Kent Gilchrist assumes dual executive role with Woodwork Career Alliance

Kent Gilchrist assumes dual executive role with Woodwork Career Alliance June 12, 2026 | 9:16 am CDT

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Woodworking Industry News

Kent Gilchrist assumes dual executive role with Woodwork Career Alliance

By

Dakota Smith

June 12, 2026 | 9:16 am CDT

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Kent Gilchrist, a member of the Woodwork Career Alliance Board of Directors since 2010, is now Chairman and Secretary. Photo by WCA. 

LINCOLN, Neb., Kent Gilchrist, long-time Secretary of the Woodwork Career Alliance of North America (WCA) Board of Directors, has taken on the additional role of Chairman. Gilchrist was elected Chairman during the WCA Board’s recent meeting. In addition, the board elected John Leininger to serve a three-year term on the board of directors.

Gilchrist, president of Fremont Interiors and a self-described “serial volunteer,” has served on the WCA Board since 2010. His extensive background includes serving as President of the Architectural Woodwork Institute (AWI) in 2015 and holding various leadership positions within AWI’s Board and Education Committee.

Gilchrist's commitment to the next generation of woodworkers is further evidenced by his role as Technical Chair of the annual SkillsUSA National Cabinetmaking Competition since 2000 and his service on the SkillsUSA Indiana Board of Directors.

Honoring Brian Bond Gilchrist succeeds Brian Bond, who joined the WCA Board in 2009. Bond recently retired from his position as Professor of Sustainable Biomaterials at Virginia Tech.

“On behalf of the WCA, I want to extend my deepest gratitude to Brian Bond for his 16 years of dedicated service including most recently as Chairman,” said Scott Nelson, WCA President. “Brian has been an instrumental part of our growth since the early days, and his expertise has been invaluable to our mission. While we will miss his leadership, we are fortunate to have Kent stepping into this role. Kent’s long history with the WCA and his experience with the AWI and SkillsUSA make him an able successor who is well-prepared to help lead us forward.”

New Board Member: John Leininger  

John Leininger, president of Leininger Cabinet & Woodworking.

Leininger, president of Leininger Cabinet & Woodworking, joins the board with a lifetime of industry experience. He grew up in the trade, eventually taking over the company from his father in 1980. The Lexington, Kentucky-based company is currently celebrating its 75th anniversary.

Leininger, who has been involved with the AWI since 1982, sees his new role as a way to address the industry's most pressing challenge.

“Our biggest concern has always been finding people,” Leininger said. “I feel like the industry that gave so much to me needs whatever help I can muster.”

To learn more about the WCA, visit woodworkcareer.org. 

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About the author

Dakota Smith

| Assistant Editor

Dakota is an assistant editor at Woodworking Network, avidly exploring the woodworking industry.

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