the importance of listening to NGA members and stakeholders. How do you plan to gather input, and what do you want members to know about your leadership style?

LW: Listening is foundational. It’s really important for me to hear from them and I’m committed to spending time talking one-on-one; in groups and at conferences. I hope we can get out a member survey, and I want our members to know that when I say I want to hear from them, I truly mean it. In my previous role, when I invited feedback from thousands of members, many said they couldn’t believe a CEO really wanted to listen, but those conversations on their challenges and needs helped us make better decisions. It’s so important for any leader to listen to their team, listen to their volunteer leaders and listen to the membership as a whole.

You can’t please everyone all the time, but my goal is to reach that majority of members so they see that the organization is doing what is necessary for them to continue to grow and succeed. That means balancing a wide spectrum of needs but prioritizing the critical ones that help the industry grow.

KD: What’s a favorite question you like to ask members to help focus on priorities?

LW: I like to ask people to imagine they are the CEO of NGA, and ask: ‘One year from now, you have to look back and say that you accomplished one critical goal... What is it?’ It’s a clarifying exercise because it reminds people that it’s hard to focus on one thing. You’re one person. What is the most immediate and impactful goal? I’m fascinated by the responses, which differ depending on who you ask. Our industry is broad with many segments, but that variety helps us find areas of balance and common ground.

KD: Speaking of those shared priorities, what themes keep coming up in your conversations with NGA members?

LW: Public awareness of the importance of glass and how NGA can spread the word about joining this industry. People want to see NGA promote awareness of the great careers in glass and promote the industry’s importance to a wider audience. They’re asking, ‘How can we reach people where they are?’ Social media can only go so far, but partnerships and broader messaging campaigns can bring that to the forefront.

KD: NGA’s prior CEO Nicole Harris served 35 years, 11 of those years as CEO, and provided thoughtful leadership through many changes. You worked alongside her during the transition. What reflections do you have on Nicole’s leadership and how will that influence your own approach?

LW: Getting a chance to meet Nicole as a part of the process was part of why I was so excited to receive this role. She’s an amazing person, and while spending my first few days with her and the senior staff I kept thinking, ‘Don’t leave, can’t we work together!’ I can’t fill her shoes—I have to wear my own—but one comforting thing is her style in how she led the association. She set a tone that balances transparency with the business realities of running an association that needs to be profitable to fund its mission.

So much of her philosophy and vision for the future are shared and I feel comfortable stepping into a role where there doesn’t need to be significant change because people are already familiar with that style. My hope is for a smooth transition with as little disruption to NGA’s culture as possible. Nicole’s generosity and encouragement already show that I’m stepping into a great situation, and I’m grateful for that foundation.

KD: Before we wrap up, is there anything you’d like to share with NGA members or the readers of Glass Magazine?

LW: NGA has done a fantastic job, and it’s about what else we can offer or do to show what NGA stands for. What do our members need? What does our industry need? How can I help add to the success that NGA already has accomplished? I’m here to help build on that success, to be a voice and a hand to help move the association and the industry forward.