Natural Stone Institute Staff
James A. Hieb, CAE, CEO
Jim leads the staff and assists the board of directors with the strategic direction and execution of the association’s mission. In his free time, Jim enjoys participating in his church and civic organizations. He is a graduate of the University of South Dakota and Bowling Green State University. Note: CAE = Certified Association Executive.
Jane Bennett, Executive Vice President
Jane previously served as Executive Vice President of the Building Stone Institute and brings diverse experience from quarrying, tourism, manufacturing, marketing, and promotional employment. Her role with the Natural Stone Institute continues to be heavy in event planning, awards program management, and publishing Building Stone Magazine.
Chuck Muehlbauer, Technical Director
Charles J. “Chuck” Muehlbauer serves as NSI’s Technical Director. Currently in his fifth decade in the stone industry, he has experience in multiple sectors of the industry. Muehlbauer is a voting member and current or past officer of numerous national and international technical committees.
Jeff Pavic, Membership | Sales Director
Jeff serves as primary sales lead and works with the CEO on business planning and strategic initiatives. Jeff has held sales, business development, marketing, and operations leadership roles across multiple industries. He has an MBA from Bowling Green State University and currently serves on the Boys & Girls Club of Lorain County Advisory Board. Jeff and his wife Beth live in Rocky River, OH. They have two sons, one daughter, and six grandchildren.
Aaron Dahnke, CAE, Education Director
Aaron manages the association’s educational programming, including regional seminars, webinars, and the Natural Stone University. He previously served in similar capacities at The Center for Nonprofit Advancement and The Washington Center for Internships and Academic Seminars.
Aaron received his MA from Ohio University. He currently serves on the ASAE Foresight Works Advisory Group.
Sarah B. Gregg, Marketing Director
Sarah has 20+ years of stone industry experience including in-house sales & marketing, and freelance consulting for several stone fabricators, distributors, and associations. Along with overseeing marketing strategy, she also leads the sustainability and Women in Stone initiatives.
Mark Meriaux, Accreditation & Technical Manager
Mark holds a Mechanical Engineering Technology degree from Kennesaw State University. He entered the natural stone industry in 2002 as an owner/operator of a countertop fabrication company in Atlanta, GA. Mark manages the Accreditation and safety programs, assists members who have technical inquiries, participates in Stone Industry Education program. Mark enjoys outdoor activities and music concerts with his wife and their two children.
Scott Scallorn, MSAG, Testing Lab Manager
Scott holds an MS in Applied Geosciences – Engineering Geology from the University of Pennsylvania. He serves on multiple ASTM committees and is chair of ISO TC 327 TAG. With 16+ years of accredited laboratory experience, he has developed and conducted materials properties testing and durability evaluations for interior and exterior applications and associated installation systems. Scott enjoys spending time with his family and pursuing many hobbies and projects.
Amy Oakley, Communications Manager
Amy edits The Cutting Edge newsletter, manages the Use Natural Stone promotional campaign, and works to tell the association’s story through multiple platforms. Amy is from Youngstown, Ohio and holds an M.A. from Carnegie Mellon University. She spends her free time reading and traveling.
Naomi Kocer, Membership Manager
Naomi holds a B.A. in Contemporary Media and Journalism with a double emphases in Advertising and Public Relations from the University of South Dakota. Her prior work experience includes sales, marketing, and finance for both profit and nonprofit organizations.
Lynn Kovach, Membership Services Manager
Lynn brings 31 years of association membership experience to her role at the Natural Stone Institute. Lynn is responsible for member engagement, retention, and recruitment. She also supports customer service and membership records. Lynn has a B.S. from Kent State University in Kent, Ohio.
Katie Quintin, Membership Services Representative
Katie is responsible for maintaining member records, fulfilling store orders, and crafting new member kits. She is a US Air Force Veteran, where she served for over 7 years. She holds an AA degree in Intelligence Studies and is currently perusing a B.A. in Criminal Justice. In her free time, she enjoys spending time outside with her husband and two young daughters.
Pam Hammond, Executive Assistant to CEO I Natural Stone Foundation Program Manager
Pam has an extensive background in nonprofit management. She oversees international barter agreements and meeting and event management for the CEO and is the program manager for the Natural Stone Foundation. She also manages the association’s involvement with the Gary Sinise Foundation’s R.I.S.E. program. Pam and her husband reside in Oberlin, OH and have two sons and a daughter.
Kris Caccamise, M.Ed, Education Coordinator
Kris manages the CEU program, oversees education for the design community, and works with CEU certified speakers. Kris holds a B.A from Kent State University and an M.Ed. from the University of South Carolina. Kris resides in Elyria, Ohio with his dog Mikey.
Dacia Belisle Woodworth, Architect & Design Community Liaison
Dacia has a B.A. in Journalism/Public Relations from UT Austin. She is a former board member who served as an active volunteer with many NSI programs. Dacia manages outreach to design communities and is the staff lead for the NAQAG. She is an avid trail rider and equestrian camper.
Claudia Jaskulski, Accounting Manager
Claudia manages all internal accounting functions, including financial reporting and cash flow management. She also oversees benefits, payroll, and other human resource functions. Claudia has over 25 years of accounting experience in the service, manufacturing, and retail industries. She graduated with her A.A. in Accounting from Cuyahoga Community College. Claudia currently lives in Wakeman, Ohio and has two children and five amazing grandchildren.
Susan Myers, Graphic Designer
Susan is responsible for designing much of the Natural Stone Institute’s printed collateral, including The Cutting Edge newsletter, Building Stone Magazine, and trade show booths. A graduate of The Ohio State University, Susan earned a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Design, and cheers for her Buckeyes every game day.
David Falcón, Digital Design Coordinator
David graduated from the University of Texas at Arlington in 2018 with a B.A. in Visual Communications. Skilled in creating exciting content for our members, he is a passionate artist and designer with interests in art, film, and music. David is committed to expressing his creativity and making a lasting impact through various artistic endeavors.
