The NKBA has set its Board of Directors for 2019, which will be led by a new chairman: Steve Joseph. Joseph, CEO and co–founder of Smart Home Products, has served on the board for three years and was secretary/treasurer last year.
“The NKBA is finishing up a successful year in which we completed the launch of an all–new NKBA.org for managing our membership and certification programs,” said Joseph. “The new online certification programs with video training have been well-received by members and are helping more designers become certified. Our market research efforts have also grown, and we’re using the research to help our members better understand the market in terms of financial size, segments and trends, consumer behavior and product trends.
“Looking forward to 2019, we expect to keep growing the NKBA brand through new multi–channel marketing initiatives, so we become a better–recognized resource for consumers who are in the process of a kitchen or bath project,” he continued. “Our certification programs will be expanded and improved with digital transformation. We will continue to explore growth and establish partnerships in new global markets. And of course, we are excited about KBIS 2019 at Design & Construction week in Las Vegas and expect it to be our best show ever. The association is financially strong, and we can’t wait to bring more value, education and benefits to our 14,000–plus members.”
“We look forward to working with Steve and the new and existing board members in the year ahead, to build upon our programs and initiatives, and to keep strengthening the association, its programs and global awareness,” said Bill Darcy, NKBA’s CEO. “The industry is vibrant, and, along with this strong board, which comprises diverse and unique viewpoints from many sectors of the business, NKBA is in a terrific position to keep the momentum going for our membership.”
Joining Joseph as officers for 2019 are Emilee Chappell, director of marketing for TOTO Americas, returning for a second term as vice chair and fourth year on the board, and Allison Lowrie, chief marketing officer for ANGI Homeservices, parent of Angie’s List and Home Advisor, who will start her second year on the board and assume the role of secretary/treasurer.
Rounding out the board are returning members Lorenzo Marquez, NKBA’s former two-term chairman and president of Marqet Group; independent Neil Bailey; Michael Mahan, vice president of strategic marketing and Steve Petock, senior vice president of business development for Ferguson. Two new additions join the board, Jan Neiges, CKD, principal of her namesake design firm, and Basil E. Larkin, vice president of sales for Hestan Commercial Corporation.
Patricia Davis Brown, CKBD, owner of Patricia Davis Brown LLC; and Young Huh, owner of Young Huh Interiors, have completed their terms on the board, and the NKBA thanks them for their service to the association and the industry.
The new board will assume their roles on January 1, 2019.
