OBERLIN, OH—David Castellucci, director of business development at Kenneth Castellucci & Associates in Lincoln, RI, has been named 2017 Person of the Year by the Natural Stone Institute.

Castellucci served as MIA president in 2016 during the first year of the association’s joint venture. In the past two years, he has also served as Chair of the Board Nomination Committee, Chair of the Branding Committee, speaker at Coverings and TISE, and advisor to the New England chapter. He has served on delegations to the Xiamen Stone Fair, Middle East Stone Show, Marmomac, Vitoria Stone Fair and Carrara Marmotec. He also acted as chair of the 2017 Pinnacle Awards jury and as a legislative delegate to Washington DC to assist with industry promotional efforts.

2017 BSI President Daniel Wood (Lurvey Supply) worked alongside Castellucci and commented: “David was there at every turn, leading and contributing. He was tireless in his encouragement of what we could become by joining forces.” 2017 MIA President Jon Lancto (Big Fish Consulting) agreed, adding that “every time we needed help on a key initiative, David volunteered to assist and lead.” 2015 MIA President Dan Rea (Coldspring) referred to Castellucci as a “road warrior,” referencing his willingness to represent the association at key industry events and trade shows. He commented: “David loves the member engagement and has been instrumental in advancing several industry initiatives during his travels.” Natural Stone Institute Executive Vice President Jane Bennet added: “David is a dedicated leader for the association and the industry. No one has devoted more hours to key committees and initiatives. David made a difference and is a role model for how a key volunteer can support the association and its staff.”

In fitting form, Castellucci is still contributing. In March he will join several industry volunteers on a delegation to the IZMIR Fair (Marble 24) in Turkey. This will be the association’s first visit to the fair in several years.