Brick Industry Association names new prez, CEO

The Reston-based Brick Industry Association has announced that Tricia Mauer will become its next president and CEO on Jan. 1, 2025.

Mauer, who has served as the association’s vice president of membership and programs since 2016, will take over as chief operating officer for the organization on Jan. 1, 2024, and work in that position until taking over for Ray Leonhard, the organization’s current president, CEO and chief financial officer, who will retire on Dec. 31, 2024. He will become a part-time adviser to Mauer at that time.

“Trish has my wholehearted support and best wishes for her continued success,” Leonhard said in a statement. “The future is bright for our members and the clay brick industry, and I can think of no one better suited to navigate the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.”

Mauer started at the association in 2005 as a project coordinator, and joined from the American Chemistry Council, according to her LinkedIn account.

“I am honored to become the Brick Industry Association’s next president, entrusted to lead our great industry,” Mauer said in a statement. “We represent the best, most sustainable building product, one that undeniably leaves our world a better place. We are truly fortunate to have exceptional members and a dedicated BIA Team, united by our unwavering commitment to our mission.”

Leonard worked for the association for nearly 17 years, having joined the organization in 2007 from the Reston Association, according to his LinkedIn account.

“I am very thankful to Ray Leonhard for his outstanding leadership during the last several years,” Ed Watson, president and CEO of Acme Brick and incoming BIA board chair, said in a statement. “The BIA is in a very strong position financially and is poised to continue to strengthen and support the brick industry for years to come. By giving the board adequate time to transition his successor, I am extremely confident that this mission will be accomplished.”

Founded in 1934, the Brick Industry Association represents distributors, manufacturers and suppliers of clay bricks and suppliers of products and services across the United States.