NSI Names Honorary Life Members

Published

OBERLIN, Ohio – The Natural Stone Institute (NSI) saluted 14 longtime industry professionals last month with its first class of Honorary Life Members.

Inaugural NSI Lifetime Members:  GK Naquin, Buddy Ontra,,Jonathan Zanger, Evan Cohen, Jeff Matthews, Daniel Wood, Monica Gawet, Robert Zavagno III, Brie Pfannenbecker, Scott Lardner, Kevin Camarata, Greg Osterhout, Duane Naquin, Michael Picco, Brett Rugo, Guido Gliori, Tony Malisani. (Photo courtesy Natural Stone Institute)

The institute’s board of directors formally activated the designation to recognize individuals demonstrating outstanding service and leadership to both the organization and the natural stone industry.

The category long existed within NSI bylaws but has never previously been utilized. As defined in the bylaws, Honorary Life Members are individuals who have served as a director or given outstanding service to the NSI.

Such designation is specifically granted by the board of directors, who determined the designation is now timely and meaningful as NSI continues to acknowledge the lasting contributions of those who have shaped and strengthened the industry.

The inaugural class of honorary life members includes:

 *Scott Buechel, Buechel Stone Corp.

 *David Castellucci, Kenneth Castellucci & Associates

 *Brenda Edwards, TexaStone Quarries

 *Patsy Fell-Barker, B.G. Hoadley Quarries

 *Monica Gawet, Tennessee Marble

 *Guido Gliori, Grazzini Brothers & Co.

 *Jeff Matthews, Trade International

 *Chuck Monson, Dakota Granite

 *G.K. Naquin, Stone Interiors

 *Dan Rea, Coldspring

 *Jack Seiders, Architectural Surfaces

 *Robert (Bob) Stasswender, Southwest Marble & Granite Works

 *Paul Vigna, Artisan Tile & Marble Co. of New Jersey Inc.

 *Jonathan Zanger, Walker Zanger

The board also requested that the Past Presidents Advisory Council annually review and recommend additional members for consideration. That can include past board members from organizations that merged with the NSI, including the Building Stone Institute, Marble Institute of America, and the National Building Granite Quarriers Association.

Members are invited to make suggestions for further consideration at executive@naturalstoneinstitute.org.