NSSGA Elects its 2025 Leadership
By Kerry Lynch, NSSGA
During the Annual Membership Meeting at the Annual Convention in St. Louis, the National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association (NSSGA) welcomed its association leadership for 2025. Ted Baker, II of Blue Water Industries, LLC, was announced as the Board Chair. Zach Green, Delta Companies, Inc., will serve as the First Vice Chair and Doug Palmore, Luck Stone Corporation, will be the Second Vice Chair.
Jim Nickolas presented the State of the Association along with Michele Stanley, NSSGA interim CEO. They shared details on the association’s many accomplishments over the past year.
"Your support makes it possible to do all the good work we do in Washington," said Stanley. "Giving to ROCKPAC helps us to build strong grassroots relationships with members of Congress – on both sides of the aisle. And those relationships help us to successfully advocate on issues critical to our members."
Ted Baker then received the Chair’s gavel and gave an acceptance speech introducing himself to the larger membership. He shared his outlook for the next year.
"It’s a real honor to serve as the chairman of this great association. Like many of you, aggregates has always been a family business for me, and like many of you, I’ve had the chance to work for some of our industry’s largest producers, as well as the small family company that I am running today," said Baker. "And I’d like to think I understand the unique perspectives of each."
He also highlighted that the great successes of the past should only be strengthened moving forward.
"I want us to build on this momentum and continue to improve the experiences at our meetings through greater communication efforts," said Baker. "Solid engagement with NSSGA helps us grow the membership. More members help ROCKPAC grow, which means more participation and an increased effectiveness of an already effective association."
In addition to the officers, the NSSGA leadership also voted in the newest Executive Committee members and Board of Directors. All of these members voluntarily dedicate their time leading Committee meetings, guide the association with new initiatives and participate in the annual events.
The Annual Membership Meeting program also presented the 2025 Barry K. Wendt Memorial Commitment Award, which is the highest honor given by the association. This award honors the memory of Barry K. Wendt, who was known as a great champion of the aggregates industry. Mark Krause, McLanahan/Eagle Iron Works, who previously worked for Barry K. Wendt, presented the award to Ward Nye, Chairman of the Board, President and CEO of Martin Marietta.
The meeting concluded with a personal discussion with former quarterback Archie Manning. Moderated by NSSGA First Vice Chair Zach Green, Manning answered questions about his life, building a legacy of excellence and his personal strategies for overcoming challenges in high-pressure environments.
2025 NSSGA Leadership
OFFICERS
Chairman of the Board: Ted Baker, II, Blue Water Industries LLC
First Vice Chairman: Zach Green, Delta Companies Inc.
Second Vice Chairman: Doug Palmore, Luck Stone Corporation
Past Chair: Seth Hankowski, All States Materials Group
Interim President and CEO: Michele Stanley, NSSGA
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Sam Bratton, Wake Stone Corp.
Cory Danner, Arcosa Aggregates
Allen Hamblen, CalPortland
Tom Hill, Vulcan Materials
Damian Murphy, Peckham Industries
Jimmy Patton, Rogers Group
Ric Suzio, York Hill Trap Rock Quarry Company
Chris Ward, Heidelberg Materials
Ex-Officio Voting Members
M&S Chair: Craig Lamarque, Wirtgen America, a John Deere Company
ISD Chair: Ryan Morales, Gulf Coast Sand
Ex-Officio Non-Voting Members
M&S Vice Chair: Kristin Randall, Superior
ISD Vice Chair: Luke Hemphill, Lane Mountain Company
State Association Executives Director: Randy Olson, Iowa Limestone Producers Association
Steering Committee Chair: Ward Nye, Martin Marietta
Young Leaders Chair: Chad Weems, Martin Marietta
Originally published in May/June 2025 NSSGA REVIEW.