November 2025
Chapter Officer Update
Thank you to our Partners:
“We encourage all members to visit the VFTI landing page at KBIS.com to view the upcoming conference schedule and access the registration link.“
Important Dates
November 7 – Chapter Star Awards nominations deadline
November 7 – Educator of the Year nominations deadline
November 11 – 2026 NKBA | KBIS Bath Trends Virtual Summit
November 11 – Presidents’ monthly call – 4 PM ET
November 18 – Programs Chair monthly call – 3 PM ET
November 18 – Communications Chair monthly call – 4 PM ET
November 19 – Membership Chair monthly call – 3 PM ET
November 19 – Secretary/Treasurer monthly call – 4 PM ET
November 24-28 – NKBA Offices closed for Thanksgiving
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, Chapters & Professional Development Project Manager
General info, meeting notices, and roster requests:
Research
Join us for the 2026 NKBA | KBIS Bath Trends Virtual Summit, presented in partnership with Duravit, on Tuesday, November 11, from 12:00–2:00 PM ET (0.2 CEUs).
The bathroom is no longer just functional—it’s becoming the heart of the home’s wellness experience. As design priorities evolve from utility to sanctuary, this exclusive online event will reveal how personalization, technology, and wellness are shaping tomorrow’s most intimate spaces.
Summit Highlights:
Session 1: 2026 Bath Trends Report
Get the first look at 2026 data and consumer insights—exploring how wellness, accessibility, and innovative technology are transforming bath design.
Session 2: From Utility to Oasis—Turning Daily Rituals Into Spa Moments
Panelists: Kurt Raabe (Duravit), Michael Wright, CKBD (Wright by Design), Bethany Reilly (BR Design Group), and Maegan Blau (Blue Copper Design).
Discover how designers are crafting personalized, sensory-driven spaces where technology and design meet mindfulness.
Session 3: Frame to Freedom—Creating Seamless Serenity with Shower Glass
Shannon McKinney, Owner, DT Glass Inc., discusses how innovative glass design is redefining the shower as the centerpiece of modern luxury and relaxation. Register here: NKBA Bath Trends Summit
Marketing
NKBA presents the following November business and smart-home Webinars with registration links below. Webinars begin at 12:00 PM ET with 0.1 CEU per webinar.
| November 4 | Navigating Career Pivot Points November 5 | Smart Bathrooms November 6 | Integrating Technology and Design November 12 | Creating Functional Homes Through Technology November 18 | Developing a Marketing Plan for 2026 November 19 | Smart Design: Integrating Technology |
Students & Educators
Know an outstanding educator who’s making a difference in the kitchen and bath industry? Nominate them for the 2025 NKBA Educator of the Year award! Help us recognize the passion and dedication that shape the next generation of professionals. Nominations are open now through November 7, 2025: click here to nominate an educator.
Will students and educators from your chapter be attending KBIS 2026? We’re excited to invite them to our annual Student & Educator Coffee Break, taking place on Wednesday, February 18, from 2:30 – 4:00 PM at the Orange County Convention Center.
This year’s featured speaker is Stacy McCarthy, CMKBD, who will explore important, yet often overlooked, human dimensions of design in her presentation, “Spaces That Care: The Real-Life Impact of Kitchen and Bath Design.”
If you’re a chapter officer who regularly connects with students or local schools, please email Kelly Ann Ryan to request an invitation. We’d love for you to join us and help foster meaningful connections among attendees.
Governance
NKBA has just announced its 2026 Board of Directors. Kerrie Kelly, CEO and Creative Director, Kerrie Kelly Studio, has been elected Chair of the 2026 Board of Directors, effective January 1, 2026. She succeeds Eduardo Cosentino, EVP Cosentino Group & CEO Cosentino Americas. Cosentino will stay on as a 2026 NKBA board member.
“It’s an honor to step into this role at such a pivotal time for NKBA,” said Kelly. “The association is evolving beyond kitchen and bath to embrace the full spectrum of residential design, and that broader vision is creating new opportunities for connection, inspiration, and global influence. As Chair, I’m committed to championing that whole-home perspective—bringing designers, brands, and innovators together to shape experiences that reflect how people truly live today. NKBA has always set the standard for design leadership, and together, we’ll continue to expand that impact across every room, every market, and every corner of the industry.”
In addition to Kelly, Scott Edmunds, Sr. Vice President of Marketing, Kohler Co., has been elected Vice Chair. Returning board member, Michael Gross, Senior Vice President, Whirlpool, will assume the position of NKBA Board Secretary/Treasurer.
The 2026 NKBA Board of Directors welcomes two new members — Alena Capra, CMKBD, Owner, Alena Capra Designs, and Vijay Shankar, Executive Chairman, Coleto Brands — who join returning board members Nicola Bertazzoni, Chief Operating Officer, Bertazzoni Group; Eduardo Cosentino, EVP Cosentino Group & CEO Cosentino Americas; Jill Ehnes, President of Delta Faucet Company; and Peri Friedman, COO, Fabuwood.
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.
Hot topics this month include:
U.S. Stone Slab Products Act: Congress introduced House Resolution 5437, also known as the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Stone Slab Products Act, which would prohibit civil actions against a manufacturer or seller of a stone slab product for harm resulting from the alteration of such a product by a fabricator.
Canadian Housing: Canada has launched Build Canada Homes, a federal agency that will leverage public-private partnership to build affordable housing at scale and at speed in order to address the country’s housing crisis.
U.S. Energy Tax Credits: The Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit and the Residential Clean Energy Credit, originally set to expire in the early 2030s, are accelerated to end December 31, 2025.
Massachusetts: Senate considers bills 254 and 2620 to regulate the commercial interior design profession, with both pieces of legislation including kitchen and bath exemption language to protect NKBA members from any potential negative impacts.
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, for any specific questions.
Professional Development
Voices from the Industry (VFTI) is a valuable opportunity for learning and professional development, offering a wide range of educational sessions led by industry experts during KBIS. We encourage all members to visit the VFTI landing page at KBIS.com to view the upcoming conference schedule and access the registration link. Chapter officers receive free VFTI access throughout KBIS, and members can take advantage of discounted rates by registering early—before prices increase in January. Please help promote VFTI registration within your chapter so members don’t miss out on this enriching experience and chance to earn CEUs.
Gain CEU credits in November via NKBA Webinars. CEU reporting deadline is June 30, 2026 – earn and report today!
CONGRATULATIONS to our newest NKBA Specialty Badge earners!
SPECIALTY BADGES
Student:
Elisa Tanya Williams-Morales, Remodeling, Georgia, Student
NKBA Members:
Matthew Moseley, Chief & Honey Holdings LLC, Cabinetry, Remodeling, Tennessee
Joshua Monaghan, Chief Architect, Appliance, Palouse
Brenda Moore, Color Lighting, Texas North Plains
Erica Riccard, Cabinet Joint, Cabinetry, Susquehanna Valley
Zachary Rigali, Cabinet En-Counter, Appliance, Northern New England
Michele Iwalani Martinez, Truly Connected Contractors, Cabinetry, Arizona
Susan Fefferman, Harmonious Surroundings, Cabinetry, San Diego
Nadia Binns, Appliance, Piedmont Blue Ridge Carolina
James Inpyn, Cabinet Joint, Cabinetry, Susquehanna Valley
Erica Riccard, Cabinet Joint, Cabinetry, Susquehanna Valley
Lorelei Watson, Cabinet Joint, Cabinetry, Susquehanna Valley
Julie Boynton, Hay Runner, Remodeling, Maine
Joy Truslow, Cabinetworks Group, Cabinetry, Baltimore/Washington
Jasmine Shymko, Cabinetworks Group, Cabinetry, Eastern Carolina
Meghaan Ruhlen, Gerhards Kitchen Bath & Lighting, Wisconsin/Upper Michigan
Lavanya Devi Gurumoorthy, LD Interiors, Cabinetry, Ontario/Canada
Jeanne Middleton, Home Depot, Appliance, Southern Ohio/Kentucky
Gail Henning, Cabinetworks Group, Color, Minnesota State
Matthew Frazier, Sales & Marketing, Universal Design, Northern California
Natalya Mullen, Gerhard’s Kitchen, Bath & Lighting, Floor Plans & Specifications, Wisconsin/Upper Michigan
Kristin Stanton. Cabinetworks, Cabinetry, Michigan State
Anne-Marie Klobe, Klobe Residential, Universal Design, Minnesota State
Ami Bozzie, Home Depot, Appliance, Northern California
Nicole Goetz, Cabinetworks Group, Color, Susquehanna Valley
Beth Rush, Uniway Furniture & Catalog Showroom, Cabinetry, Carolina
Amy Sue Birrer, Birrer Construction LLC, Remodeling, Columbia River
Lorelei Watson, Cabinet Joint, Floor Plans & Specifications Sales & Marketing, Susquehanna Valley
Liam Deyoung, Sales & Marketing Remodeling, Texas North Plains
James Inpyn, Cabinet Joint, Floor Plans & Specifications, Susquehanna Valley
Emma Pekarek, Sunnyfields Kitchen & Bath, Floor Plans & Specifications, Baltimore/Washington DC
Junene Hrycko, Arizona Designs Kitchens & Baths, Appliance, Arizona South
Hannah Violet, United Wholesale Supply Inc, Cabinetry, Puget Sound
Judy Su, Antero Cabinets and Stone, Floor Plans & Specifications Cabinetry Remodeling, Rocky Mountain
Jeremy Page, DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen of Utah Valley, Remodeling, Mountain States
Emily Jossinet, Singhko Incorporate, Floor Plans & Specifications. Ottawa
Katie Canfield, Studio KC, Remodeling, Southern New England
Kayla VanHorn, Texturious Designs,Floor Plans & Remodeling, Iowa
Stacey Morgan, Don’s Custom Cabinets, Remodeling, Rocky Mountain
Sonia Dodd, Neil Kelly Company, Lighting, Columbia River
Member
Relations
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.
NKBA Membership Signup. Please share this link. If anyone needs a hard copy of the application, please email info@nkba.org. There is an updated 2025 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!
NKBA’s Member Relations team is always available to assist our Members and Chapters. Contact them at 1-800-843-6522 or email info@nkba.org.
NKBA Chapter Relations Department Contact List
1-800-843-6522
Chapters@nkba.org
(Chapter Officer Inquiries on Responsibilities)
info@nkba.org
(Membership Inquiries)
Kelly Buchsbaum, 201-972-0182
Director, Chapters & Learning – kbuchsbaum@nkba.org
Kristin Shechter, 610-988-6035
Chapters Engagement Manager – kshechter@nkba.org
Melissa Flynn, 610-988-6046
Chapters & Skilled Trades Manager – mflynn@nkba.org
Elizabeth Mace, 610-988-6029
Chapters & Professional Development Project Manager – emace@nkba.org
Chapter Leadership Committee – Click Here. Also located on the Resources page of the website.
Did you miss the previous issue of the Chapter Officer Update, or do you have suggestions for future issues? If so, email chapters@nkba.org .
