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.
Basil Larkin, 2025 LRC Chair
Basil Larkin is a seasoned senior sales executive, specializing in the appliance industry. Previously as senior vice president of sales, Larkin was 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.
Kristen Elder
Kristen Elder is the Vice President of Showrooms, Residential Builder & Digital Commerce at Ferguson Enterprises, responsible for go-to-market strategy across all channels for the building and remodel market. She is an accomplished consumer product sales and marketing executive with experience in launching and growing top consumer and retail brands. Before joining Ferguson in 2017, she spent 20 years in the retail industry with many notable brands including Sony Electronics, Circuit City and Monark Premium Appliance Co.
Veronika Miller
Veronika Miller is CEO and Founder of the Designhounds Influencer Network and managing director of M2 Consulting Group, Veronika’s mission is to help brands define actionable goals and build creative campaigns and programs digitally and in real life that connect and engage influencers, buyers and brands in the interiors and kitchen & bath industries.
After the economic crash in 2009 and with strong backgrounds in both, marketing and interior- and kitchen + bath design, Veronika launched Modenus.com an online marketing and networking platform for residential designers and brands which very quickly became a close media partner to numerous trade shows and trade associations including KBIS and the NKBA.
Over the next decade, the company developed some of the most visible programs in the North American design industry including the Designhounds Influencer Network, The Design Milk X Modenus Talks Lounge, Design Uncut webcast platform and custom campaigns for leading brands including the DXV Design Panel for American Standard.
M2 Connect LLC encompasses three brands: The Designhounds Influencer Network including Designhounds Events and the Designhounds Talks Webcasts; The M2 Consulting Group, a team of industry experts focused on business development for brands and associations that acts as lead on NKBA’s international development program, Global Connect; DesignTrail App (launching in fall 2024), a digital lead management and communication application for buyers and sellers.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Sadie Anderson
Sadie Anderson is the Vice President of marketing and design at CKF, a cabinet and countertop fabricator in Omaha, Nebraska. In her current role, Anderson leads the marketing and design teams, focusing on creating innovative showrooms and enriching customer experiences. Her visionary approach has been instrumental in shaping the company’s marketing strategies and design initiatives.
Anderson’s journey with CKF began in various roles that showcased her versatile skill set and leadership capabilities. Starting as a Designer, she quickly advanced to the position of Design Operations Manager, where she streamlined processes and enhanced operational efficiency. Her success in these areas led her to the role of Director of Sales Operations, where she spearheaded critical digital initiatives, further solidifying her reputation as a transformative leader within the company.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Anderson is deeply rooted in her community. She lives in Omaha with her husband of over a decade and their two children. When not driving to soccer or dance practices, you can find her enjoying the outdoors or practicing yoga.
Educationally, Anderson holds a Bachelor of Science in Interior Design from the University of Nebraska at Kearney, which has provided her with a strong foundation for her career in design and marketing. Her commitment to her profession is also reflected in her involvement with industry organizations. She currently serves as the President of the Nebraska/Kansas NKBA Chapter and as the Finance Director for the Nebraska/Iowa ASID Chapter, contributing her expertise and leadership to these professional communities.
Rima Nasr
Award winner, ambitious, and creative designer with strong academic credentials reinforced by design experience gained at respected firms. Rima Nasr is residential and commercial designer who seeks to create beauty in the world drawing inspiration from various artistic expressions to her projects.
Rima’s passion about creating functional, aesthetic pleasing spaces increased, while she was part of a design team focused on a wide range of projects from model to high end custom homes prior to graduating from the Art Institute of Houston. This passion for design is reflected in her commitment to “design with a purpose” while pleasing the clients, making their vision a reality.
Her rich cultural background and long journey of travel experiences around the world have advanced her knowledge as a designer and enhanced her appreciation for finishes, styles, and textiles. Rima strives to ensure each project receives the highest standards and the dedication to exceed the client’s expectations.
Rima is very actively involved with multiple design Organizations such as ASID, NKBA, IIDA, and NEWH. As a way of giving back to the design community, she served on the board of American Society of Interior Designers as Membership Director 2021, and the National Kitchen and Bath Association Texas Gulf Coast Chapter as Membership and Student Relation Chair (2018-2020), President (2021), and current President for 2024-2025.
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.
Amy Switzer, 2025 KEC Chair
Amy Biller Switzer has over 14 years of experience in the kitchen and bath industry, serving in various marketing, PR and advertising roles for key industry brands. She is currently the Senior Brand Marketing Manager at House of Rohl where she spends her time working on amplifying the EMTEK brand voice through paid and organic media, events and partnerships. Switzer spearheaded the recent rebranding of Emtek and the launches of the new Emtek and Schaub hardware websites. Prior to joining Emtek in 2016 and Fortune Brands Innovations in 2023, Switzer was the PR, Advertising, and Marketing Manager for Snaidero. Switzer is a CSU Long Beach graduate and currently lives in Pasadena, CA with her husband and son.
Massimo Ballucchi
Massimo Ballucchi is the Vice President of Institutional Relations at Cosentino North America where he leads the creation of business value and social capital through relationships of Industry Associations, Trade Shows, Industry Conferences, Chamber of Commerce, and many other key industry organizations. Previously he served as the Vice President of the Kitchen and Bath Business for Cosentino’s North American market overseeing the business development for this sector and managing relationships with key K&B dealers. He also served as the Executive Director of Marketing at Cosentino for the Americas for four years, where he oversaw the marketing initiatives including public relations, brand, event marketing, product launch, fulfillment, and more.
For nearly 29 years, Massimo has had a fruitful career in the marketing and services industry, holding titles such as Product Director of Manufactured Floor and Dal-Tile, Director of Marketing for the West Coast and Central Service Centers at American Marazzi Tile, Director of Marketing and Product Development at Vitromex USA and Director of Ceramic Business at Mannington Mills. Additionally, Massimo was recently appointed to the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) board in 2024. He earned both his BA in Economics and MBA in International Management at the University of Dallas.
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.
Katie Heaney
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.
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.
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.
Christina Reed
Christina Reed is a dynamic marketing executive with a proven track record of driving immersive brand experiences and leading large-scale experiential events that deliver tangible business growth. With deep expertise in brand engagement, event strategy, and design management, Christina has successfully spearheaded award-winning initiatives for GE Appliances, a Haier Company, including flagship events and high-impact collaborations with renowned partners and designers. She excels at crafting innovative, customer-centered experiences that resonate with audiences and elevate brand visibility across diverse markets.
Throughout her career, Christina has built a reputation for her strategic vision and leadership. Her roles have included overseeing multimillion-dollar budgets, managing cross-functional teams, and optimizing processes to enhance efficiency and results. A key focus of her work is leveraging data-driven insights and creative direction to create brand experiences that go beyond the ordinary, consistently exceeding expectations and industry standards.
Christina holds a bachelor’s degree in Merchandising & Product Development from Florida State University and has been recognized with numerous industry accolades, including multiple honors for her work in trade shows and experiential design. She remains committed to reshaping the future of brand engagement by delivering transformative experiences that leave a lasting impact.
Andrew Shead
Andrew Shead is the Sales and Marketing Manager at True Residential, a division of True Manufacturing Company that offers luxury refrigeration with commercial DNA. He supports architects and designers, and True’s independent luxury appliance dealers throughout the country. Andrew is fueled by his passion for hosting groups large and small and a personal love for food and drink of all types. He has 15 years of experience in sales and marketing and is a shameless appliance nerd.