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September 2026

Chapter Officer Update

Thank you to our Partners:

“It’s countdown to KBIS week! On Tuesday, September 1, NKBA members will receive an invitation to register for KBIS 2027 at no cost…“

View Full Message from National →

Important Dates

September 1 – KBIS 2027 Registration opens (general members)

September 1 – NKBA National Committee self-nominations open

September 8 – Presidents Monthly Call | 4:00 PM ET

September 15 – Programs & Communications Chairs Monthly Call | 4:00 PM ET

September 16 – Membership & Secretary/Treasurers Monthly Call | 4:00 PM ET

September 25 – NKBA Education Appreciation Week – virtual Student Design Symposium

Chapters

NKBA’s Chapters Team is here for you – reach out to us via email or call 610-988-6035.

Kelly Buchsbaum, Director, Chapters & Professional Development

Kristin Shechter, Chapters Engagement Manager

Melissa Flynn, Chapters & Skilled Trades Manager

Elizabeth Mace, Project Manager, Chapters & Professional Development

General info, meeting notices, and roster requests:

chapters@nkba.org

Webinars & Virtual Events

NKBA presents the following webinars for this September’s Education theme. Webinars begin at 12:00 PM ET with 0.1 CEU per webinar.

Wednesday, September 9 | Managing Client Expectations Thru a Construction Project
Tuesday, September 15 | How to Transform Your Brand into a Dream Client Magnet
Tuesday, September 22 | The Designer & Builder Dynamic: Collaborating Beyond the Blueprint
Wednesday, September 23 | Design Meets Build: Collaborating for a Smoother Project Experience
Wednesday, September 30 | Protecting Your Creative Work and Your Clients in a Digital World

Students & Educators

As part of NKBA’s third annual Education Appreciation Week, the Fall 2026 NKBA Student Design Symposium on Friday, September 25 is a free career development event designed to inspire and equip students for a successful future. This year’s theme, “Ignite Your Creativity, Sharpen Your Skills,” features a timely and inspired keynote from Sharon L. Sherman, CKD, as well as expert-led breakout sessions. Students, educators, and passionate lifelong learners are invited to attend!

Register here and share the registration link with your relevant chapter members.

Student members are encouraged to enter NKBA’s annual Student Design Competition featuring top prizes up to $5,000. The deadline to enter is June 4, 2027. 

Learn More About the Student Design Competition.

Governance

NKBA will start accepting self-nominations for its national elections on September 1. This is an opportunity to take volunteerism from the local to the national level by serving on the association’s Board of Directors (BOD) or one of its key standing committees. Open positions include:

  1. Board of Directors (BOD) – Three positions
  2. Chapter Leadership Committee (CLC) – Two positions
  3. Leadership Recruitment Committee (LRC) – Two positions
  4. KBIS Exhibitor Committee (KEC) – Three positions

To be considered for the Board of Directors, Chapter Leadership Committee or Leadership Recruitment Committee, candidates must be NKBA members in good standing. To learn more about open national volunteer roles, go here.

Please note that Chapter Leadership Committee (CLC) applicants must be a current chapter officer or have previously served at least one full term as a chapter officer within the last two years. The applicant does not need to maintain officer status, however, to remain in the CLC position.

Additionally, to be eligible for election to the KBIS Exhibitor Committee, applicants must have been an exhibitor at KBIS 2026 and must commit to exhibit at KBIS 2027.

The application process is a crucial first step in shaping the future leadership of our Association. The Leadership Recruitment Committee conducts a thorough and intentional review of every submission, making a complete, detailed application essential to giving your background the consideration it deserves.

Think of this application as your canvas: it is your primary opportunity to highlight your proudest accomplishments, demonstrate your dedication to volunteer service, and convey your enthusiasm for expanding your impact within our community. Taking the time to provide thoughtful, fully realized responses ensures the committee gains a complete picture of your unique strengths, vision, and readiness to lead.

Nominations will close September 30 at 5 PM ET, so be sure to apply!

Government Relations

NKBA actively monitors legislation and public policy developments impacting the kitchen and bath industry, sharing key updates each month through our Government Relations Newsletter. A repository of newsletters, as well as additional resources to self-advocate on issues important to you, can be found on the Government Relations webpage.

Hot topics this month include:

U.S. Department of Energy: Secretary Wright announced the Department of Energy (DOE) Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to permanently end home appliance and equipment mandates for household appliances and equipment, including air conditioning units, gas stoves, washing and drying machines, water heaters, refrigerators, and other products.

U.S. Tariffs: 

  • The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has taken action targeting companies accused of circumventing U.S. trade laws governing imported cabinets and vanities. 
  • Trade disputes between the U.S. and Canada escalate as both countries increase tariffs on billions of dollars of goods including those used in residential construction.

U.S. Workforce Development: Congress considers the Pre-Apprenticeships To Hardhats (PATH) Act which directs the Secretary of Labor to support the development of pre-apprenticeship programs in the building and construction trades.

U.S. Housing: The Eleanor Smith Inclusive Home Design Act of 2026 is introduced in both chambers of Congress and would require all newly constructed, federally assisted, single-family houses and town houses to meet minimum standards of visitability for persons with disabilities.

We hope you benefit from the value these resources bring to you, your profession, and the kitchen & bath industry. Please reach out directly to Steven Campeau, NKBA’s Senior Manager, Global & Government Relations at scampeau@nkba.org, with any specific questions.

Professional Development

Please join NKBA in congratulating our newest NKBA CKBD and NKBA Specialty Badge earners, listed below.

Certified Kitchen & Bath Designer (CKBD):

Congratulations to our newest NKBA Certified members and kudos to their Chapters! 

Samantha Manuel, CKBD, Texas North Plains; Giovanna Berrios Laucella, CKBD, Georgia; Kimberly Melchior, CKBD, Chapter Officer San Diego.

Specialty Badges:

Katie Gorham, Distefano Brothers Construction, Remodeling, Northern New England

Maryellen Shaughnessy, Carole Kitchen and Bath Design, Remodeling, Northern New England

Hailey Westrun, Home Depot, Floor Plans & Specifications, Texas South Plains

Amy Davidson, Home,Depot, Appliance, Central Florida

Julie Senzig-Wescott, NKBA, Color, Northern New Jersey

Patty Gallagher, Avon Plumbing, Remodeling, Southern New England

Melinda Jackson, Melinda J Design LLC, Universal Design, Northern California

Tracey Fogarty, Steir Design Build, Remodeling, Minnesota State

Sinjal Jose, Ashton Renovations, Remodeling, Ontario/Canada

Meghan Ruhlen, Gerhard’s Kitchen, Bath & Lighting, Cabinetry, Wisconsin/Upper Michigan

Sara Hawkins, Carole Kitchen and Bath Design, Cabinetry, Northern New England

Sophia Perez, Carole Kitchen and Bath Design, Cabinetry, Northern New England

Christine McMahon, The McMahon Group, Cabinetry, Southern New England

Janeille Stora Hall, Coastal Creations Kitchens and Baths, Cabinetry, Northern New England

Cate Chadwick, McLennan Contracting, Remodeling, Susquehanna Valley

Nancy Bove, NKBA, Sales & Marketing, Susquehanna Valley

Membership

Frequently Asked Questions and Member Videos for the most frequently asked questions.

New Members are vital to the success of NKBA and our Chapters. Please send prospective members to membership@nkba.org and we will send detailed information on member benefits, membership cost, certification, badges and more.

Membership Types include business, international business, industry partner, individual, and student. The definitions of each type can be found on the NKBA signup page.

NKBA Membership Signup. Please share this link. In addition, each chapter page has a “Join the NKBA” button. If anyone needs a hard copy of the application, please email info@nkba.org. There is an updated 2026 membership application with new rates.

Company admins can remove employees who are no longer with the company directly through the company profile on www.nkba.org.

To add new employees, please email info@nkba.org and our Member Relations Team will be happy to assist. We’ll need:

  • First and last names
  • Unique email addresses

Any employees working directly for an NKBA member company can be added at no charge—including Sales Reps who work from a home office.

If you have individuals on your roster without email addresses, please send those names to info@nkba.org as well. We’ll reach out to confirm their status with the company and, if applicable, secure an email address.

Have questions? We’re always glad to help—just reach out to info@nkba.org.

Thank you!