Rising industry leaders take the spotlight in one of KBIS’s most anticipated moments.
On Tuesday morning at 9:30 a.m., the KBIS NEXTStage buzzed with anticipation as the NKBA | KBIS Thirty Under 30 Class of 2026 was introduced before a packed audience of designers, manufacturers, media, and industry executives.
Sponsored by Fabuwood and Kohler, the NKBA Thirty Under 30 on-stage celebration marked the official welcome of 30 emerging professionals poised to shape the future of the kitchen and bath industry.
Hosted by acclaimed designer and television personality Taniya Nayak, the presentation blended inspiration, recognition, and industry pride into one of KBIS’ most energizing moments.
A Celebration of Emerging Leadership
Nayak welcomed the audience before introducing Jennifer Chick-Gray, NKBA Director of Brand Development, and Blair Loftspring, NKBA Director of Brand Partnership Programs, to the stage.
Loftspring expressed appreciation for Nayak’s design leadership and thanked program sponsors Fabuwood and Kohler for their continued support of the initiative. She also recognized Kristin Shechter, NKBA Chapters Engagement Manager and Thirty Under 30 Program Coordinator, who stood stage-side ready to present awards as each honoree crossed the platform.
Now in its 14th year, NKBA’s Thirty Under 30 program recognizes exceptional young professionals who are redefining excellence across design, construction, retail, manufacturing, marketing, and entrepreneurship. More than an award, the initiative cultivates mentorship, fosters cross-industry relationships, and builds a leadership pipeline that strengthens the association and the industry at large.
Fabuwood Spotlights the 30s
“Our Thirty Under 30 honorees are emerging leaders in the kitchen and bath industry,” Chick-Gray told the audience, speaking on behalf of 30s sponsor Fabuwood. “This year’s class showcases talented interior designers, passionate company owners, and standout professionals — all poised for what’s next.”
Kohler Takes the Stage
Representing presenting sponsor Kohler, Katie Rammer joined the program to begin the introductions.
“Kohler is so pleased to sponsor NKBA Thirty Under 30,” Rammer shared. “I am honored to begin the introductions of this great group.”
One by one, each honoree walked across the stage to receive their award from Shechter before posing for a photo with Nayak at center stage — a defining career moment set against the backdrop of North America’s largest kitchen and bath trade show.
Meet the NKBA Thirty Under 30 Class of 2026
The Class of 2026 represents chapters across the United States and Canada and reflects the breadth and diversity of today’s kitchen and bath profession:
- Emily Ahmad, CS Design Studio — Baltimore/Washington Chapter
- Noa Arbely, Concretti Designs — Southwest Desert Chapter
- Hayden Bolin, Tracy Custom Homes — Texas North Plains Chapter
- Allison Burt, Haus Studio — Central Ohio Chapter
- Lauren Feurich, Drury Designs — Chicago Midwest Chapter
- Danny Formeeka, For-mee-ka’s Kitchen Design Center — Pittsburgh Tri State Chapter
- Kiaya Foskett, Ashley DeBoer Interiors — British Columbia Chapter
- Shaily Godhani, Estheteak — Ontario/Canada Chapter
- Alyssa Gomes, CKBD, Windle Design & Construction — Mid Atlantic Chapter
- Allison Green, Elm Haus Co — Texas Hill Country Chapter
- Mariah Hebenthal, Sherwin-Williams — Puget Sound Chapter
- Sebastian Hernandez, Herz Home Improvement — Northern New Jersey Chapter
- Evan Hill, Creative Cabinet & Fine Finishes, LLC — Georgia Chapter
- Molly Hillebrand, Don’s Appliances — Pittsburgh Tri State Chapter
- Laura Honors, Honors Interiors LLC — Southwest Florida Chapter
- Leslie Hranicky, Parcels Design Studio — Rocky Mountain Chapter
- Noelle Johnson, The Lifestyle Lab — Arizona Chapter
- Abby Killorin, The Ramey Agency — Louisiana/Mississippi/Arkansas Chapter
- Ella Kirsch, Lane Homes & Remodeling — Virginia State Chapter
- Cayleigh McCusker, Euro Line — Mid Atlantic Chapter
- Karissa McMillen, Sherwin-Williams — Columbia River Chapter
- Katy O’Connor, Fisher & Paykel — Southern California Chapter
- Kianna Patrick, Construction Resources — Georgia Chapter
- Ally Roberto, G&A Flooring — Southern California Chapter
- Molly Roller, Rev-A-Shelf — Kentuckiana Chapter
- Krissy Rowe, Aurora Interiors — Olympic West Sound Chapter
- Chris Slyman, Slyman Brothers — Missouri/Southern Illinois Chapter
- Sami Spurr, SNS Interiors LLC — Northern New Jersey Chapter
- Leah Turner, CKBD, Clay DCC — Ontario/Canada Chapter
- Perry Zorbas, Zorbas Design-Build-Renovate Group — Ontario/Canada Chapter
Together, they represent the next generation of innovators, collaborators, and change-makers within the industry.
More Than a Moment
The on-stage recognition is only the beginning. Throughout KBIS, the Thirty Under 30 honorees will explore the show floor, connect with brand partners, and begin evaluating products for the upcoming 30s Choice Awards, which will be announced online in April at NKBA.org.
As the applause settled and the final group photo was taken, one thing was clear: the future of the kitchen and bath industry is not waiting in the wings — it is already leading.
Through the continued support of sponsors Fabuwood and Kohler, NKBA’s Thirty Under 30 program remains a powerful platform for recognizing emerging excellence and investing in the next chapter of industry leadership.
