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NKBA Announces 2025 National Committee Members

Following the recent announcement of its 2025 Board of Directors, NKBA also disclosed the members of its additional national volunteer committees – the Chapter Leadership Committee (CLC), Leadership Recruitment Committee (LRC) and KBIS Exhibitor Committee (KEC). Volunteer committee members each serve 3-year terms, with the terms commencing on January 1, 2025.

CLC Member Updates

The newest Chapter Leadership Committee members are Sadie Anderson, Vice President of Marketing & Design, CKF; and Rima Nasr, Interior Designer, RDesign Studio. They replace Nichole Cooper, Showroom Director of Middleby Residential; and Sandee Mann, Sales Executive of Kohler Canada.

Continuing CLC members include Kimberly Kerl, Owner & Principal Designer, Kustom Home Design;  Julie Schuster, Principal of Julie Schuster Design Studio; and Brianna Weiler, Vice President | Interior Designer, Kitchens by Charles Weiler. 

The Chapter Leadership Committee provides a link between the grassroots of the Association, its chapters and National Staff. They are charged with monitoring member needs and requests at the chapter level and conveying these to National staff, while also being tasked with chapter engagement initiatives and other important activations. 

LRC Member Updates

The newest Leadership Recruitment Committee members are Kristen Elder, Vice President- Showrooms, Residential Builder & Digital Commerce, Ferguson Enterprises and Veronika Miller, CEO, M2 Consulting Group. They replace Kevin Dexter, EVP and President, Spring Window Fashions, Montgomery, PA; and Jason McGraw, Group Vice President – CEDIA Expo/KBIS, Emerald, Alpharetta, GA.

Continuing LRC members include; James Brodsky, CEO, Sharp Think, New York, NY; Basil Larkin, NKBA Chair 2022, who was elected 2025 LRC chair, and Dr. Elmar Stumpf, Owner, Conneum GmbH, Germany.

The Leadership Recruitment Committee is charged with identifying and screening potential members for the Board of Directors (BOD) and the Chapter Leadership Committee (CLC). They meet after national elections to review all self-nominations received during the election cycle in September. 

KEC Member Updates

The newest members for the KBIS Exhibitor Committee are Christina Reed, Director – Brand Experience, GE Appliances a Haier Company; and Andrew Shead, Sales and Marketing Manager, True Residential.  

Continuing KEC members include Amy Switzer, Senior Brand Marketing Manager at Emtek, who was elected 2025 Chair; Nathan Boone, COO, Green Forest Cabinetry; Massimo Ballucchi, Vice President of Institutional Relations at Cosentino North America; Jason Fisher, Senior Director of Global Integrated Marketing at Moen & House of Rohl; Katie Heaney, Owner of Kitchen Branding Gifts, and Jonathan Krieger, EVP at Plain & Fancy Custom Cabinetry.

The KBIS Exhibitor Committee provides a link between the exhibitors and attendees of KBIS, and National Staff, to ensure that their needs are being appropriately monitored and evaluated. They also advise National Staff on industry trends and make recommendations for appropriate products, programs, and services to meet the needs of the exhibitors and attendees at future KBIS’s. 

NKBA again thanks Nichole Cooper, Sandee Mann, Kevin Dexter, and Jason McGraw, for their dedication and commitment to these important committees over the last several years!

Below is a complete list of NKBA’s three national volunteer committees for 2025.

2025 Chapter Leadership Committee

Sadie Anderson
Vice President of Marketing and Design
CKF
Omaha, NE

Kimberly Kerl
Owner & Principal Designer
Kustom Home Design
Greenville, SC

Rima Nasr
Interior Designer
RDesign Studio
Richmond, TX

Julie Schuster
Principal
Julie Schuster Design Studio
New York, NY

Brianna Weiler
Vice President | Interior Designer 
Kitchens by Charles Weiler
Lahaska, PA

2025 Leadership Recruitment Committee

Basil Larkin, 2025 Chair
Redondo Beach, CA

James Brodsky
CEO
Sharp Think
New York, NY

Kristen Elder
Vice President – Showrooms, Residential Builder & Digital Commerce
Ferguson Enterprises
Newport News, VA

Veronika Miller
CEO
M2 Consulting Group
York, PA

Dr. Elmar Stumpf
Owner
Conneum GmbH
Oberkirch, Germany

Bill Darcy, Ex-Officio
Global President & Chief Executive Officer
National Kitchen & Bath Association
Bethlehem, PA

2025 KBIS Exhibitor Committee

Amy Switzer, 2025 Chair
Senior Brand Marketing Manager
Emtek
Irwindale, CA

Massimo Ballucchi
VP of Institutional Relations
Cosentino North America
Miami, FL 

Nathan Boone
COO
Green Forest Cabinetry
Chesapeake, VA

Jason Fisher
Sr. Director of Global Integrated Marketing
Moen & House of Rohl
Olmsted, OH 

Katie Heany,
Owner
Kitchen Branding Gifts
St. Louis, MO

Jonathan Krieger
EVP
Plain and Fancy Custom Cabinetry
Schaefferstown, PA

Christina Reed
Director – Brand Experience
GE Appliances a Haier Company
Wellington, FL

Andrew Shead
Marketing and Sales Manager
True Residential
O’Fallon, MO

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NKBA Announces 2024 National Committee Members

Following the recent announcement of its 2024 Board of Directors, NKBA also disclosed the members of its additional national volunteer committees – the Chapter Leadership Committee (CLC), Leadership Recruitment Committee (LRC) and KBIS Exhibitor Committee (KEC). Volunteer committee members each serve 3-year terms, with the terms commencing on January 1, 2024.

CLC Members Updates

The newest Chapter Leadership Committee members are Kimberly Kerl, Owner & Principal Designer, Kustom Home Design; and Brianna Weiler, Vice President | Interior Designer, Kitchens by Charles Weiler. They replace Ellen Lopez, CMKBD, Founder & Creative Director of El Design Studio; and Nancy Young, CKBD, Owner & President of Nancy Young Designs.

Continuing CLC members include Nichole Cooper, Showroom Director of Middleby Residential; Sandee Mann, Sales Executive of Kohler Canada;  and Julie Schuster, Principal of Julie Schuster Design Studio. 

The Chapter Leadership Committee provides a link between the grassroots of the Association, its chapters and National Staff. They are charged with monitoring member needs and requests at the chapter level and conveying these to National staff, while also being tasked with chapter engagement initiatives and other important activations. 

LRC Members Updates

The newest Leadership Recruitment Committee members are Dr. Elmar Stumpf, Owner, Conneum GmbH; and James Brodsky, CEO, Sharp Think. They replace Katie Brockman, Founder & CEO of Katie Brockman & Co.; and David Noe, General Manager of Rev-A-Shelf.

Continuing LRC members include Kevin Dexter, President Dealer at Springs Window Fashions, who was elected 2024 LRC Chair; Jason McGraw, Group VP of CEDIA Expo & KBIS, Emerald; and Basil Larkin, SVP of Sales at Hestan Commercial Corporation. 

The Leadership Recruitment Committee is charged with identifying and screening potential members for the Board of Directors (BOD) and the Chapter Leadership Committee (CLC). They meet after national elections to review all self-nominations received during the election cycle in September. 

KEC Members Updates

The newest member for the KBIS Exhibitor Committee is Nathan Boone, COO, Green Forest Cabinetry. Rolling off the KEC in 2023 was Heather Shannon, Director of Brand Marketing at Perlick and Jason Thompson, Director of Sales at WPPO Wood Fired Ovens. 

Continuing KEC members include Katie Heany, Owner of Kitchen Branding Gifts, who was elected 2024 KEC Chair; Abigail Toal, Event Coordinator at Federal Brace; Amy Switzer, Senior Marketing Communications Manager at Emtek; Jonathan Krieger, VP of Sales & Marketing at Fabuwood Cabinetry; Massimo Ballucchi, VP Kitchen & Bath Business at Cosentino North America, and Jason Fisher, Senior Director of Global Integrated Marketing at Moen & House of Rohl.

The KBIS Exhibitor Committee provides a link between the exhibitors and attendees of KBIS, and National Staff, to ensure that their needs are being appropriately monitored and evaluated. They also advise National Staff on industry trends and make recommendations for appropriate products, programs, and services to meet the needs of the exhibitors and attendees at future KBIS’s. 

NKBA again thanks Ellen Lopez, CMKBD, Nancy Young, CKBD, Katie Brockman, David Noe, Heather Shannon, and Jason Thompson for their dedication and commitment to these important committees over the last several years!

Below is a complete list of NKBA’s three national volunteer committees for 2024.

2024 Chapter Leadership Committee

Nichole Cooper
Showroom Director
Middleby Residential
Irvine, CA

Sandee Mann
Sales Executive – Western Canada Showroom
Kohler Canada
Woodbridge, ON, Canada

Julie Schuster
Principal
Julie Schuster Design Studio
New York, NY

Kimberly Kerl
Owner & Principal Designer
Kustom Home Design
Greenville, SC

Brianna Weiler
Vice President | Interior Designer 
Kitchens by Charles Weiler
Lahaska, PA

2024 Leadership Recruitment Committee

Kevin Dexter, 2024 Chair
President Dealer
Springs Window Fashions                                          
Middleton, WI

Jason McGraw, CTS, CAE
Group Vice President
CEDIA Expo and Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS)
Atlanta, GA

Basil Larkin
Senior VP of Sales
Hestan Commercial Corporation
Anaheim, CA

James Brodsky
CEO
Sharp Think
New York, NY

Dr. Elmar Stumpf
Owner
Conneum GmbH
Oberkirch, Germany

Bill Darcy, Ex-Officio
Global President & Chief Executive Officer
National Kitchen & Bath Association
Bethlehem, PA

2024 KBIS Exhibitor Committee

Katie Heany, 2024 Chair 
Owner
Kitchen Branding Gifts
St. Louis, MO

Massimo Ballucchi
VP of Kitchen & Bath Business
Cosentino North America
Miami, FL 

Jonathan Krieger
VP of Sales & Marketing
Fabuwood Cabinetry
Newark, NJ

Amy Switzer
Senior Marketing Communications Manager
Emtek
Irwindale, CA

Abigail Toal
Event Coordinator
Federal Brace
Belmont, NC 

Jason Fisher
Sr. Director of Global Integrated Marketing
Moen & House of Rohl
Olmsted, OH 

Nathan Boone
COO
Green Forest Cabinetry
Chesapeake, VA

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NKBA Live

Laying the Foundation for Success: A Panel Discussion with Members of the NKBA Thirty Under 30

When:

April 18, 2024 | 12:00 PM ET

CEUs: .05
About this Episode

Originally featured at KBIS 2024, current and recent members of the NKBA Thirty Under 30 will share the biggest takeaways from their educational careers. The panelists will reflect on the assignments, activities, and opportunities that laid the foundation for their success as designers. There will be time for Q&A at the end of the live webinar.

Featured Presenter
Rebecca Sutton, CMKBD, CKBR

Rebecca earned a Bachelor of Art in Philosophy and a Bachelor of Science in Apparel, Housing, and Resource Management from Virginia Tech University. She earned her Certified Master Kitchen and Bath Designer (CMKBD) accreditation in 2022 and currently holds specialty badges in Remodeling as well as Sales and Marketing. Rebecca was inducted into the prestigious NKBA “Thirty under 30” program in 2016. She also earned her Certified Kitchen and Bath Remodeler (CKBR) certification from the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) in 2022. Rebecca is a former NKBA Chapter Officer, former member of the NKBA Thirty Under 30 Selection Committee and a judge for the NKBA Student Design Competition in 2023.

Featured Presenter
Kiersten Reed, CKBD

As she neared graduation with a degree in Interior Design from Brookdale Community College in New Jersey, Kiersten Reed began to have doubts. So, she opted to explore furniture design programs, driven by her passion for creating functional pieces and her admiration for Frank Lloyd Wright’s comprehensive approach to design. But when given the opportunity to intern at a local kitchen and bath showroom, she quickly became intrigued by the industry. Now six years into her career, 28-year-old Kiersten has achieved the NKBA | KBIS CKBD certification and has been recognized as the youngest person in her company to become an assistant manager for a key department.

Featured Presenter
Devorah Werner, CKBD

As the Founder, Owner and Designer of Brooklyn, NY-based WERKI by D, LLC, a Kitchen Design Studio, Devorah Werner has positioned herself as an expert in designing kosher kitchens, especially when space is limited as it is in many New York City residences. Her skill set stems from both her comprehensive understanding of kosher cultural traditions and lifestyle and her studies in Residential Planning at The Art Institute.  

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Business

Countertops and the Threat of Silicosis – The Role of NKBA Members

When:

March 19, 2025 | 12:00 PM ET

CEUs: .1

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What You Will Learn

Silicosis is in the news, but the dangers of silica dust and its health impact for countertop/bath fabricators is avoidable. Learn about key silica awareness initiatives and the role kitchen & bath professionals can take to help the stone industry. Several key resources and helpful tips will be provided.

Learning Objectives:

  • Gain insight into the dangers of silicosis impacting employees in the countertop and bath industry
  • Learn about employee safety resources available from the Natural Stone Institute
  • Learn how kitchen & bath professionals can impact this initiative and utilize fabricators focused on safety
Featured Presenter
Jim Hieb, CAE – CEO, Natural Stone Institute (NSI)

Jim serves as the NSI CEO and has led development of several key programs enjoyed by the kitchen & design community including access to technical standards, continuing education (CE) credits, and networking with stone professionals. He is active in several charitable organizations and enjoys collecting baseball cards.

Featured Presenter
Mark Meriaux – Accreditation & Technical Manager, Natural Stone Institute (NSI)

Mark manages both the NSI fabricator credentialling program and industry safety initiatives.  A former countertop fabricator, he has also championed all NSI silica awareness and training activities. Mark enjoys outdoor activities and music concerts with his wife and their two children.

Featured Presenter
Dacia Belisle Woodworth – Architect & Design Community Liaison, Natural Stone Institute (NSI)

Dacia manages NSI outreach to design communities leading a robust continuing education program and designer focused webinars about natural stone and the natural stone industry. Before joining the NSI, she worked in the design build industry.  She is an avid trail rider and equestrian camper.

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Registration for KBIS 2025 is Open and Free for NKBA Members in September!

Image courtesy of PWP Studio.

By Donna Heiderstadt

Registration for KBIS 2025, which will take place Feb. 25-27, 2025 in Las Vegas, is open as of Sept. 3, 2024 and is FREE for NKBA members throughout the month of September — so register now! By attending, you’ll enjoy access to North America’s largest kitchen & bath trade show featuring more than 670 exhibitors. KBIS — part of DCW (Design & Construction Week), the co-location of KBIS and IBS (the International Builders’ Show), owned by NAHB — offers a chance to discover new brands and products, learn about the latest trends, forge industry connections and enhance your education.

KBIS 2025 will once again be the ultimate resource for members of the kitchen & bath industry. It follows the success of KBIS 2024, which welcomed a record 55,500+ registered visitors, with DCW drawing 117,000 building and design professionals overall. At the 2024 show, KBIS expanded into the South Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center with the Discovery District (home to new brands and products) as well as additional stages and activations, all returning in 2025.

Here’s a look at the key events, awards, seminars and activations scheduled for KBIS 2025:

Monday, Feb. 24, 2025

KBIS 2025 will kick off this evening at the Lafite Ballroom in Wynn Las Vegas with the annual NKBA Kitchen & Bath Design + Industry Awards honoring top design professionals for exceptional project design in six kitchen and bath categories — Small Kitchen, Large Kitchen, Specialty Kitchen, Powder Room, Secondary Bath and Primary Bath — and culminating with awards for Best Overall Kitchen and Best Overall Bath. A total of $100,000 in prize money will be up for grabs.

Following the awards, the Opening Party will offer a chance for attendees to celebrate the industry, network with colleagues and clients, and have fun while enjoying cocktails and a buffet dinner. Check back for information about tickets to this don’t-miss semi-formal event.

Tuesday, Feb. 25 to Thursday, Feb. 27, 2025

When the South Hall, North Hall and West Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center, as well as the popular interactive outdoor exhibit area, The Plaza, open to attendees on Feb. 25, 2025, not only will design industry professionals be able to walk the floors and visit booths from hundreds of established and emerging kitchen & bath brands and suppliers, but they will also have access to a line-up of engaging activations, educational seminars and learning tools.

NEXTStage: Located in the South Hall, NEXTStage will offer non-stop daily programming focused on business and trends, wellness, sustainability and technology presented by some of the most innovative and influential members of the kitchen & bath industry.

NEXTStage will also host multiple awards presentations: The Best of KBIS, honoring the show’s most innovative design and technology; DesignBites, offering a chance for companies to pitch new products and technologies in the ultimate product showdown; the Best Booth Awards, highlighting the top exhibitor booths in multiple size categories; the Kickstarter Competition, giving small or emerging companies a chance to showcase their offerings; the Thirty Under 30 Awards, recognizing 30 high-achieving young members of the industry, who are also tasked with scouting KBIS for the most innovative products in six categories for the 30s Choice Awards.

• Luxury Lounge: Located in the North Hall, Luxury Lounge will be the setting for a series of talks by kitchen & bath experts in the luxury field — including  representatives of high-end brands, leading designers and design media and influencers.

Voices From The Industry (VFTI): Attendees can earn CEU credits, which are necessary to maintain NKBA certification, by attending any of the more than 75 Voices of the Industry (VFTI) workshops and sessions, led by industry members. In 2024, daily courses were given by industry and subject matter experts, including three two-hour workshops, 51 one-hour sessions, and 14 one-and-a-half-hour workshops. The 2025 VFTI schedule will be posted soon.

• State of the Association (SOA) and State of the Industry (SOI): On Feb. 26, 2025 from 8:30am to 10:15am, the annual State of the Association (SOA) update will be presented by NKBA Global President & CEO Bill Darcy, followed by the State of the Industry (SOI) panel discussion moderated by Darcy.

• The BASH: On Feb. 26, 2025, The BASH, an annual celebration and dance party, will take place from 8:30pm to 12:30am at XS Night Club at the Encore Hotel. Tickets are $40 per person and you must be 21 or older to attend.

• NKBA Booth: Throughout KBIS, NKBA will host design-focused panel discussions at its booth (N939) in the North Hall, where a photographer will also be on hand to take free headshots.

KBIS 2025, taking place Feb-25-27, 2025 in Las Vegas, is the event of the year for kitchen & bath professionals to network, exchange ideas and see the industry’s newest offerings. Members can register here throughout September for FREE!

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Significant Savings and Vast Selection For Bed Bath & Beyond Trade Members

The online retailer’s exclusive program offers numerous perks to design pros.
Image courtesy of Bed Bath & Beyond.

By Dianne M. Pogoda

Online retailer Bed Bath & Beyond’s exclusive Trade Program is a one-stop shop for designers and other specifiers looking to raise the style quotient while sticking to clients’ budgets.

Trade Program Members save 25 percent every day on a bigger-than-ever assortment of furniture, décor, rugs, appliances, fixtures and more. What’s more, trade pros get a free Welcome Rewards membership, which earns them 5 percent back on every purchase. Welcome Rewards also includes three free returns each month for in-store credit, and a 60-day extended return period allows clients to live with a piece and ensure it works well in their space.

The Rewards package also offers double rewards for reviews, bonus rewards for recommendations resulting in purchases, and three free price matches per month. And shipping is free on every order placed on a Trade account.

Bed Bath & Beyond Trade provides beneficial tools for busy pros and small business owners. The program aims to help make the design and selection process smooth and seamless. Designers may create a personalized design page to organize projects, share work, shop and update in real time. The design profile is hosted on the Bed Bath & Beyond platform and is shareable to a member’s social media, website, and/or directly to clients. Personalized support from dedicated expert Trade Specialists provides members with peace of mind — there’s always a friendly, familiar voice ready to help!

The Bed Bath & Beyond Trade program is free to join, and applying is easy. Provide a business name, contact information and additional business or professional verification, such as an employer identification number (EIN), to apply.

To learn more about this exclusive program for trade professionals and to join for free, click here.

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NKBA | KBIS to Provide Free VFTI On-Demand Access to Student Members in 2025

By NKBA Staff

NKBA | KBIS is thrilled to announce a new initiative set to launch in 2025. To enhance educational opportunities, NKBA | KBIS will offer free on-demand access to the Voices from the Industry (VFTI) Conference for student members.

The VFTI Conference, a cornerstone of KBIS, features a range of industry leaders and experts sharing valuable insights, trends, and innovations. Providing free on-demand access to VFTI supports educational growth and helps students build a strong foundation for their future careers. This forward-thinking approach ensures that emerging professionals are well-equipped with the latest insights and trends, positioning them for success in the ever-evolving kitchen and bath industry.

Students will benefit from accessing VFTI content at their convenience, staying abreast of industry developments, and enriching their academic experience. On-demand access for VFTI will be available to all NKBA | KBIS student members on February 27, 2025.

Current students can join NKBA for free thanks to the generosity of Sub-Zero, Wolf, and Cove.

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The Impact of Tariffs is Coming into Focus

In his latest edition of CEO Corner, Bill Darcy breaks down what we are seeing regarding tariffs and how NKBA is responding to keep our members informed during this period of uncertainty.

January 2026

Message from the Chapters Team

Dear Chapter Officers, 

Happy New Year! We are excited to embark with you on a successful 2026, kicking off with KBIS in Orlando in just six weeks.

Welcome again to our new Chapter Officers – your volunteerism and professionalism drive our K&B industry and our Association. 

We look forward to seeing you all at NKBA Leader2Leader on Monday, February 16, from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM at the Orange County Convention Center.

Prior to Leader2Leader, NKBA Chapter Officers are required to attend virtual Chapter Officer training. Here are the dates for our Zoom meetings: Presidents, Tuesday, January 6 at 4:00 PM ET; Programs Chairs, Tuesday, January 13 at 3:00 PM ET; Communications Chairs, Tuesday, January 13 at 4:00 PM ET; Membership Chairs, Wednesday, January 14 at 3:00 PM ET; and Secretary/Treasurers, Wednesday, January 14 at 4:00 PM ET. 

Please make every effort to attend the live virtual training sessions. If you are unable to attend, we will record the sessions and send links via email. All officers must attend or view the training prior to KBIS.

There’s still time to register now for KBIS 2026. Kudos to our Chapter Officers for driving registration! Leading the overall registration attendee numbers is Georgia Chapter in first place with the most registrants, followed by Mid Atlantic and Rocky Mountain Chapters. There’s no better place to be inspired and network with the K&B industry than KBIS!

Apply today – managed by the National Housing Endowment, the Skilled Labor Fund Career Connections VII grant application is open now. NKBA Chapters are encouraged to apply for funding up to $4,500 to support local skilled trade events. Any 2026 activity intended to introduce high school, middle school, or elementary school students to careers in residential trades will be considered. The application deadline is March 15! Apply Here

Starting the New Year with special events are California Capital’s New Year, New Connections; Puget Sound’s Hard Things the Light Way; Mid Atlantics Lunch & Learn; Northern California’s Design Competition Confidence; and more.

We can’t wait to see you on Zoom this month and in person at KBIS! Here’s to a wonderful New Year!

Warmest wishes,

Kelly

Kelly Buchsbaum

Director, Chapters & Professional Development

kbuchsbaum@nkba.org 

January 2026

Chapter Officer Update

Thank you to our Partners:

Happy New Year! We are excited to embark with you on a successful 2026, kicking off with KBIS in Orlando in just six weeks.

View Full Message from National →

Important Dates

January 6 – Presidents mandatory Chapter Officer Training – 4 PM EST

January 13 – Programs Chair mandatory Chapter Officer Training – 3 PM EST

January 13 Communications Chair mandatory Chapter Officer Training – 4 PM EST

January 14 Membership Chair mandatory Chapter Officer Training – 3 PM EST

January 14 – Secretary/Treasurer mandatory Chapter Officer Training – 4 PM EST

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

Research

Please keep an eye on your inbox—you won’t want to miss this opportunity. The Q4 2025 NKBA/JBREC Kitchen & Bath Market Index Survey is closing this week, and your perspective as an industry leader truly matters. Share your insights, and you’ll be entered to win $250.

Reminder: Join the Kitchen & Bath Pro Hub

If you haven’t joined the Kitchen & Bath Pro Hub yet, now is the perfect time. Connect with fellow professionals, access exclusive research and insights, and earn rewards—all at no cost. Register now and be part of what’s shaping the future of the industry.

Marketing

NKBA presents the following January webinars with a focus on color, trends, and strategy. Webinars begin at 12:00 PM ET with 0.1 CEU per webinar.

Tuesday, January 20 | Color and Design Trends 2026
Wednesday, January 21 | Beyond the Buzz: Turning Trends into Truth
Wednesday, January 28 | Selecting the Right Marketing Strategy for Your Remodeling Business in 2026

Students & Educators

Coming Soon: NKBA Kitchen & Bath Planning Guidelines 5th Edition

The newest edition of the NKBA Kitchen & Bath Planning Guidelines will be released next month. We recommend educators use the remaining months of the spring semester and the summer to review the guidelines and prepare to implement them in the Fall 2026 semester. A summary of the changes will be made available for quick reference. The 2025-2026 Student Design Competition will be judged in accordance with the 4th edition.

This month, we will email an invitation to all students and educators to join us at the annual Student & Educator Coffee Break at KBIS on Wednesday, February 18, 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 “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 (kryan@nkba.org) to request an invitation. We’d love for you to join us and help foster meaningful connections among attendees.

Governance

NKBA is pleased to announce the newest members to its national volunteer committees–the Chapter Leadership Committee (CLC), Leadership Recruitment Committee (LRC), and KBIS Exhibitor Committee (KEC). Volunteer committee members serve 3-year terms, commencing on January 1, 2026.

CLC Member Updates

The newest member of the Chapter Leadership Committee is Jason Miller, Owner of Cedar & Fig Interiors. He replaces Julie Schuster, Principal of Julie Schuster Design Studio, New York, NY.

Continuing CLC members include Sadie Anderson, Vice President of Marketing & Design, CKF; Kimberly Kerl, Founder & Principal Designer, Kerl Design; Rima Nasr, Interior Designer, RDesign Studio; and Brianna Weiler, Vice President | Interior Designer, Kitchens by Charles Weiler. 

The Chapter Leadership Committee serves as a link between the Association’s grassroots, its chapters, and the National Staff. They are charged with monitoring member needs and requests at the chapter level and conveying these to National staff, while also being tasked with chapter engagement initiatives and other vital activations. 

LRC Member Updates

The newest member of the Leadership Recruitment Committee is Montserrat Badiola, Country Manager at Miele. She replaces Basil Larkin, Vice President of Sales, Sub-Zero Group West, Anaheim, CA.

Continuing LRC members include: James Brodsky, CEO, Sharp Think, New York, NY; Kristen Elder, Vice President & General Manager–Consumer Channel for Kitchen & Bath North America, Kohler Co.; Veronica Miller, CEO and Founder of the Designhounds Influencer Network and managing director of M2 Connect; and Dr. Elmar Stumpf, Owner, Conneum GmbH, Germany.

The Leadership Recruitment Committee is charged with identifying and screening potential members for the Board of Directors (BOD) and the Chapter Leadership Committee (CLC). They meet after the national elections to review all self-nominations received during the September election cycle. 

KEC Member Updates

The newest members of the KBIS Exhibitor Committee are Vanessa DeKoekkoek, Product Manager, Design, Cyncly; Jessica Egerton, Senior Director, Marketing Strategy, Delta Faucet Company; Jason Keller, Sr. Manager–Marketing, Events, Kohler Co.; and Megan Rushing, Chief Marketing and Product Officer, Hardware Resources. Rolling off the committee is Katie Heaney, founder and Chief Consultant of Your Business Edge, St. Louis, MO.

Continuing KEC members include Nathan Boone, COO, Green Forest Cabinetry, who was elected 2026 Chair; Jonathan Krieger, EVP at Plain & Fancy Custom Cabinetry; Christina Reed, Director–Brand Experience, GE Appliances, a Haier Company; Andrew Shead, Sales and Marketing Manager, True Caliber; and Isabella Zambrano, Event Manager, Cosentino Group. 

The KBIS Exhibitor Committee serves as a link between KBIS exhibitors and attendees and the National Staff, ensuring that their needs are appropriately monitored and evaluated. They also advise National Staff on industry trends and recommend appropriate products, programs, and services to meet the needs of exhibitors and attendees at future KBISs. 

NKBA again thanks Julie Schuster, Basil Larkin, and Katie Heaney for their dedication and commitment to these important committees over the last several years!urning 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. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA): Congress introduces the Heat Workforce Standards Act of 2025 which would repeal the Biden administration’s proposed OSHA rule on heat injury prevention in the workforce.

Canadian Energy Efficiency Act: Canada seeks to modernize the 1992 Energy Efficiency Act which aims to reduce the overall energy consumption of energy-using products and allow consumers to make informed purchasing decisions on items such as household appliances.

U.S. House Committee on Small Business: House passes two bipartisan bills, H.R. 2965 and H.R. 4305, to review federal regulatory costs on small businesses and establish a “Red Tape Hotline” where small businesses can report excessive regulatory burdens.

U.S. Energy: The Energy Choice Act, which would prohibit States or local governments from prohibiting or limiting the connection, reconnection, modification, installation, transportation, distribution, or expansion of an energy service based on the type or source of energy to be delivered, has passed the Committee on Energy and Commerce.   

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—encourage your members to register now before prices increase. 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 with NKBA’s January webinars. CEU reporting deadline is June 30, 2026 – earn and report today!

CONGRATULATIONS to our newest Certified members and Specialty Badge earners.

Certified Kitchen & Bath Designers (CKBDs):

Congratulations to Saqib Abdullah and Gia Rushton, our newest CKBDs!

Members:

Debbie Kaufman, Architectural Design & Computer Aided Drafting, Remodeling, Northern California

Dianna Corsi, Custom Built Design & Remodeling, Color Lighting, West Michigan

Brittany Ballweg, Interiors by B, Remodeling, Wisconsin/Upper Michigan

Rachel Farris, Home Depot, Appliance Cabinetry, Remodeling, Lighting, Floor Plans, San Diego

Dianne Marciano, Foster Remodeling Solutions, Appliance, Baltimore/Washington

Siobhan Elyse, Cabinetry Appliance, Susquehanna Valley

Nicholas Luca, Home Depot, Floor Plans, Sustainability, Cabinetry Northern New England

Mariia Ross, Reico Kitchen & Bath, Remodeling, Baltimore/Washington

Yana Pojidaeva, ITALdoors, Sustainability, South Florida

Meagan Davison, Cabinet-S-Top, Appliance, Ohio State

Stacey Kocevar, Stacey Kocevar Designs, Cabinetry, Susquehanna Valley

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.

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NKBA | KBIS Reveals 2025 Certified Designer Grant Recipients

The Fabuwood Sponsored Grant Program is for Designers to Pursue Career Goals.

NKBA | KBIS has announced the recipients of the 2025 Certified Designer Grant Program, an initiative designed to support professional growth and certification within the kitchen and bath design industry. 

Sponsored by Fabuwood, the 2025 program will provide grant funding to 25 designers pursuing NKBA’s prestigious Certified Kitchen and Bath Designer (CKBD) credential.

The grant reflects a shared commitment between NKBA and Fabuwood to elevate industry standards by investing in education, specialization, and long-term career advancement for design professionals. “Fabuwood is deeply committed to the future of our industry and to supporting designers seeking education and specialization,” said Peri Friedman, COO of Fabuwood. “Through our exclusive NKBA Certified Designer Grant Program, Fabuwood looks forward to working with our future Certified Kitchen and Bath Designers and to making it possible for them to accelerate their careers and achieve their goals.”

Supporting Excellence in Kitchen and Bath Design

NKBA certification is widely recognized as a benchmark of excellence within the kitchen and bath industry, validating a designer’s expertise in design principles, safety standards, construction practices, and professional ethics. The Certified Designer Grant Program helps remove financial barriers associated with certification, allowing experienced designers to further their credentials and strengthen their impact in the marketplace.

Grant recipients were selected based on strict qualifications, including:

  • Active NKBA membership
  • Current professional focus on kitchen and bath design
  • A minimum of two years of industry experience
  • At least one year specifically dedicated to kitchen and bath projects
2025 NKBA + Fabuwood Certified Designer Grant Recipients

The 2025 grant recipients represent a diverse group of professionals from across the country, each contributing to the advancement of the kitchen and bath industry:

  • Alli Hutchison, Hutch Design + Build
  • Alyssa Haggerty, Norfolk Kitchen & Bath
  • Amanda Cassity, Adalay Interiors
  • Andrea Robbins, ProSource Wholesale
  • Bethan Reilly, BR Design Group LLC
  • Bryan Marquardt, European Kitchen & Bath Works
  • Cayleigh McCusker, Euro Line Design
  • Ginger Rabe, Ginger Rabe Designs LLC
  • Hayden Bolin, Tracy’s Custom Homes
  • Jana Seda, 360 Construction and Design
  • Jason Miller, Cedar & Fig Interiors
  • Jenna Hagan, Residence Design Build Remodel
  • Jennifer Orr, Studio Red Interior Design
  • Jeremiah Dick, Cabinetry Ideas
  • Kacie Atkinson, Nar Design Group
  • Katherine Switzer-Cole, My Design Alternatives
  • Katia Ribeiro, Katia Ribeiro Design
  • Katie Hoffstatter, Flatbrook and Co.
  • Mary Farina, Main Street Kitchen & Bath LLC
  • Matt Finken, CKF
  • Michelle Lawrence, Michelle Lawrence Interior Design
  • Natalie Marzouka-Gould, Six Walls Interior Design
  • Renee Croome, Sakonnet Kitchen & Bath
  • Rhonnika Clifton, RJ Clifton Designs LLC
  • Rosalyn Shelstad, Hilltop Lumber
Investing in the Future of the Industry

By supporting certification, Fabuwood strengthens the professional foundation of the kitchen and bath industry. Certified designers bring increased credibility, technical expertise, and consumer confidence—benefiting clients, firms, and the industry as a whole.

As the demand for highly skilled kitchen and bath professionals continues to grow, programs like the NKBA + Fabuwood Certified Designer Grant Program play a critical role in ensuring designers have the resources they need to succeed and lead. Learn more about Fabuwood and professional development on our NKBA webinar on January 22, 2026.

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Montgomery College’s Kateryna Ponomarova Earns Third Place in Student Design Competition—Twice

As one of six winners of the annual NKBA | KBIS Student Design Competition, Montgomery College student Kateryna Ponomarova was awarded a scholarship for her outstanding work, earning Third Place in the Kitchen Category for 2025. Notably, Ponomarova also earned Third Place in the Bath Category, making her a two-time winner of the prestigious competition.

NKBA | KBIS recognizes the industry’s most promising emerging designers through its annual Design + Industry Awards, which include honors for the six Student Design Competition winners. The competition is generously sponsored by Fisher & Paykel, with scholarships awarded as follows: $5,000 for First Place, $2,500 for Second Place, and $1,000 for Third Place. Winners will be celebrated on Monday, February 16, from 6:30 PM to 11:00 PM at the Rosen Centre Hotel in Orlando during KBIS 2026.

Ponomarova’s Third Place Kitchen project, Cranberry Bloom, stood out for its sophisticated balance of accessibility, historic preservation, and highly personal living-in-place design. Inspired by the enduring spirit of American craftsmanship, the project reimagines the kitchen of an 1895 Craftsman bungalow in Colorado Springs, Colorado, owned by retired anthropology professor Lydia Bachman.

Designed as a holistic renovation, Cranberry Bloom unifies the existing kitchen, pantry, and former office into a cohesive, open environment—while preserving Lydia’s beloved built-in hutch as an anchor of memory and identity.

Design Objectives

At the heart of the project is a commitment to living in place. The design prioritizes openness, accessibility, and adaptability to support Lydia’s lifestyle today and in the future.

Key objectives included:

  • Developing an open, accessible layout that supports aging in place while maintaining the home’s historic character.
  • Achieving a refined Craftsman aesthetic through the thoughtful integration of contemporary fixtures and appliances.
  • Incorporating seating for four, wine storage, and entertaining zones to reflect Lydia’s love of hosting.
  • Designing a dedicated dog-feeding area for Lydia’s two golden retrievers, who are integral to daily life.
  • Including a herb garden to support Lydia’s passion for gardening and cooking with fresh ingredients.

Design Challenges

Ponomarova addressed several architectural and ergonomic challenges inherent to the historic bungalow:

  • Managing varying ceiling heights resulting from the original gable roof construction.
  • Ensuring smooth, accessible transitions between spaces for Lydia and her guests, including those with mobility challenges.
  • Designing for Lydia’s reach distances, accounting for her height (5’1”) and age, to maintain comfort and usability.

Design Solutions

Rather than minimizing constraints, the design leverages them as opportunities.

  • Ceiling height variation establishes spatial hierarchy: taller ceilings in the kitchen and dining areas create openness and visual flow, while lower ceilings in adjacent rooms foster intimacy and calm.
  • A galley kitchen layout with more than 60 inches of clearance between activity zones ensures accessible circulation. Continuous flooring supports mobility aids, while dual counter heights accommodate multiple tasks.
  • Soft-close, pull-out cabinetry minimizes physical strain, reinforcing a user-centered approach.
  • The kitchen is designed to adapt over time, with the option to expand the east-side unit to accommodate a larger refrigerator or additional workspace.
  • Entertaining is supported through custom banquette seating for four in the Bordeaux Lounge, designed to maximize space while remaining wheelchair accessible. For daily use, island seating offers casual dining for two.

Special Features & Materiality

Cranberry Bloom blends performance and personality through a series of bespoke details:

  • Premium Fisher & Paykel appliances, selected for performance, longevity, and design integrity.
  • A custom dog-feeding station with a wall-mounted pot filler for daily convenience.
  • A coffered ceiling with an artistic stained-glass light fixture, reinforcing the home’s Craftsman heritage.
  • Handcrafted walnut room dividers with stained-glass insets, subtly defining spaces while maintaining openness.
  • A smart, hydroponic herb garden integrated into a wall cabinet, providing fresh produce year-round with minimal effort.

The kitchen’s palette—rich cranberry tones, Rosso Levanto marble, warm ivory cabinetry, and natural textures—adds depth and warmth. A bold cranberry-hued range and pyramid chimney hood by Fisher & Paykel form the visual heart of the space.

Spatially, movement is guided along a central axis: from the dining area toward a curated alcove displaying Lydia’s treasured objects, framed by columns and arches that define public and private zones. The former office becomes the Bordeaux Lounge, a welcoming destination for wine and coffee tastings, while the former pantry evolves into a kitchen extension with island seating and concealed dog-feeding storage.

The result is a kitchen that supports Lydia’s vibrant lifestyle—hosting guests, caring for her dogs, gardening, and cooking—while honoring the home’s historic soul.

About the NKBA | KBIS Student Design Competition

The NKBA Student Design Competition allows emerging designers to showcase their talent on an industry-wide stage and gain invaluable visibility. Winning entries are recognized at KBIS, featured in NKBA editorial content, and awarded scholarships.

How to Enter

  • Open exclusively to NKBA Student Members enrolled in an educational institution at the time of submission.
  • Students may enter the kitchen competition, the bath competition, or both.
  • Entries must follow NKBA Graphics & Presentation Standards and include dimensioned drawings, renderings, a concept board, and a 500–1000-word design statement.
  • Projects must be submitted through Award Force, where students can upload, edit, and finalize materials.

Submission Deadline:

June 5, 2026, at 5:00 PM ET

Incomplete entries will be disqualified.

Awards:

  • First Place — $5,000
  • Second Place — $2,500
  • Third Place — $1,000

Winners also receive complimentary registration, airfare, hotel accommodations, and access to KBIS 2027 in Las Vegas.

Competition Scenario: 2025–2026 — “The Great Indoors: Texas Edition”

This year’s participants are tasked with reimagining the kitchen and primary bath of the Williams-Garcia family home in Dallas’s Preston Hollow neighborhood. The challenge invites students to design for a bustling household of five that values hospitality, family connection, and high-functioning spaces for cooking, gathering, and retreat.

Students must balance bold style, functionality, accessibility, and clever space-planning to create environments that support the family today—and adapt gracefully for years to come.