08/06/2026
Congratulations to Rita Ferris, President of the Northeastern Retail Lumber Association (NRLA)!
Built America Magazine is honored to feature an exclusive interview with Rita Ferris, CAE — President of the Northeastern Retail Lumber Association (NRLA).
Rita has led the NRLA through economic downturns, a global pandemic, and decades of industry change — always with one guiding principle:
"Leadership is not about you. It is about elevating other people. No one does it alone."
From a career that began as a complete accident to leading one of the most respected building-materials associations in the Northeast — representing 1,150+ members across New York and New England since 1894 — Rita's story is one of resilience, agility, and genuine service to the industry she loves.
"Change is not the enemy. Complacency is. Stay agile."
Her full feature debuts in our Women Building the Future edition at the 2026 FBMA Women's Summit — September 16–18 at Margaritaville Resort Orlando, Kissimmee, Florida. In partnership with the Building Material Association and &A Construction Advisors LLC.
Built America Magazine — Published by Harrison Kelly Media Inc.