2024 Natural Stone Foundation Board Update
Contact:
Natural Stone Institute
(440) 250-9222
networking@naturalstoneinstitute.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Oberlin, OH, January 11, 2024 — The Natural Stone Foundation is proud to welcome the following industry members to their Board of Directors for 2024:
Kevin Camarata—Board President
Brie Pfannenbecker—President-Elect
Tony Malisani—Immediate Past President
Ralph Morgan
Greg Osterhout
Rick Stimac
Holly Roher
Jonathan Zanger
Buddy Ontra
Katie Jensen-NSI Board President Liaison
2022 Foundation President Rich Katzmann (Rockheads Group USA) will officially end his term at StonExpo in January 2024. Katzmann has served on the board since the Foundation’s origin in 2017 and has witnessed its impact firsthand. Natural Stone Foundation Executive Director Jim Hieb commented: “During Katzmann’s tenure on the board, the Foundation funded initiatives that have increased natural stone’s market share, supported globally unified standards, combatted confusion between natural and manmade materials, educated and inspired architects and designers, cultivated future stone industry leaders, and advocated for programs that help keep employees safe.” 2023 Foundation President Tony Malisani welcomed Buddy Ontra to the board by saying: “We are excited to have Buddy Ontra join the board and be part of a winning organization that is helping to make our industry rock solid.”
In 2024, the Foundation board will continue raising funds to address future industry needs. Individuals and businesses are encouraged to make contributions to the Foundation’s annual fund or to honor an industry colleague or friend by making a tribute gift in their name. The board will also be seeking key stakeholders to support the launch of an endowment fund to further guarantee sufficient funding is available for years to come.
The Natural Stone Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the Natural Stone Institute. Its mission is to serve the natural stone industry by financially supporting initiatives and services important to industry stakeholders. Funding received from the Foundation allows the Natural Stone Institute to produce educational programming, scholarships, and advocacy for the use of natural stone. Learn more at www.naturalstoneinstitute.org/foundation.
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About the Natural Stone Institute
The Natural Stone Institute is a trade association representing every aspect of the natural stone industry. The current membership exceeds 2,000 members in over 50 nations. The association offers a wide array of technical and training resources, professional development opportunities, regulatory advocacy, and networking events. Two prominent publications—the Dimension Stone Design Manual and Building Stone Magazine—raise awareness within the natural stone industry and in the design community for best practices and uses of natural stone. Learn more at www.naturalstoneinstitute.org.
