ELGIN, IL - The Building Stone Institute (BSI), one of the country’s oldest natural stone trade associations, has announced the appointment of Margie Lechowicz as Executive Vice President and Connie Kitzinger as Director of Education and Events.

As Executive Vice President, Lechowicz will serve as the BSI liaison promoting the organization’s relationships with national, international, state and local organizations, and she will serve as a member of the Natural Stone Council Board of Directors. Lechowicz will oversee the execution of the goals, objectives and priorities of BSI, and the allocation and distribution of resources toward those outcomes. She will have direct oversight of issues related to the membership, legislative and technical committees, while managing the budget and ensuring the financial integrity of the organization. A native of Pittsburgh, PA, Lechowicz brings to BSI more than 20 years of professional experience, most recently as the Board/Executive Manager of the American Association of Diabetes Educators. Previously she served as Executive Director of Financial Institutions Insurance Association. Lechowicz holds an MA in Public Administration from Ohio State University.

Connie Kitzinger has returned to BSI as Director of Education and Events. She will have oversight of the BSI Conventions and Study Tours, and all education programs including the highly regarded Designer Education Series. Previously she served as Program Manager and Special Projects Coordinator for BSI. Prior to joining BSI, Kitzinger was the Education Director for the Mason Contractors Association of America. Kitzinger holds a Master’s Degree in Adult and Continuing Education from Northern Illinois.