Steve Chen, executive vice president of Crystal Window & Door Systems, has become the new president of the Northeast Window & Door Association (NWDA). Elected by the association's board of directors, Chen took over the reins of the regional trade group at the organization's winter meeting on January 29.
The NWDA president's term is for one year; however it is tradition for presidents to serve two consecutive terms. Chen, a member of the NWDA board since 2010, had previously served as first vice president. NWDA focuses on issues critical to the fenestration industry and represents about 100 window and door manufacturer and supplier companies.
"I greatly appreciate the faith that has been placed in me to lead NWDA," said Chen. "These are challenging times for our industry. The window manufacturing and sales business has become incredibly complex. NWDA manufacturing members are faced with increasingly stringent energy efficiency standards, expanding government regulations, an ever-demanding marketplace, and new product and production technologies as well as slowly recovering housing and construction industries. NWDA will play a lead role in overcoming these challenges."
In addition to his NWDA position, Chen serves on several boards, including a New York Federal Reserve Bank Advisory Council, the board of Directors for Queens Theatre in the Park, and the Queensborough Community College Advisory Board on Continuing Education.
Chen has received many notable business and industry recognitions. Glass Magazine named him a top "20 Under 40" industry executive, the Queens Chamber of Commerce ranked him as one of the borough's "Top Executives Under 40," and he received the "Rising Star" Award from a leading Queens business newspaper.
The Northeast Window & Door Association regionally represents the fenestration industry, offering seminars on the latest technologies and product innovations, as well as speakers on important legislative and regulatory issues impacting the industry. In recent years, the organization has increased its advocacy role, working with key government officials and influencers that help shape the industry and marketplace.