ISFA appoints Laurie Weber as CEO to drive innovation and inclusive growth
The International Surface Fabricators Association (ISFA) has appointed Laurie Weber as its new chief executive officer, marking a strategic leadership transition aimed at guiding the organisation into its next chapter. Weber brings over 25 years of extensive experience in workforce development, strategic planning, and operational leadership, primarily within nonprofit, trade, and credentialling organisations. Known for developing nationally recognised certification programmes and steering teams through transformational growth, she is reputed for building systems that foster both organisational excellence and individual potential.
Weber’s career is distinguished by her strong commitment to ethics, equity, and innovation—values that closely align with ISFA’s mission to serve and elevate the decorative surface industry. Speaking on her new role, Weber expressed her honour in joining ISFA’s community, noting the association’s well-earned reputation for connection, quality, and craft. She succeeds Marissa Bankert, who departed in late July to take up the presidency and CEO role at the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) chapter for eastern Pennsylvania. Bankert’s departure marks a significant leadership change for ISFA as it looks to maintain momentum and deepen its engagement within the sector.
ISFA’s governance also continues to evolve, with the announcement of its 2025 Board of Directors featuring both returning and new members. The incoming board members, including Kellie Akins, Omar Chahin, Troy Page, Sheri Pruitt, and Chad Thompson, bring diverse expertise aimed at driving the association’s strategic goals forward. ISFA’s president, Marissa Bankert prior to her departure, highlighted the board’s strong commitment to providing valuable resources, programmes, and events, underscoring the association’s proactive approach to supporting fabricators industry-wide.
The appointment of Laurie Weber comes at a pivotal time as ISFA seeks to capitalise on its industry standing while fostering innovative leadership. Weber’s background extends beyond fabricating surfaces into broader operational and strategic expertise. She has been featured as a speaker at prominent industry events, including the Precision Metalforming Association’s “Forming our Future” conference, where she shared insights on business strategy, leadership development, operational improvement, and talent management—all critical areas for ISFA’s continued success.
ISFA’s ongoing efforts within the decorative surfacing sector have been exemplified by prominent industry gatherings such as their recent annual meeting in Scottsdale, Arizona. These events not only celebrate excellence—highlighted by the induction of decorated professionals into the ISFA Hall of Fame—but also reinforce the association’s role as a unifying platform for members. Such recognitions play a significant role in fostering community and encouraging leadership among fabricators.
The broader landscape of trade and credentialling bodies also reflects similar trends in leadership renewal and strategic planning, as seen in associations like the Industrial Fabrics Association International (IFAI) and the Pennsylvania Builders Association (PBA). These organisations are likewise strengthened by fresh perspectives on their boards, a focus on innovation, and financial stewardship tailored to sustain growth and member engagement.
In bringing Laurie Weber on board, ISFA aligns itself with a leader who embraces the complexities of industry transformation and workforce development. Her appointment suggests a forward-looking trajectory for ISFA, one that balances respect for craftsmanship with a commitment to innovation and inclusivity—qualities that will be essential as the association continues to serve its members and the decorative surface fabrication sector at large.