Introducing Our New 2025 National Board Leaders
As we move into an exciting new chapter at WCAA, we’re proud to introduce the 2025 National Board Leadership Team. With a renewed focus on connection, clarity, and growth, this group of dedicated professionals is already hard at work laying the foundation for a stronger, more collaborative future. Below, you’ll hear from our new President, Vice President, and Director at Large as they share their vision, gratitude, and goals for the year ahead!
WCAA President, LuAnn Nigara
Dear WCAA Community,
It is with tremendous gratitude and genuine excitement that I step into the role of National President of the Window Covering Association of America.
This organization has long stood as a pillar of support and community in our industry—and to now lead it at the national level is both humbling and energizing. I want to sincerely thank those who’ve come before me and helped shape the WCAA into what it is today. To Roger Magalhaes, thank you for your dedication and leadership as outgoing president. To Tracie Bresnahan, our past president, your continued guidance and steady support remain invaluable to this board. And to Renee Gurganus, our executive director—Renee, your tireless effort, institutional knowledge, and unwavering commitment make you the backbone of our organization.
I’d also like to take a moment to recognize two incredible additions to our National Board. Elizabeth Gerdes, owner of Stitch Above the Rest, has stepped into the role of Vice President. Elizabeth brings not only years of industry experience and leadership but also a strong commitment to member engagement and chapter development. We are also thrilled to welcome Jeff Wharton, CEO of Bloomin’ Blinds, to the Board. Jeff’s perspective as an Industry Partner and business leader will be instrumental in shaping our strategic vision and strengthening the relationship between WCAA and the companies that support our members. Both Elizabeth and Jeff are already making a meaningful impact, and I know their contributions will elevate our organization in exciting ways.
Finally, to our current national board: I’m inspired by your ideas, your passion, and your shared commitment to the growth of the WCAA. At our recent in-person strategy session in West Palm Beach during IWCE, we spent an entire day together focused on mapping out a clear, actionable direction for the year ahead. The energy and collaboration in that room were incredible. Each of you contributed fresh ideas and developed initiatives that will directly support and strengthen the WCAA community in meaningful ways. Over the coming months, we’re excited to share these initiatives with all of you.
Your national board is poised and ready to turn our focus outward—with greater clarity and purpose—to support and engage you, our chapter leaders and members, in a more structured approach.
This new vision will begin with regular, intentional communication. As President, I’ll be hosting quarterly meetings with all of our chapter presidents. These meetings are designed to strengthen collaboration, encourage the sharing of ideas among chapters, and offer support in leadership development at the local level. The goal is to help our boards become strong, sustainable, and well-prepared for smooth transitions—so great ideas and forward momentum continue, even as leadership evolves.
In the coming weeks, our national committee chairs will also be reaching out to connect directly with their counterparts in the chapters as well—membership to membership, education to education, and so on. This initiative will strengthen our collective efforts and ensure that national is not just supporting you from afar, but alongside you in this journey.
You should also know that your national board has been quietly—but actively—laying the groundwork for this new direction since 2023. Over the past two years, we’ve committed to a series of what we call “bunker meetings”—extended half-day strategy sessions held every few months, where we have stepped away from our own businesses and focused entirely on evaluating and improving the WCAA. We began with a “no idea is too big” wish list approach, meaning, if we could build the WCAA of our dreams, what would it look like? That question led us to focus first on strengthening the internal foundation of the national board—clarifying responsibilities, refining policies, and creating strategic priorities. From updating committee and executive director job descriptions to ensuring every board member understands the mission and their role in it. In short, these last two years have been about setting a strong foundation from which to build on.
Our mission remains the same: to be the recognized leader in elevating, connecting, and supporting professionals in the window covering industry including workrooms, retailers, installers and interior designers, as well as the industry partners that serve these professionals.
You’ll be seeing and hearing more from national leadership throughout the year. We’ll be visiting chapters, opening lines of communication, and working with you—not just for you.
And please, don’t hesitate to reach out. If you have ideas, feedback, or ways you believe we can better support our chapters and members, my door is open. I welcome hearing from you.
I look forward to growing the WCAA—together.
With gratitude,
LuAnn Nigara
President, WCAA
WCAA Vice President, Elizabeth Gerdes
I’m Elizabeth Gerdes, and I’ve had the pleasure of being a part of the WCAA since 2007. Over the years, this incredible organization has allowed me to form lasting friendships and provided me with invaluable opportunities to learn from some of the best in our field. The wisdom and support I’ve gained through both the local and national WCAA chapters have been essential to my growth as a small business owner and workroom professional. As the new Vice President of our National Chapter, I am honored to give back to this community that has given me so much.
I’m excited to work alongside my fellow members and look forward to helping our community continue to grow, thrive, and innovate. Together, we have the power to strengthen our industry and ensure its continued success for generations to come. I am truly excited for the opportunity to serve.
Warm regards,
Elizabeth Gerdes
WCAA Vice President
WCAA Director at Large, Jeff Wharton
I’m excited to be joining the WCAA Board and grateful for the opportunity to contribute to such a passionate and talented community.
As the CEO of Bloomin’ Blinds, a national window coverings franchise, and someone who’s been in franchising and home services for over 20 years, I’ve seen firsthand how powerful it is when professionals come together to share ideas, elevate standards, and support each other’s growth.
I’m looking forward to learning from this incredible group and finding ways to serve the members who make this industry what it is.
Warm regards,
Jeff Wharton
WCAA Director at Large