Russ Kathrein Appointed as NLBMDA Council Chair
The Do it Best executive has been selected to lead the Manufacturers and Services Council for the national trade group.
Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in People
Russ Kathrein has been named the new chair of the Manufacturers and Services Council at the National Lumber and Building Material Dealers Association (NLBMDA). This appointment also grants him a seat on the organization's board of directors.
Why it matters
The role connects the perspectives of manufacturers and service providers with the broader strategic priorities of the association. Kathrein will lead the council in guiding priorities and strengthening collaboration across the building materials industry.
The Manufacturers and Services Council is a central body within the NLBMDA that represents service providers and manufacturers supporting the industry. The chair role includes an automatic seat on the association's board of directors.
The players
Russ Kathrein
He is the vice president of lumber and building materials at Do it Best.
National Lumber and Building Material Dealers Association
This is a national trade association representing the interests of lumber and building material dealers.
Manufacturers and Services Council
This council is a specialized body within the NLBMDA that represents suppliers and service providers.
The details
Kathrein currently serves as the vice president of lumber and building materials at Do it Best. In his new role, he is tasked with aligning the interests of industry suppliers with those of lumber and building material dealers nationwide.
Timeline
October 1, 2026: Announcement of Kathrein's election as council chair.
Market Landscape
This appointment reinforces the industry-standard practice of integrating supplier voices directly into trade association governance. By linking the council chair to a board seat, the association ensures that manufacturers maintain a significant influence over national building material policy.
The leadership change aims to improve the alignment between manufacturers and retailers, potentially leading to more efficient supply chain cooperation for dealers. Customers may see the downstream effects of this collaboration through more consistent product availability and better supplier communication.
The takeaway
The appointment emphasizes the importance of integrated leadership in trade associations to bridge the gap between supply and demand. Industry professionals should monitor this collaboration for potential shifts in manufacturer-dealer relations and industry-wide priorities.
Further reading
For more information on organizational changes within the trade, visit the People section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by HBS Dealer.
