AAMA Announces New Certification And Technical Staff Appointments

Schaumburg, IL – The American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA) has appointed Jason Seals as certification manager and Rich Rinka as technical/industry affairs manager.

Jason Seals

Seals comes to AAMA with over 15 years of experience in the fenestration industry. As AAMA’s certification manager, he will direct all certification-related activities of the association with direct management responsibilities for the AAMA air, water and structural Gold Label Certification Program, as well as the AAMA Thermal Certification Program (silver label). Also, Seals will manage all aspects of the ANSI accreditation requirements in addition to certification-related audits and act as advisory staff liaison to assigned member groups within the association.

“We are very fortunate to have Jason join AAMA in the role of Certification Manager,” says AAMA’s president and CEO, Rich Walker. “He will be a valuable asset to the association and our members since he brings with him more than 15 years of testing and member company knowledge and experience.”

In his most recent position with a window and door manufacturer, Seals managed certifications and approvals from various independent inspection agencies and code organizations, including AAMA.

Rich Rinka

As AAMA’s technical/industry affairs manager, Rinka will serve as a technical spokesperson and liaison representing AAMA at the meetings of key affiliated industry organizations to identify any areas of interest or impact to AAMA members. He also will conduct critical reviews of the association’s technical documents to ensure consistency, stringency and accuracy, as well as coordinate the use and acceptance of AAMA standards by other consensus bodies. As staff liaison for assigned committees and task groups, Rinka will provide technical expertise and direction for members.

“In a relatively short period of time as the previous certification manager at AAMA, Rich grasped all the challenging nuances of the certification program. We have no doubt he will excel as technical/industry affairs manager,” says Walker. “Rich’s impressive technical credentials and troubleshooting experience in the field underlie his versatility, and we look forward to him solidifying AAMA’s relationshipsand collaboration with our key industry partners.”

Prior to joining AAMA in 2012, Rinka worked in the industry as a field technical engineer for a component supplier and also served as chair of the AAMA 800 Maintenance Committee. During his time in product development for the automotive industry, he developed and still holds four patents related to sealants.

About the Fenestration & Glazing Industry Alliance

The Fenestration & Glazing Industry Alliance (FGIA) was formed on January 1, 2020 by combining the American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA) and the Insulating Glass Manufacturers Alliance (IGMA). FGIA's vision focuses on improving home and building performance through better glass, window, door and skylight technologies and standards. For more information, visit https://fgiaonline.org.