The BIA appointed new officials to its top positions last month, including a new chief operating officer, chairman of the board and other executive staff. Ray Leonhard, most recently the group's chief financial officer, will succeed outgoing President and CEO Gregg Borchelt, who was honored for 40 years of service to the brick and masonry industry.

The Brick Industry Association (BIA) has appointed new board officers and staff leadership following the retirement of outgoing President and CEO Gregg Borchelt, who has led the organization since 2010.

"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. Leonhard previously served as the group's Chief Financial Officer and Vice President of administration.

Hanson Brick Senior Vice President Charlie Ward, also general manager of Hanson Brick Products-Light Products, will serve a two-year term as BIA's Chairman of the Board. Ward succeeds former Chairman Brett Packer, President of Packer Brick. The new BIA Vice Chairman is Sam Strang, President of Alley-Cassetty Brick, succeeding Bob Belden, President and CEO of The Belden Brick Co. Joe Rice, President of Belden Tri-State Building Materials, was named secretary, replacing Ward.

Borchelt was praised for 40 years of service to the industry and honored with the BIA's Lifetime Achievement Award in January, having served as the organization's President and CEO, Director, and Vice President of engineering and research since he joined the trade group in 1988. The Mason Contractors Association of America awarded Borchelt the 2014 C. DeWitt Brown Leadman Award, making him the second person ever outside the contractor community to receive the award in its history. Borchelt was named an honorary member of the Masonry Society in 2011.

New Chief Operating Officer Stephen Sears, former vice president 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. The BIA's new Manufacturer Council Chair is Davis Henry, President of Henry Brick Co., succeeding Butch McAvoy, President of The McAvoy Brick Co. Suzanne McAnallen, President of Donley Brick Co., is BIA's new Distributor Council Chair, replacing Joe Rice.