We’re proud to share that at our recent New England Chapter golf outing—our largest gathering of the year—we presented the prestigious Norman L. Vaughn Sr. Award to Ken Bertram.
Established in 2011, this award honors the legacy of Norman L. Vaughn Sr., one of the founding members of what would become AWI. In the early 1950s, Norman Sr. joined with other leaders running the largest millwork shops in the country to create the Millwork Cost Bureau. Their goal was ambitious: to standardize fabrication and pricing across the industry through a comprehensive cost book—copies of which still exist today.
A few years later, this visionary group transformed their organization into the Architectural Woodwork Institute, incorporating in Chicago in 1954 to allow all millwork shops to participate as members. Recognizing the need for information to flow across the country, they developed regional chapters, with our New England chapter being the very first. Norman Sr. served as its first president, establishing the foundation upon which our chapter continues to build today.
The Norman L. Vaughn Sr. Award recognizes members whose dedication to advancing our chapter and the woodworking industry reflects this same pioneering spirit. We don’t present this honor annually, reserving it for individuals whose contributions demand special recognition.
Ken exemplifies the leadership and dedication this award represents. As chapter president from 2020 to 2023, he guided us through one of the most challenging periods in recent history. During the pandemic’s unprecedented uncertainty, Ken didn’t just keep our chapter afloat—he strengthened it from within. He successfully rebuilt the board, maintained our vital programming, and positioned us not merely to survive, but to thrive when the world reopened.
What sets Ken apart is his collaborative leadership philosophy. He understands that success isn’t a solo act, but the result of everyone in an organization working together. This team-building approach and his commitment to empowering those around him reflect the true spirit of service that defines exceptional leadership.
Ken’s steady hand and foresight provided exactly the stability and direction our chapter needed during turbulent times. His contributions are a testament to the idea that genuine leadership is about service, resilience, and preparing the way for a stronger future for everyone.
Congratulations to Ken Bertram—a well-deserved recipient of our chapter’s highest honor.
AWI New England Chapter