Nominations open for volunteers to fill annual vacancies
By Elisa Fernández-Arias
This month, NKBA is accepting self-nominations for its national elections to serve on the association’s Board of Directors (BOD) or one of its key standing committees. Open positions include:
- Board of Directors (BOD) -Two positions
- Chapter Leadership Committee (CLC) -Two positions
- Leadership Recruitment Committee (LRC) -Two positions
- KBIS Exhibitor Committee (KEC) -Three positions
Nominations for National Elections are open from Sept. 1 to Sept. 29. Self-nominate today.
Those serving on the Board of Directors and the various committees are impressive, with strong leadership skills and a commitment to both the association and the K&B industry as a whole. The NKBA is grateful to the current BOD, CLC, LRC and KEC volunteers and would like to thank the following volunteers whose terms will soon be coming to an end.
From the 2023 NKBA Board of Directors
Jan Heck, President & CEO, Miele USA, Board of Directors 2023 Chair
Named President and CEO of Miele USA in 2016, Jan Heck oversees US operations and sales growth, for the largest family owned German appliance manufacturer, to ensure the company maintains the status as the leading premium appliance brand. In his responsibilities, he oversees business with a national network of premium appliances retailers and trade partners, and the management of 10 Miele Experience Centers throughout the US. Prior to his US leadership, Jan Heck assumed the role of President of Miele Canada in April 1999. During his tenure, the company became the leading appliance brand in Canada and had grown sales by more than 400%. Previous to Miele, Jan Heck had multiple leadership roles including President of Bizerba Canada and Managing Director of Bizerba UK, a global leader in weighing technology. He is also the chairman of the board of the German American Chamber Commerce New York.
Kristen Elder, VP of Residential Builder & Showrooms, Ferguson Enterprises, Board of Directors, Vice-Chair
In her role at Ferguson, Elder is responsible for showroom and builder strategy and execution. An accomplished consumer product sales and marketing leader, she joined Ferguson in 2019 as senior director of appliance business development. Elder has worked closely with the business groups, sourcing, category management, marketing and the branch network to boost sales and profitability of Ferguson’s appliance business. Before joining Ferguson, she spent 20 years in the retail industry at well-known brands such as Sony Electronics, Circuit City and Monark Premium Appliance Company.
From the 2023 Chapter Leadership Committee
Ellen Lopez, CMKBD, El Design Studio, Chapter Leadership Committee Volunteer
Ellen began her career in the home furnishing space as a Textile Designer working for a large textile converting company. There her passion for color, design and creating for lifestyles came together and made way for her future as a Certified Kitchen Designer. From Colorist to Fabric Designer and Stylist, to stay at home mother of 3, Ellen transitioned to Kitchen Designer in 2005, and found her true calling. As a self-taught Kitchen Designer, she elevated her skill and talent and achieved the level of CKD from the National Kitchen and Bath Association in 2009. After working for others, in 2014 Ellen opened EL Design Studio Inc., where she currently excels at designing unique, creative, well-organized kitchens that reflect her clients’ personalities, satisfy their needs and elevate their lifestyles.
Nancy Young, CKBD, CLIPP, Chapter Leadership Committee Volunteer
Nancy has been working in the kitchen and bath industry since 2002, designing custom kitchens and baths for two different design showrooms. She is a Certified Kitchen and Bath Designer (CKBD). In 2012, she opened her own design studio, Nancy Young Designs in Montgomery, Alabama. Nancy has served the Alabama Chapter of the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) as Treasurer, President-elect and President. She has also served as President and Chapter Representative for National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) Alabama and now serves on the Chapter Leadership Committee for NKBA. Over the years she has won state awards for ASID Universal Design and the Alabama Remodeling Excellence Award for Universal Design.
2023 Leadership Recruitment Committee
Katie Brockman, Katie Brockman & Co., Leadership Recruitment Committee 2023 Chair
Katie Brockman is the founder and CEO of Katie Brockman & Co., an innovative advisory firm who guides and supports clients who are best in class in their field of design with a wide range of services including business and brand strategy, sales development, marketing, partnerships, communications, social and PR. Having held senior level corporate and ad sales roles with The SANDOW Design Group (Luxe Interiors + Design, Interior Design and Metropolis) and with VERANDA within the Hearst Corporation, Katie understands what’s needed to grow a business and how to engage sales teams, develop strategic partnerships, and initiate 360 degree marketing programs to achieve key objectives. Her relationships within the interiors and design community have fostered an exceptional reputation as she has had the pleasure of supporting and collaborating with interior designers, brands, manufacturers, retailers and developers across the globe. Katie holds board and leadership positions at numerous industry organizations including the Decorative Furnishings Association (DFA), the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA), and REALM Global.
David Noe, Rev-A-Shelf, Leadership Recruitment Committee Volunteer
An industry veteran and cabinet storage and organization expert with more than three decades of experience in the industry, David Noe joined Rev-A-Shelf LLC in June of 1984. In his current role as General Manager, Noe oversees day-to-day operations, including management of the sales, marketing, operations, and product development teams and more than 500 employees. Noe is responsible for negotiating and overseeing several acquisitions during his tenure that included Tresco Lighting, CompoKeeper, Glideware, and Lazy Daisy. He attended the University of Louisville, Marketing & Public Relations and has served on the Board of Directors of several industry organizations, including KCMA, Closet Industry and NBMDA. He also has served on numerous councils such as the NKBA Exhibitor Council. His work has allowed him to travel extensively internationally to develop new vendors and stronger supply chains as well as attend Industry showcases such as Eurocucina, IWF, SICAM, and several Asian supply trade fairs.
Nominations for National Elections are open from Sept. 1 to Sept. 29. Self-nominate today.
