Brett S. Rugo, founder and president of Rugo Stone, LLC of Lorton, VI, and grandson of an Italian stone carver, has been chosen as the new president of the Marble Institute of America (MIA).

A native of Barre, VT, Rugo had more than a decade of experience in various aspects of stone industry sales and project management when he started Rugo Stone in 1996. Rugo Stone has been widely recognized for its work, receiving over 45 regional, national and international craftsmanship awards. Rugo has served on the MIA board of directors for five years and will now serve as president for a one-year term.

Other officers chosen by MIA's Board of Directors at the association's annual meeting in Las Vegas in October are: Vice President, Gasper (G.K.) Naquin of Stone Interiors, Loxley, AL; Secretary, Michael A. Twiss of Columbia Stone, Inc., Tualatin, OR, and Treasurer, Jonathan Zanger of Walker Zanger, Inc. Perth Amboy, NJ. Zanger, a veteran of more than 30 years in the stone business, was also elected an MIA director.

Daniel J. Rea, a senior vice president for Cold Spring Granite of Cold Spring, MN, was also elected to the board of directors. Rea has been part of the stone industry for more than 30 years.