NASHVILLE, TN – The Ceramic Tile Education Foundation (CTEF), the tile industry’s nonprofit dedicated to tile installation training, education, and certification, is proud to announce the appointment of Noah Chitty as its new Chairman of the Board of Directors.
Chitty, Vice President of Sustainability & Technical Services at AHF Products (formerly Crossville), succeeds Mark Shannon, whose distinguished service as Chairman from 2020 through 2025 has been instrumental in guiding CTEF through a period of growth, innovation, and resilience.
Honoring Mark Shannon’s Leadership
Under Shannon’s leadership, CTEF navigated the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, maintained financial stability, launched new 100–500 Level training classes, expanded ACT partnerships with IMI, BAC, and IMTEF, and introduced the pilot Certified Ceramic Tile Inspector (CCTI) program. During his tenure, CTEF also celebrated its 2,000th Certified Tile Installer (CTI) milestone, relocated its headquarters to Nashville, TN, and continued to build strategic partnerships across the installation industry.
“Mark’s vision and steady leadership helped position CTEF to thrive well into the future,” said Brad Denny, Executive Director of CTEF. “We are grateful for his mentorship, and we are honored he will continue to serve CTEF as an Emeritus Director and advisor.”
Welcoming Noah Chitty
Chitty brings more than 25 years of experience in the tile industry. A graduate of Clemson University’s Ceramic Engineering program, he has held leadership positions with Crossville, StonePeak Ceramics, and the Tile Council of North America (TCNA). In his current role with AHF Products, he oversees sustainability initiatives for all AHF brands and technical services for the tile division. Chitty also chairs ISO/TC 189, the international committee responsible for ceramic tile standards, further reinforcing his global technical expertise.
“Noah’s extensive experience in technical services, sustainability, and standards development makes him uniquely suited to lead the CTEF Board,” Denny said. “His leadership will strengthen our mission to provide education and certification programs that raise the quality of tile installation across the U.S.”
The appointment of Noah Chitty continues a strong legacy of leadership at CTEF. From Svend Hovmand, former President of Crossville and a founding leader who helped establish the CTI program, to Mark Shannon, who guided CTEF through innovation and expansion, and now to Noah Chitty, whose technical expertise and commitment to sustainability bring fresh vision, CTEF has been shaped by leaders dedicated to advancing qualified labor and strengthening the tile industry.
“The strength of CTEF has always come from leaders who believe deeply in raising the bar for our industry. From Mr. Hovmand’s early vision to Mr. Shannon’s steady leadership, and now Mr. Chitty’s technical expertise, passion, and consensus-building track record, we are building on a strong foundation to serve installers and the tile industry for years to come,” added Denny.
CTEF Momentum and Call for Support
With Chitty as Chairman, CTEF will continue to build on its recent momentum:
- Expansion of hands-on educational programs focused on the installer career path at new facilities in Nashville, TN, and Egg Harbor City, NJ.
- Growth of the CTI program, which surpassed 2000 certified installers in 2025.
- Development of the Certified Ceramic Tile Inspector (CCTI) program to improve installation accountability and quality.
- Ongoing partnerships with NTCA, TCNA, IMI/BAC, FCEF, CFI, and others to broaden the reach of training and certification.
As CTEF looks to 2026 and beyond, the organization is actively seeking industry sponsorships to sustain and grow these vital programs.
“CTEF is small but mighty, and our impact depends on the generous support of the industry we serve,” Denny said. “We invite manufacturers, distributors, contractors, and allied organizations to invest in the future of qualified labor by supporting our mission.”
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About the Ceramic Tile Education Foundation
The Ceramic Tile Education Foundation (CTEF) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that provides training, education, and installer certification for professionals working in the ceramic tile and stone industry.
CTEF is the home of the Certified Tile Installer (CTI) program, the only industry-recognized third-party assessment of installer skill and knowledge—and the Advanced Certifications for Tile Installers (ACT) program. For more information, visit www.ceramictilefoundation.org.