Retail Observer

DECEMBER 2025 RETAILOBSERVER.COM 21 T he National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA), the authority on the residential kitchen and bath industry and owner of the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show (KBIS), has announced its 2026 Board of Directors. Kerrie Kelly, CEO and creative director, Kerrie Kelly Studio, has been elected chair of NKBA's 2026 Board of Directors, effective January 1, 2026. She succeeds Eduardo Cosentino, EVP Cosentino Group & CEO Cosentino Americas. Cosentino will stay on as a 2026 NKBA board member. "It's an honor to step into this role at such a pivotal time for NKBA," Kelly said. "The association is evolving beyond kitchen and bath to embrace the full spectrum of residential design, and that broader vision is creating new opportunities for connection, inspiration, and global influence. As chair, I'm committed to championing that whole- home perspective – bringing designers, brands, and innovators together to shape experiences that reflect how people truly live today. NKBA has always set the standard for design leadership, and together we'll continue to expand that impact across every room, every market, and every corner of the industry." In addition to Kelly, Scott Edmunds, sr. vice president of marketing, Kohler Co., has been elected vice chair. Returning board member, Michael Gross, senior vice president, Whirlpool, will assume the position of NKBA Board secretary/treasurer. "The 2026 Board represents the leadership needed for where NKBA is headed next," said Bill Darcy, NKBA global president & CEO. "As we evolve beyond kitchen and bath to embrace the larger home and design ecosystem, strong guidance and diverse insights are critical. With Kerrie Kelly as chair – someone who understands both the craft of design and the power of brand experience – we are well-positioned to deepen our influence, expand our reach, and champion a more connected, global design community. I look forward to working alongside this board as we continue shaping the future of the residential design industry." The 2026 NKBA Board of Directors welcomes two new members – Alena Capra, CMKBD, Owner, Alena Capra Designs, and Vijay Shankar, Executive Chairman, Coleto Brands – who join returning board members Nicola Bertazzoni, Chief Operating Officer, Bertazzoni Group; Eduardo Cosentino, EVP Cosentino Group & CEO Cosentino Americas; Jill Ehnes, president of Delta Faucet Company; and Peri Friedman, COO, Fabuwood. Below is the complete list of the 2026 NKBA Board Members, who will officially take their positions on January 1, 2026. 2026 NKBA BOARD OFFICERS 2026 CHAIR CEO KERRIE KELLY OWNER AND CREATIVE DIRECTOR Kerrie Kelly Studio, Sacramento, CA Kerrie Kelly is a nationally recognized design authority, creative director, and brand collaborator with over 30 years of experience shaping the design community and the businesses behind it. As CEO and creative director of Kerrie Kelly Studio, she leads with a California sensibility, where elevated aesthetics meet effortless function. Her award-winning interiors have earned her a reputation for delivering approachable luxury, while her strategic brand partnerships continue to push the design industry forward. Kerrie works hand in hand with the world's top manufacturers, from Cosentino and JennAir to Sherwin-Williams, Feeney, Fabuwood, and Hestan. Leveraging her deep knowledge of residential design and product development, she helps these brands create meaningful experiences, design-forward innovations, and market strategies that connect with the architecture and design community, and beyond in fresh, relevant ways. Named the 2024 ASID Designer of Distinction and serving as 2025 Vice Chair of the NKBA, Kerrie is a longtime advocate for making great design more accessible and impactful. Her work and insights have been featured in The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, USA Today, and many other media. Whether she's designing a home, developing a new collection, or forecasting future trends, Kerrie brings a rare mix of creativity, credibility, and industry savvy to every collaboration. SCOTT EDMUNDS SR. VICE PRESIDENT OF MARKETING Kohler Co., Kohler, WI Scott is responsible for overall Kohler Co. brand marketing strategy and execution across the Kohler Co. family of businesses. This includes performance, digital, channel, and campaign marketing strategies for omni-channel sales targets for all

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