The NKBA Names its Thirty Under 30 Class of 2020
Award winners selected from over 150 nominations from across the kitchen & bath industry
HACKETTSTOWN, NJ — (September 9, 2019) — Today the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) announced the names of its inductees into the Thirty Under 30 Class of 2020. The program, now in its eighth year, recognizes accomplished kitchen and bath professionals under the age of 30. Each year’s class comprises rising leaders from throughout the industry and is widely regarded as the leading showcase for the brightest young talent working in kitchen and bath design and remodeling. Nominees were evaluated on their career or educational achievements, commitment to excellence in the kitchen and bath industry, and leadership within their organization.
“This group of outstanding young professionals represents the future of the industry,” said Bill Darcy, NKBA Chief Executive Officer. “NKBA is proud to recognize them as part of this prestigious program and is excited to help them as they continue to develop their careers.”
The candidates selected for induction (along with their companies and NKBA chapter affiliation where applicable) include:
Amber Fowler, Rev-A-Shelf, Kentuckiana
Anna Violand, Ferguson Enterprises
Ariana Lovato, AKBD, Honeycomb Home Design, Central Coast and Valleys
Bonnie Schmitz, Masco Cabinetry
Candis Warren-Ashurst, Steiner-Houck & Associates LLC, Susquehanna Valley
Carolyn Elleman, Case Design/Remodeling, Baltimore/Washington
David Berens, ReFind Kitchens
Drew Newman, Prodigy Kitchens & Baths, GA/SC Coastal
Emily Tomek, AKBD, Drury Design, Chicago Mid West
Fabian Cabrera, Ferrarini & Co.
Hannah Harrington, Kitchen Concepts, Oklahoma
Jennifer Hutton, Artisan Kitchens and Baths (Appliance Associates of Buffalo), Central New York
Jensen Landers, Marrokal Design & Remodeling, San Diego
Jonnette Vandehey, Square Deal Remodeling
Joseph DeCasperis, Karmichael’s Cabinetry, Southern California
Julie Russi, The Tile Shop, Carolina
Karina Gaft, Yale Appliance & Lighting
Kelly McDermott, AKBD, Normandy Remodeling, Minnesota State
Kylee Chatham, Architectural Ceramics
Mackenzie Elliott, GE Monogram Appliances
Mark Stapperfenne, Green Forest Cabinetry, Virginia State
Markie Tuckett, Timber + Plumb Kitchens and Cabinetry
Michelle Sauer, D’Asign Source, South Florida
Morgan Chiarelly, Kessebohmer USA Inc., Eastern Carolinas
Nicole Galera, DR Design & Remodel
Ryan Smith, Ferguson d.b.a. The Bath & Beyond
Samantha Souders, Reico Kitchen & Bath, Baltimore/Washington
Sarah Nielsen, Showplace Cabinetry Design Center – Urbandale, Iowa
Sarah Pierce, AKBD, Lane Homes & Remodeling, Virginia State
Stassa Mullen, Hansgrohe Inc.
This year’s class selection committee, comprised of Thirty Under 30 alumni, includes:
Danielle Bohn, CMKBD, design & training manager for Dura Supreme Cabinetry, Class of 2015; Mark Eglington, president of Euro-Line Appliances, Class of 2014; Rebecca Sutton, AKBD, lead designer at Kitchen Design Concepts, Class of 2017; Molly Switzer, AKBD, owner of Molly N Switzer Designs LLC, Class of 2014; Brandy H. Tallant, inside account manager, national accounts, for Hansgrohe, Class of 2013.
The class of 2020 will be formally recognized in Las Vegas at the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS) January 21-23, 2020. KBIS attendees should keep an eye out for the “30’s” on the show floor as they scour the show’s hundreds of exhibitors to identify their favorite new products and innovations as part of the 30s Choice Awards. These awards will be presented on the KBIS NeXT Stage. To learn more about this program and to register for KBIS 2020, visit www.kbis.com.
Signature Kitchen Suite returns as the sponsor of the NKBA Thirty Under 30 initiative.
About the National Kitchen & Bath Association and the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show
The National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) is the not-for-profit trade association that owns the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show® (KBIS), as part of Design and Construction Week ® (DCW). With nearly 50,000 members in all segments of the kitchen and bath design and remodeling industry, the NKBA has educated and led the industry since the association’s founding in 1963. The NKBA envisions a world where everyone enjoys safe, beautiful and functional kitchen and bath spaces. The mission of the NKBA is to inspire, lead and empower the kitchen and bath industry through the creations of certifications, specialty badges, marketplaces and networks. For more information, visit www.nkba.org or call 1-800-THE-NKBA (843-6522).
KBIS® and NKBA® are registered trademarks of the National Kitchen & Bath Association.