Leadership Recruitment Committee
The Leadership Recruitment Committee identifies and screens potential candidates to fill open positions on the Board of Directors and other committees as directed by the Board. The Leadership Recruitment Committee will then present a recommended slate for vote by the Board.
Kevin Dexter, 2024 LRC Chair
Kevin Dexter joined Springs Window Fashions in 2023 as EVP & President Dealer, leaving his role since 2017 as President at Fisher & Paykel, North America. Prior to F&P, Kevin was COO for Haier America, where he oversaw all operations fromResearch and Development to ManufacturingSales Operations, and Service. In 2016, he played a leading role in Haier Group’s acquisition of GE’s Appliance Division and the subsequent integration of Haier America into GE Appliances. Previously, , he was the SVP, Home Appliance Sales and Marketing for Samsung Electronics America and held various roles at Electrolux Major Appliances North America.
Jason C. McGraw, CTS, CAE
With 34 years of conference and exposition management, Jason joined Emerald in November 2020 as Group Vice President and Show Director for the CEDIA Expo andKBIS. In addition to his current work on CEDIA Expo and KBIS, Jason spent many years as Senior Vice President of Exposition and Event Services with the Audiovisual and Integrated Experience Association (AVIXA) leading the InfoComm show. Jason is a Past Chairperson (2013) and former board member of the International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE).
Basil Larkin
As senior vice president of sales, Larkin is responsible for all sales at Hestan, a manufacturer of premium commercial restaurant equipment and residential indoor/outdoor appliances. Larkin, who has been in the appliance business for most of his career, has held key roles in sales leadership, marketing and product development. Before joining Hestan, he was general manager at BSH Home Appliances, vice president of sales and marketing at Lynx Professional Grills and vice president of sales at Viking Range Corporation. Larkin holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Massachusetts and is a member of the Society of Fellows at the Culinary Institute of America.
Dr. Elmar Stumpf
Elmar received a Diploma Degree in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Hannover in Germany as well as a Master of Science degree in Chemical Engineering at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, USA. During his doctorate degree at the University of Hohenheim in Germany he developed a product suitable for specific customers’ needs.
Afterwards he worked for more than 13 years for BSH Bosch and Siemens Home Appliances Group – for more than 6 of these years, in the Chinese subsidiary of the company. His last assignment was leading a regional product division. One of his tasks was the successful introduction of a new product category into the Chinese market. Among others, his responsibilities included marketing and sales topics, elaboration of a suitable product range as well as the set-up of operational units including planning and putting a large factory into operation. During this time he worked extensively with Chinese colleagues as well as with various project partner organizations.
After returning to Germany he was working for nobilia, the European market leader for built-in kitchen for appr. 3 years. In this family-owned company he was responsible for the worldwide company strategy, the innovation, the technical expansion, as well as M&A activities.
In addition to China, he has distinct working experiences in South-East Asia, Latin America, Africa and Oceania where he built-up and established companies with local partner organizations, among others.
He works very closely with diverse industrial associations: for many years he was member of the working group China advisory aboard of the Association for Modern Kitchen (AMK). Moreover, he is the European Lead Consultant of the North American Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) and elaborates market studies for different industry associations. He is also the Founding President of the China Network Baden-Württemberg, does management coaching and conducts seminars as well as regular presentations and lectures at universities.
James Brodsky
As founder and CEO of Sharp Think, James keeps the show on the road by ensuring the agency’s ongoing growth and expansion across the country. With his laser-like focus on the advancement of Sharp, Jim maintains critical relationships with clients, media heavyweights, and industry influencers. A graduate from Brown University in 1990, he began his career at Saatchi & Saatchi Advertising where he cut his teeth developing numerous ad campaigns for leading packaged goods brands. He eventually moved to the PR side and created award-winning programs in the fashion lifestyle categories before starting Sharp in 2000. Jim steered the agency to specialize in several passion-point categories including: architecture & design; building & construction; home furnishings; consumer lifestyle; arts & culture; and health & wellness. Jim is often asked to share his opinions, predictions, and insights at industry talks, trade shows, forums, and thought leadership events. Jim’s original mission for Sharp (coined after his middle name and his mother’s maiden name) was to promote best-in-class brands and help them engage with qualified and passionate target audiences. It is a mission that still holds true today.
Chapter Leadership Committee
The purpose of the Chapter Leadership Committee is to provide a link between the grassroots of the Association, its chapters and NKBA National. They are charged with monitoring member needs and wants at the chapter level and conveying these needs to NKBA Staff.
Nichole Cooper
Nichole Cooper currently is the Showroom Director for the Middleby Residential Showroom in Orange County, California, one of four unique experience centers owned by Middleby Residential across the country. She brings over 20 years of experience in the Kitchen & Bath industry working with Designers, Specifiers, Manufacturers and Homeowners. Nichole’s extensive experience includes her role as Los Angeles Territory Manager for ROHL, LLC for nearly 10 years, additionally supporting the brand via a representative firm for an additional 4. For nearly 10 years Nichole has been a Chapter Officer for the National Kitchen & Bath Association Southern California Chapter, serving two terms as President of the Chapter. Dedicating time and support to the growth and professionalism of the Kitchen & Bath Design Industry has always been a focus for Nichole, and she has received numerous awards and accolades from various trade organizations in appreciation of her contributions.
Sandee Mann
Starting in his father’s contracting business Sandee Mann’s two-decade career in the kitchen and bath industry eventually grew into a tenure as an interior designer as well as a kitchen and bath design professional. Since 2010, he has served as a showroom specialist for a manufacturers’ representative. But Sandee’s most notable contribution to the kitchen and bath industry is his long-term service and leadership within British Columbia’s National Kitchen & Bath Association chapter. Over the last five years as chapter president, Sandee has led a renaissance for the organization, including significant growth in membership, programming and member engagement. A frequent speaker and educator, Mann has rebuilt the association’s board and has revitalized its design award program.
Julie Schuster
At Julie Schuster Design Studio, the focus is wellness focused design solutions for all homes and working spaces that are innovational, functional and personalized. Julie’s extensive training in the design industry include the certification of “Certified Living in Place Professional” (CLIPP), who’s focus is on creating environments that are safe and accessible to those with physical limitations. Julie is contributing writer, published in Designers Today and Kitchen & Bath Business, as well as serving on the Editorial Advisory Board for Kitchen & Bath Business. She is currently Brand Ambassador for Robern Cabinetry and is recognized as a KBDN top 50 design innovator. Julie is an esteemed speaker on subjects of Interior Design and Feng Shui, as well as Universal Design and Multigenerational Designing. Julie holds a BS in Business, as well as a degree in Interior Design from New York School for Interior Design. She is a Red Ribbon Certified Feng Shui Practitioner with The International Feng Shui Guild. She currently serves as President of the NKBA Manhattan Chapter, as well as being founding member of IDS (Interior Design Society) New York.
Brianna Weiler
Brianna is Vice President & Interior Designer at Kitchens by Charles Weiler. She have great appreciation for all design styles, but of course, has her favorites; mixing old with new or often gaining inspiration from nature and a minimalist lifestyle & aesthetic. She especially enjoys working with people. Getting to know how they live & use their space is vital for a successful design. How about a space catered to your furry friend? It’s difficult for some to see the potential within a space or envision a finished product, but she can relay her concepts in a way that’s clear & concise; whether that’s through “mood boards”, 3D color- renderings, or technical drawings. Brianna encourages clients to keep an open mind during the design process because chances are, she will create something they haven’t yet thought of. Whether an out-of-the-box design or something more traditional, Brianna wants my clients to love it. It’s exciting to know that no two spaces will be treated exactly the same & that the possibilities are endless when it comes to design & creativity. Keeping up with the latest trends & innovations in the industry is easy, as she stays active with the NKBA, currently serving as President for the Mid-Atlantic Chapter as well as the National Chapter Leadership Committee.
Kimberly Kerl
Kimberly Kerl specializes in the design of new homes, additions and renovations. Her talent with kitchen, bath and outdoor kitchen design has earned her a reputation as an expert in the field. As Founder and Principal Designer of Kustom Home Design, Kimberly implements her 30 + years of architectural design experience with creative solutions crafted for clients of all ages and abilities. She has served the NKBA as an officer for 10 years in various appointments with the Piedmont Blue Ridge Carolina Chapter and was named one of the industry’s Top Innovators for 2021 by Kitchen & Bath Design News. She is an Associate AIA, invited speaker for KBIS, Design & Service Award winner, 2019-2022 Thermador Kitchen Design Challenge Regional winner and has numerous published projects in digital and print publications. Kimberly enjoys photography, hiking and traveling with her husband. She is proud to be called “Mom” by three amazing adults and “Nonna” by three adorable young ladies.
KBIS Exhibitor Committee
The purpose of the KBIS Exhibitor Committee is to provide a link between the exhibitors and NKBA National to ensure that their needs are being appropriately monitored and evaluated. The KBIS Exhibitor Committee advises NKBA National on industry trends and makes recommendations for appropriate products, programs, and services to meet the needs of the exhibitors and attendees.
Katie Heaney, 2024 KEC Chair
Katie Heaney is the founder and Chief Consultant of the Your Business Edge, a St. Louis based company that specializes in high-level gifting plans for remodelers, homebuilders, and real estate professionals to build relationships and acquire new clients. Katie’s career as a Hall of Fame distributor for Cutco Cutlery has led to her being a sought-after speaker on the topics of strategic gifting and radical client appreciation. Over 1100 clients have partnered with Katie’s company to achieve superior client retention and excellent relationship management for their sales staff and new clients.
Massimo Ballucchi
Massimo Ballucchi is the Vice-President of the Kitchen and Bath business for Cosentino’s North American market. In this role, he oversees the business development for this sector and manages relationships with key K&B dealers. Prior to this promotion, Massimo was the Executive Director of Marketing at Cosentino for the Americas for four years. He is passionate about growing business and driving sales in creative and innovative ways, always with a positive and can-do attitude. During his two-term tenure on the KEC, Massimo was Chair of the Committee for 3 years from 2020-2022. He earned both his BA in Economics and MBA in International Management at the University of Dallas. Massimo currently resides in sunny Miami, FL and takes any chance he gets to enjoy time at the beach, travel, and cook.
Jonathan Krieger
Jonathan Krieger, is the Executive Vice President at Plain & Fancy Custom Cabinetry with over 25 years of experience in the Kitchen and Bath Industry focusing on the cabinetry category. He has a proven track record of increasing sales in dealer, home center, and builder channels. As an executive he has demonstrated the ability to build leading sales and marketing organizations. He has great passion to lead and drive success for the companies that he has partnered with. He enjoys his time with his family during his free time. Some of his hobbies are skiing, playing golf and traveling.
Amy Switzer
Amy Biller Switzer is the Senior Marketing Communications Manager of the ASSA ABLOY Mechanical Residential Group where she spends her time working on amplifying the brand voice, digital reputation, and social media presence. Switzer is also responsible for managing annual appearances at the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show, collaborating with vendors and content creators, as well as spearheading the recent rebranding of Emtek’s website.Prior to joining the ASSA ABLOY Mechanical Residential Group five years ago, Switzer was the PR, Advertising, and Marketing Manager for Snaidero USA, and events manager for the Ace Hotel. Switzer is a CSU Long Beach graduate and currently lives in Los Angeles, CA with her husband and son.
Jason Fisher
Jason Fisher has a deep appreciation for aesthetic and visual design articulation in all aspects of his life and career. As a graduate of Kent State University, Jason earned his BFA in Visual Communication Design, where he also taught as an adjunct professor, and has spent the past 15+ years leading global brands through marketing, creative, and consumer experiences. Jason is currently the Sr. Director of Marketing for a Global Water Innovations Company, where he strives to ignite teams around the spirit of possibility and creative solutions that deliver category-defining results. As a husband and father of two, Jason enjoys his family time in Chagrin Falls, OH. You can often find him on the soccer field sidelines, inspiring youth through the soccer community, adding character to his 1925 craftsman home, and investing in his creative soul – always the entrepreneur.
Nathan Boone
Nathan Boone is the Chief Operating Officer of the leading edge and fast-growing cabinet company, Green Forest Cabinetry (Indigo-Strategic Holdings.) With an undergraduate Finance degree from James Madison University, and a Master’s degree in Finance from Virginia Commonwealth University, Boone leads a young, energetic, and innovative crew of nearly 150 people. He and his Chesapeake Virginia based team are a highly disruptive group looking to provide high quality affordable cabinetry through thoughtful innovation and practices adaptable to fast paced consumer trends and channels. Boone strives to keep things simple, on trend and at price points affordable to everyone.