Oberlin, OH —Tony Malisani (Malisani, Inc.) has been named the Natural Stone Institute’s 2018 Person of the Year. The Person of the Year Award is presented annual to an individual who has provided extensive support to the association’s executive team during the year.

Malisani is a true stone industry ambassador. He has been a champion for the industry, serving on delegations to Marmomac and the Xiamen Stone Fair, speaking at Coverings and StonExpo, and participating in countless membership outreach meetings and education seminars. Malisani has offered innovative changes to the association’s Stone Industry Education Series, and has worked tirelessly to advance education for fabricators with an emphasis on building business skills. In his role as a membership advocate, he challenges stone companies around the world to “help us pull the industry forward.” That sentiment describes his passion for the leadership position the Natural Stone Institute has in making a difference in the industry.

Natural Stone Institute CEO Jim Hieb commented: “Tony could have stopped contributing after his term as president in 2014. However, he continues to provide support, advice, encouragement, and feedback not only to me but several staff members. He made every attempt to support us whenever possible.” David Castellucci, 2017 Person of the Year, agreed, commenting: “Tony is a model association volunteer as a speaker, attending trade shows, on committees, and as a role model and mentor. More than that, Tony is the best friend you could ever hope to have.”

Tony isn’t done contributing. In 2019 he will lead three stone summits through the Stone Industry Education Series, champion an effort to update the Dimension Stone Design Manual, and serve as a volunteer on two trade delegations.

To learn more about the Person of the Year Award, visit www.naturalstoneinstitute.org/personoftheyear.