Rich Walker, former president and CEO of the American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA), passed away at the age of 74. He is survived by his wife, Diane Walker, who shares with Rich the namesake of the Rich and Diane Walker Cup golf event held at Fenestration and Glazing Industry Alliance conferences, their two adult children, Kate and Adam, and granddaughter, Maddie Mae.
Walker joined AAMA in 1996 as technical director. He was promoted to Southeast region director before becoming president and CEO in 2000. He retired from the association in 2018 before its unification with the Insulating Glass Manufacturers Alliance to form FGIA.
“Rich was a great man, leader and friend,” says FGIA’s executive director Janice Yglesias. “He was level-headed in any situation, and his humor brightened any room. I had the pleasure of working with Rich for almost 20 years and always admired the depth of the professional friendships he cultivated and his ability to bring a smile to the face of anyone he encountered. He was plain in his likes, including Pinot Noir, chocolate and Mexican food, and dislikes, particularly pink. He consistently took great care of the AAMA staff team, guiding and inspiring us. I will forever be grateful for the years I knew Rich and for having the opportunity to get to know his wonderful family. He will be long remembered and dearly missed.”
While at AAMA, Walker expanded technical offerings and led the implementation of strategic objectives expanding the scope of services to include education, such as the FenestrationMasters Program. He also led legislative and regulatory monitoring efforts and sought the validation of fenestration product performance in Florida.
As an Ohio native, Walker loved Cleveland baseball and his home state’s natural beauty. Because he spent so much time traversing and enjoying the parks of Medina County, contributions to the Medina County Parks are encouraged for those who wish to make a donation in his memory.
