Stair Builder Rayna McDougall

Professional stair builder Rayna McDougall serves as Divisional Operations Manager for Southern Staircase’s Alpharetta branch (headquarters).

Rayna plays an essential role in keeping Southern Staircase’s operations running efficiently from start to finish. As Divisional Operations Manager, she helps align sales goals with customer needs while ensuring materials arrive on time, production remains on schedule, and installations are completed successfully. Much of her work centers on identifying and removing obstacles so every stage of the process can keep moving forward smoothly.

She was the company’s featured employee in Spring 2026.

At only 15, Rayna started working in the industry at a small window treatment shop, where she cut valances and returns on a chop saw. That early hands-on experience sparked a lasting interest in manufacturing and craftsmanship and led her into several woodworking production roles over the years. Those experiences helped build the practical knowledge and leadership skills she brings to Southern Staircase today, where her work includes continuous improvement, safety initiatives, process optimization, and support for new product launches.

One of the things Rayna values most about construction is that no two days are ever exactly the same. She appreciates the creativity, problem-solving, and craftsmanship that define the industry, as well as the accountability it demands. In her view, trust and follow-through matter deeply, and strong results carry real weight.

Throughout her career, Rayna has often been the first woman to hold a particular role within a company. She has seen progress in the industry over time, but believes quality work and measurable results continue to speak louder than anything else. She encourages women considering a career in construction to stay focused, work hard, and let their accomplishments speak for themselves.