Rick Locke Presents NGA's First Business Leadership Award to Nicole Harris During BEC Conference

During his opening remarks at the BEC Conference 2025, March 2-4, in Las Vegas, NGA Chair Rick Locke announced a new award recognition from the National Glass Association: The NGA Business Leadership in the Glass and Glazing Industry Award. 

“This award was created to recognize individuals who exemplify transformative leadership, innovation, and dedication to advancing our field,” said Rick. “And with this inaugural award, we celebrate an individual whose visionary leadership has shaped the National Glass Association and the glass and glazing industry as a whole: Nicole Harris.” 

Nicole 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,” continued Rick. “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.” 

Rick also noted Nicole’s tireless cultivation of her team at NGA, many of whom have worked with her for over thirty years, reflecting “her ability to mentor, inspire, and lead by example,” he says. 

Rick concluded: “Nicole, on behalf of the National Glass Association, the Board of Directors, and the entire glass and glazing community, we thank you for your leadership, your vision, and your deep commitment to this organization and industry. You have made us stronger, more unified, and better prepared for the future. “ 

In addition to the award presentation and tribute to Nicole, Rick discussed his priorities as Chair. “As Board Chair, I’ve chosen two key areas of focus that I believe will have a lasting impact on our members and the broader industry: number one is education and workforce development; number two is strengthening state and regional associations. 

Education and Workforce Development are the heart of what we do at the association. In the last 10 years, NGA has produced many technical resources, educational event programming, online training programs and more to educate and empower our members. Making all of MyGlassClass.com courses—and also the downloadable versions of our 11 technical manuals—free to NGA members is one of several decisions made by the Board of Directors late last year to help provide more value to members. 

We are fortunate to have strong partnerships with state and regional associations, and I believe there is tremendous potential to build on those relationships. NGA supports our affiliated chapters by providing NGA benefits to their members. Our industry is local so wherever there is a spark of building a community of glass and window and door business interests, NGA wants to help foster that community. 

Find ongoing coverage of BEC Conference 2025 on glass.org, and on LinkedIn.