Thank You to my Colleague and Friend, Renee Hornsby

As we gather for this year’s convention in St. Louis, it’s only fitting that we take a moment to recognize someone who has been at the heart of NHLA’s success, Renee Hornsby. Over the past 16 years, Renee has not only been a trusted colleague but also a close friend. For 14 of those years, I’ve had the absolute pleasure of working alongside her, and her influence on our Association is undeniable.

Renee is the reason this convention—and every convention we’ve held over the past 14 years —is such a success. Her meticulous planning begins years in advance, ensuring that everything comes together seamlessly. From securing the best venues to curating top-notch speakers and coordinating the entire experience, Renee has made these events the highlight of the year for our industry. If you’ve ever marveled at the smooth flow of a convention, the credit belongs to her. And trust me… it wasn’t smooth! She just has the rare ability to make it look that way.

Beyond the convention, Renee’s leadership has touched nearly every aspect of NHLA’s work. From her involvement in the RAHC to planning every meeting we attend, she’s been the backbone of so much of what we do. If there was an industry event, you could count on Renee being there, planning everything, and being ready to speak on behalf of NHLA at the drop of a hat. Her attention to detail and ability to pull everything together is nothing short of extraordinary.

And for those of us who occasionally struggle to get our thoughts on paper (myself included), Renee has been our go-to editor, always making sure our articles make sense and reflect the professionalism NHLA stands for.

While it’s hard to imagine NHLA without her steady hand guiding these efforts, I couldn’t be more proud and excited for her as she steps into her new role as Executive Director of the World Millwork Alliance. I have no doubt she’ll bring the same dedication and excellence to her new position that she’s shown here, and I know she’ll be incredibly successful.

Though we’ll miss her immensely at NHLA, I’m grateful that she’ll always remain a friend. Renee, thank you for your incredible contributions over the years. Your work has made a lasting mark on NHLA and our conventions, and we’ll be cheering you on as you embark on this exciting new chapter.