FGIA recognizes industry leaders for excellence during 2026 Annual Awards Ceremony

The Fenestration and Glazing Industry Alliance (FGIA) recognized the contributions and achievements of its members and congratulated winners at the Annual Awards Ceremony and Reception at the end of the second day of the 2026 FGIA Annual Conference in Huntington Beach, Calif. Awards were presented primarily by the previous year’s winners, who recognized recipients for their many efforts toward progressing the work of the Association and the industry overall in 2025.

Outstanding Service Award – Greg McKenna (Kawneer Company, retired)
The Outstanding Service Award was presented to Greg McKenna, former director of risk management at Kawneer Company, by Lothar Erkens, technical sales and engineering at Winco Window Company. Lothar received this award the previous year.

The Outstanding Service Award recognizes individuals who have distinguished themselves in their work and dedication to the advancement of FGIA and the industry as a whole.

“Greg is known as a quintessential engineer,” said Erkens. “His wife, Victoria, described him as a very logical person who takes the time to look at things from different directions. ‘He’s always fixing something. Because he is an engineer, he always believes he can do it better himself,’ she told us. We all know him from his exemplary leadership abilities, dedicated effort and unselfish service. Today, we recognize these qualities in our Outstanding Service Award winner, Greg McKenna.”

McKenna held many leadership positions within FGIA prior to his retirement at the end of 2025. During his 43-year tenure with Kawneer, he led seven different research projects and was granted 16 U.S. patents. He also was instrumental in launching FGIA’s FenestrationMasters professional certification program. Today, he continues to enjoy his retirement in Georgia, near Lake Lanier.

Chairman’s Award – Quanex Building Products
Quanex Building Products was chosen for the FGIA Chairman’s Award for distinguishing itself over the past two years for outstanding commitment and dedicated support of the Association and the fenestration industry. The company was presented with this award by Rob Grommesh, outgoing FGIA chair of the board of directors.

“They have long been ardent champions of the FGIA Product Showcase, participating at each opportunity,” said Grommesh. “Their participation is throughout our organization, but I have witnessed this personally with their robust participation in the Glass Products Council where Quanex staff has diligently worked on numerous long-term projects. Finally, they have demonstrated their support for the association by regularly being a sponsor at FGIA conferences.”

Education Award – Quaker Window Products
Quaker Window Products was chosen for the FGIA Education Award for demonstrating significant support of and distinguished commitment to education excellence within FGIA. The company was presented with this award by Tim Hoard, a representative from last year’s award-winning company, Moisture Intrusion Solutions.

“In 2025, Quaker had 45 participants enrolled in the InstallationMasters Combined certification training program,” said Yglesias. “This represented a significant time and financial investment, showcasing their dedication to professional development. In addition to this, Quaker also sent six people to the 2025 IG Fabricators Workshop in Fridley, Minn. These efforts combined helped further train their workforce, setting them up for success in the industry. We commend them for their commitment to ongoing training. May it continue to contribute to their success.”

Marketing Distinguished Service Award – Shelley Lee (NuCoat North America)
The Marketing Distinguished Service Award was presented to Shelley Lee, vice president at NuCoat North America, by Josh Wignall, chief marketing officer at Quaker Window Products.

This award acknowledges a single individual who has exhibited leadership and outstanding service in marketing activities for the Association.

“Shelley has made a name for herself in the industry,” said Wignall. “She has done this despite being early on in her career. She is well respected by her peers and has been described by those in her life as a devoted friend.”

Within FGIA, Lee serves as RPC co-chair of the Marketing and Engagement Steering Committee and chair of the VMC Marketing Committee. She is also vice chair of the Onboarding Task Group.

Glass Products Council Distinguished Service Award – Matt Waldren (Pella Corporation)
The Distinguished Service Award in the Glass Products Council (GPC) was presented to Matt Waldren, product engineer III, IG research at Pella Corporation, by Rob Grommesh, director of technical services at Cardinal Glass Industries.

The Association recognizes a member with this award each year as one who excels in work toward improving the Association and the Glass Products Council.

“Matt is someone I’ve had the privilege of working with closely within FGIA,” Grommesh said. “Because of this firsthand experience, I can proudly say he is a member I trust, respect and can personally vouch for.”

Within FGIA, Waldren serves in several key roles, including chair of the Quality Assurance of Insulating Glass (IG) Spacers Task Group, vice chair of the GPC Guidelines Task Group and vice chair of the IG Sealant Task Group.

Architectural Products Council Distinguished Service Award – Chris Giovannielli (Kawneer Company)
The Architectural Products Council Distinguished Service Award was presented to Chris Giovannielli, director of global product management at Kawneer Company, by Erkens, a previous recipient of the award.

This award recognizes an individual who accomplishes formative work on behalf of the Association and the Architectural Products Council (APC).

“Chris is known at work as the kind of person who does something, even if it is not his job,” said Erkens. “At home, he is known as ‘Mister Fix-It.’ Those combined attributes make for someone you always want on your team.”

Within FGIA, Giovannielli currently serves as Vice Chair of both the AMC Marketing Committee and the Sustainability Web Page Task Group. He is also the APC Representative for multiple steering committees.

Residential Products Council Distinguished Service Award – David McDonald (Marvin)
The Residential Products Council Distinguished Service Award was presented to David McDonald, senior regulatory affairs specialist at Marvin, by Aaron Ryan, engineering program manager at Pella Corporation, and first vice president of the Residential Products Council.

Each year, a member who excels in work toward improving the Association and the Residential Products Council (RPC) is recognized with this distinction.

“David has been a long-standing member of FGIA,” said Ryan. “He has always been willing to take on any task group or leadership role that is thrown at him. He faithfully attends code hearings in person, and this has been a great help to FGIA in developing quick responses to floor modifications.”

McDonald serves as chair of the International Residential Council Task Group, along with two other groups. He is also an ex-officio member of the Western Region Board, having just completed a two-year term serving as the region’s board chair.

For more information about FGIA Events, visit FGIAonline.org/Events.

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