Board of Trustees

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CSIA Staff

Instructors

  • John Bently

    JOHN BENTLY - DUCT DOCTOR, LTD
    (NEW RICHLAND, Minnesota) 30+ YEARS CERTIFIED


    John Bently owns and operates Duct Doctor, LTD, a service company in Minnesota.  His services include air duct and chimney cleaning, dryer vent cleaning, attic insulation removal, dust down, filtration replacement, etc.  John currently serves as one of CSIA’s C-DET instructors.  

  • Robert Berry

    Location: Olathe, Kansas
    Company: Full Service Chimney

    Why I Teach:     "Sharing our experiences and knowledge with one another is a quality of craftsmen from time immemorial.  The instruction and learning I’ve benefited from individuals in this industry has been life changing.  In my view, it is important for me to do the same with others as well."

  • Jim Bostaph

    33+ Years of Experience​
    Location:     Newport News, VA
    Company: Black Goose Chimney Sweep

    Certifications:
    Ahrens Chimney Technique, Certified Installer, Masonry school graduate
    Golden Flue - Certified Installer
    Chimney Safety Institute of America: Certified Dryer Exhaust technician #44, Certified Chimney Sweep #3334, Master Sweep #6, approved as proctor to administer Certification Exams, Certified Instructor
    Fireplace Investigation, Research, & Education - Inspector FP#127 (2006 - 2012)
    National Fireplace Institute- Wood-burning Specialist #136190
    Chimney Repairer - Graduate of the Department of Labor and Industry apprenticeship program through the Virginia Apprenticeship Council
    Scaffolding Competent Person certificate - 2008 + 2020
    National Chimney Sweep Guild: Certified Master Chimney Technician #79, Certified Chimney Reliner #246, Certified Chimney Journeyman #693, Certified Instructor
    Why I Teach: To help others become better.

  • Jim Brewer

    JIM BREWER - MAGIC SWEEP (CHESAPEAKE, Virginia) 35+ YEARS CERTIFIED


    ​    Jim Brewer has nearly 40 years of experience owning and operating a chimney service business and has helped develop lasting training programs for industry organizations as well as new franchisees and their employees.

  • John Ceasar

    JOHN CEASER - CEASER CHIMNEY SERVICE
    (Manchester, New Hampshire) 5+ Years Certified

    John Ceaser is the owner of Ceaser Chimney Service in Manchester, NH. He has been a chimney sweep since 2009, and has owned his own company since 2014. He is on the Board of Directors for the CSIA, Vice President of the NEACHP, and is also a CSIA Instructor. He is married to his wife, Holly, and has three amazing children, one of which is also a CSIA Certified Sweep.

  • Jacob Cromwell

    Location: Springdale, Arkansas
    Company: Top Hat Chimney & Roofing Inc.​

    Why I Teach: ​I love seeing people find their path and being excited by the science.

  • Dennis Dobbs

    Dennis Dobbs
    Fort Payne, Alabama | CHAR Training

    With over 43 years of experience in the industry, Dennis Dobbs brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his role as an instructor. He holds multiple certifications, including CCS, CC Specialist, Master, and CDET, making him a highly qualified professional in his field. Over the years, Dennis has shared his insights as a Copperfield Tech Advisor and at events hosted by NCSG, the Southern Association of Chimney Professionals, and CHAR Training. His extensive background in both hands-on work and teaching allows him to connect with students of all levels, providing valuable instruction that blends technical skill with practical application.

    Why Dennis Teaches:
    "I love to help people and want to see them succeed."

  • Jesse Doucette

    Location: Candia, New Hampshire
    Company Name: Crown Chimney

    Why I Teach: I absolutely love taking a class and learning something new. I find it equally rewarding when instructing a class and seeing the students have that “Aha Moment”. I have been blessed to have been able to learn from so many, and I love to share my experiences with others so that they don’t have to go through some of the same difficulties as I have.     ​

  • Matt Ellis

    MATT ELLIS, DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION &  TECHNICAL TRAINING
    Matt Ellis has been with CSIA for three years. Prior to that he served as the Technical Manager for Copperfield Chimney Supply where he worked with professionals on installations, codes, and products. He has extensive experience in manufacturing and helped with product development in the hearth and chimney industry. Matt has also served on the UL1777 Technical Panel and is a Master Chimney Sweep through CSIA and holds NFI credentials as well.​

  • Jonathan and Taryn Gill

    Instructors - Jonathan Gill & Taryn Gill
    Jonathan and I started our careers in Emergency Medical Services and Fire Services 30 years ago.  We immigrated from South Africa in 2000. We noticed very early in our carrier that most workplace injuries are preventable.  We devoted our time, knowledge, and experience to help companies create safer work environments.   Over the years we have gained the education and expertise in unique industries. We provide safety consulting and medical coverage for the entertainment industry, anything from movies, commercials, and music videos to working with Red bull to provide a safe environment for their athletes.
    We have a passion for teaching and thrive that all attendants walk out with the knowledge they need and retain information covered during the class. 

  • David Kline

    Location: Greer, South Carolina
    Company: Chim Cheree

    Why I Teach: I have learned from many talented men and women over the course of my career. Any competence I have achieved is due to the passion for excellence they have conveyed to me. I want to pass on what I have learned and equip others on their quest for excellence.

  • Tommy Nelms

    Tommy Nelms, Sweeps & Ladders Chimney Service (Franklin, Tennessee)

    Tommy is a former career firefighter, current President of the CSIA, owner of Sweeps & Ladders Chimney Service in Franklin, TN, and one of the founders of Sweep Away Cancer. Tommy has a passion for fire safety and believes that chimney and venting technicians can keep homeowners and firefighters safer by providing expert preventive maintenance and repairs. His experience as a firefighter, business owner, and chimney sweep gives him a unique perspective and makes him a great instructor that our students love. Tommy and his wife, Beka, live in Williamson County with their two darling sons, Boone and Wyatt.

  • Steven Pietila

    Location:  Portland, Oregon
    Company:  American Chimney and Masonry, Inc.
    Brief Bio: I've been in the chimney service industry for over 35 years, and a CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep for nearly that long as well. I served on the CSIA Board for 19 years and am a past president of both the CSIA and NSCG. I've been a CSIA instructor for over 20 years and have taught both at the CSIA Center as well as other locations across the county.
    Why You Teach: I enjoy teaching, especially new technicians who want to start out learning how to do things right as well as more seasoned sweeps who want to improve their skills and knowledge base. I'm always encouraged to see students find pride in learning to master their chosen profession. The materials and hands-on opportunities allow us to expose students to things that could take years to find out in the field. 

  • John Pilger

    ​30+ Years Certified
    Location: Smithtown, New York
    Company: Chief Chimney Services, Inc.
    John Pilger has been in the sweep industry since 1983 and was the owner and operator of Chief Chimney Services, from 1986 to 2021.  He was formally a Trustee for the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) and is a CSIA Past President.  John was also   President of the NY State Chimney Sweep Guild. He has been a member of and the representative for the CSIA to the National Fire Protection Association 31 committee (Standards for the Installation of Oil Burning Equipment) for 26+ years.  He is the chairman of the CSIA International Relations committee. He also sits on the Ethic committee of the CSIA. John is an instructor for the CSIA and the National Fireplace Institute (NFI).  He is a CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep #1780, CSIA Master Chimney Sweep #1, CSIA Certified Dryer Exhaust Technician #4, NFI Certified Wood and Gas Technician 104017, FIRE Certified Fireplace Inspector #126 and holds an Applied Science Degree in Fire Protection Technology.  He is also a former Fire Marshal and Past-Fire Chief and a 51-year member of the Brentwood Fire Department.  He is current Captain of the Fire Department’s rehab company.  John has been a Chimney expert for Dateline NBC, CNN, American Journal, Associated Press and News 12 Long Island. John is a past recipient of the NYS Chimney Sweep Guild Schukal award and the Polish Corp. of Chimney Sweeps Saint Florian award.  In 2007 John was awarded the Chimney Safety Institute of America highest award, “The Don Leavitt Education Award”, for outstanding contributions to the Chimney Sweep industry through education. In 2021 he was awarded the National Chimney Sweep Guild’s highest award “The President’s Award” for outstanding and personal commitment to the United States and International Chimney Service Industry. That same year John was awarded the Sweep Away Cancer award for his dedication to helping Sweeps or their families who have been impacted by cancer. In 2021 he was the recipient of the first CSIA award named after him, “The Pilger” for service and dedication to CSIA. In 2024 he was awarded the highest award given from the ZDS German workers Guild “The Golden Ladder” for many years of International friendship and his dedication to exchange of technology between countries.

  • Chris Prior

    CHRIS PRIOR - ADIRONDACK CHIMNEY COMPANY, INC
    (Middle Grove, New York)
    ​
    Chris Prior studied mechanical engineering at Northeastern University in the early 1970’s.

    For the last 35 years has been a designer and builder of innovative masonry fireplaces, masonry heaters and bake ovens, including the masonry and pizza oven at the CSIA Technology Center

    He has conducted countless classes and seminars on a vast variety of topics throughout the US and Canada.

    Currently partnered with John Meredith (SaverSystems) building and testing at the Wardenclyffe Hearth Lab. ​

  • James Calvin Ralls

    Location: Conway, Arkansas
    Company Name: A-1 Chimney Pro, Inc. 
    Years of Experience: 28 Years 
    CSIA Certification Level/Relevant Certifications or Degrees:

    Master Hearth Professional NFI # 171206 - National Fireplace Institute
    Certified Master Chimney Sweep CSIA # 58 - Chimney Safety Institute of America
    Certified Chimney Specialist CSIA # 17 - Chimney Safety Institute of America
    Certified Chimney Sweep CSIA # 4326 & # 9713 - Chimney Safety Institute of America
    Certified Dryer Exhaust Technician CSIA # 1255 - Chimney Safety Institute of America
    Certified Master Chimney Technician NCSG - National Chimney Sweep Guild
    Master Chimney Professional NCSG - National Chimney Sweep Guild
    Certified Fireplace and Chimney Inspector F.I.R.E. #FCI-403 -Fireplace Investigation Research and Education
    Heat Shield Factory Trained Installer

    Previous Teaching Experience:
    Marine Corps Squad Leader School Instructor
    3 years for Copperfield Academy
    3 years for CSIA

    Why You Teach:
    For the love of the industry and my brothers and sisters in soot. To help others, help themselves. To give back to an industry that continues to provide for my team, many of my friends, and my family. To continue to learn. To foster new and maintain old friendships. 

  • Tim Smith

    Tim Smith
    Greencastle, Indiana | Certified Chimney Care

    With four decades of industry experience, Tim Smith has become a cornerstone of our masonry training programs. His expertise, particularly in Basic & Advanced Masonry, has shaped countless students’ skills over the years. Tim holds a Specialist certification and has taught at numerous CNTA and Factory-Built Changeout events, consistently delivering valuable instruction. Known for his approachable and humorous teaching style, Tim excels at connecting with students, making complex concepts easier to grasp. His dedication to hands-on learning is a key reason why our masonry courses are so highly regarded.

    Why Tim Teaches:
    "I enjoy sharing the knowledge I have learned over the years, as well as the mistakes I have made along the way. I love to see the 'ah ha' moments when a student 'gets it' and the pride they have when they build something they have never done."

  • Scott Stein

    ​SCOTT STEIN - SAFE DRYER VENT SOLUTIONS, LLC
    (Plainfield, Indiana) 4+ Years Certified
    Scott Stein is a veteran of the US Army. He has over 15 years’ experience in fire service, has worked as a journeyman electrician, and served the community of Plainfield, IN as a 911 dispatcher.

    Scott was then employed as a dryer vent technician, and eventually decided to start his own dryer vent business. He became certified as a dryer vent technician because he recognized the importance of certification within his chosen field, to be as knowledgeable and proficient as possible in his profession. He went into business with the intent of providing affordable, quality service to his community. Scott is led by his strong faith in Christ to conduct his business with the utmost integrity and Christian principles and humbly recognizes that all of this personal and professional successes are godly blessings.

    Scott subsequently chose to pursue being an instructor for CSIA to assist others in pursuing their dreams of providing the highest quality, most knowledgeable, level of dryer vent service to their customers.

  • Maria Valerio

    Location: East Rochester, New York
    Company: Four Wind Masonry and Chimney
    Why I Teach: Maria brings over 13 years of invaluable experience from the dynamic realm of the fast-paced restaurant industry to her role as officer manager at Four Winds Chimney. This extensive background has not only honed her managerial skills but also instilled in her a keen sense of adaptability, quick thinking, and proficiency for problem-solving. Her commitment to excellence and dedication to cultivating a positive workplace culture make Maria an indispensable asset to Four Winds. In her current position, Maria collaborates seamlessly with her brother , Anthony,  within a rapidly growing company. Together, they are dedicated to fostering a vibrant and family-oriented work environment. Maria's leadership philosophy places a strong emphasis on empowering every member of the team to flourish, ensuring that each employee feels not only encouraged to grow but also supported in their professional journey.

  • Mike Van Buren

    Mike Van Buren - Blazing Design (Williston, Vermont)

    Mike Van Buren, PE, founder and President, has been creating unique hearth products for nearly two decades.  In 2000 he started Blazing Design, Inc. to bring custom fireplaces and fire features to homes and businesses.  

    ​Blazing Design has grown since the early days.  To better serve clients, Mike and his partner (and spouse) Sueann have opened a new showroom at 446 Shunpike Road in Williston, Vermont, offering complete sales, maintenance and repair services for all your hearth product needs.  

    A graduate of the University of Vermont, Mike takes pride in a reputation for great quality and unsurpassed customer satisfaction.  In addition to owning and operating Blazing Design, Mike, and his wife Sueann, are parents to three bright young women, Allison, Katie and Rose and Violet the pup!  They reside, with their youngest daughter Rose and dog, Violet, in Essex Junction.

Standing COMMITTEES

​If you are interested in being considered for a Standing Committee appointment, contact Chairman of the Board, ​Jesse Doucette at Jesse@crownchimney.com  or Sara Sichting, CEO at ssichting@csia.org

  • Executive Committee
    John Ceaser, Chair
    ​
    ​    The Executive Committee consists of the Chairman, Chairman-Elect, Past Chairman, Secretary, Treasurer, and CEO (Non-Voting Member – Advisory Capacity). The committee has the authority to make decisions in the absence of or between Board Meetings that will affect the governance of the Institute or as set by the Chairman of the Board.

    • Chairman’s Advisory Council on Governance
      Tommy Nelms, Chair

    ​
    The Council may be established by the Chairman to review By-Law changes, additions, or amendments or for advisory governance of the Institute. Members are selected at the sole discretion of the Chairman.

  • Finance Committee
    Avery Soderman, Chair
    Sara Sichting, Staff Liaison
    ​
    ​    The Finance Committee assists the Board of Trustees in fulfilling its oversight responsibilities concerning the monitoring and oversight of financial resources, including its capital management and recovery and resolution planning processes. The Treasurer shall act as Chair and members selected by the Chairman and Treasurer.

  • Nominations Committee
    Bart Ogden, Chair
    ​
    The Nominating Committee members work together to form the best process for recruiting and nominating candidates that are slated and recommended to the Chairman for approval by the Board of Trustees. A basic application for the positions will be posted and applicable to all Certified Sweeps® or Dryer Technicians®.

    All members of the nominating committee are required to identify potential candidates for current or upcoming vacancies and to work diligently toward attracting and securing top talent. Their duties include identifying, recruiting, screening, and interviewing candidates for board leadership positions. The committee selects the top candidates and recommends them to the Chairman and Board of Trustees as an official slate of nominees.

  • Certification Council
    Hope Stevenson, Chair

    The Council shall oversee the CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep® designation and monitor compliance with all applicable rules and regulations, laws, and accreditation standards. The Council shall work autonomously and will be primarily responsible for the decision-making of all essential Certification activities, including overseeing the Examination process.

    It is the role and prerogative of the Board to adopt policy and approve program budgets. The Committee has the authority to institute policies and procedures regarding the Certification Program and through the Certification Administrator request funds for annual operations. Under Indiana and Washington D.C. not-for-profit laws and regulations the Committee may not usurp the fiduciary responsibilities of the CSIA Board of Trustees.

    The Certification Council shall be limited to a maximum of nine members. All members are appointed by the President (Chair) with approval by the Board of Trustees to the committee and will abide by the standard of engagement set by the CSIA Bylaws. Committee members must be CSIA Certified and a maximum of two (2) may be from the CSIA Board of Trustees.

    • Ethics Committee
      Mark Stoner, Chair
      Sara Sichting, Staff Liaison


    The Ethics Committee reviews ethics complaints filed by either a consumer, Chimney Sweep®, or Dryer Technician®. The Committee Chair reviews all complaints with the Certification Administrator and determines the merits of the complaint and if it is within the compliance or non-compliance of the CSIA Code of Ethics.

    • Exam Committee
      Jim Brewer, Chair
      Russ Dimmitt, Staff Liaison

    ​
    The Exam Committee shall be responsible for overseeing the CSIA Certification examinations and monitoring compliance with all applicable rules and regulations, laws, and accreditation standards. The Committee shall work autonomously and will be primarily responsible for the decision-making of all essential Certification examinations.
    The Examination Committee shall be limited to five members. All members appointed to the committee will abide by the standard of engagement set by the CSIA Bylaws. Committee members must be CSIA Master or Dryer Technician Certified. One member may be a statistician or psychometric expert.

  • Continuing Education Units (CEU) Committee
    Lou Curley, Chair
    Holly Cox, Staff Liaison
    ​
    The Continuing Education Units (CEU) Committee reviews all educational and training programs and awards the Continuing Education Units for each CSIA education program, Forum, Symposium, Training, or another related program that requests Continuing Education Units. The committee ensures a planned system of high-quality continuing education instruction designed and delivered to enhance the attainment and retention of technical competence by Chimney Sweeps® and Dryer Vent Technicians®.

VOLUNTEER COMMITTEES

Be part of your organization, apply for a CSIA Committee, and be part of your stakeholder organization. Committee assignments are reviewed by the Chairman of the Board and Board of Trustees and then appointments are made starting in March.

  • ​CDET® Committee
    John Bently, Chair
    Holly Cox, Staff Liaison
    ​
    The CDET® Committee reviews education, programs, and services for the CDET® Certification and recommends any advances in maintaining the CDET® Certification. Further, they recommend improvements or growth structures for quality training and advancement for CDET® Certified Technicians.

  • ​Education and Training Committee
    Cody Whitwood, Chair
    Matt Ellis, Holly Cox, Staff Liaisons

    The Education and Training Committee (ETC) advises staff in the direction and guidance of the long-term education and training goals and objectives of CSIA. A major role of the committee will be to establish and maintain the organization’s core curriculum and relate this curriculum to the industry-recognized job task analysis. The instructional design of the core curriculum shall focus primarily on addressing the educational needs of Chimney and Dryer Technician professionals in developing and advancing their careers.

    However, the core curriculum will be designed to relate to other Chimney and Dryer Technician stakeholders’ current and future educational and training opportunities. The Committee will also be responsible for instructor recruitment and training.
    ​

    • Tribal Relations Sub Committee
      Works with American Tribal Communities in bringing education and training to their lands understanding the needs within each community.

  • ​International Relations Committee
    John Pilger, Chair
    ​
    The International Relations Committee coordinates and establishes relationships with Sweep Organizations outside the United States and works with such organizations to build education, programs, and services that benefit Sweeps and CSIA. It expands its mission to working with public policy on International Sweep Industries standards and research.

  • Long Range Planning Committee
    Jesse Doucette, Chair

    The Long Range Planning Committee aims to ensure the long-term success and efficiency of CSIA by promoting consistency between CSIA governance and practice. The committee makes recommendations to the Executive Committee regarding achievable long-range programs, services, or actions that benefit CSIA, Chimney Sweeps® and Dryer Technicians®, and CSIA.  The Committee works with the CSIA Board and Staff to establish 3-year long-term plans for CSIA.

    • Ethics Committee
      Mark Stoner, Chair
      Sara Sichting, Staff Liaison


    The Ethics Committee reviews ethics complaints filed by either a consumer, Chimney Sweep®, or Dryer Technician®. The Committee Chair reviews all complaints with the Certification Administrator and determines the merits of the complaint and if it is within the compliance or non-compliance of the CSIA Code of Ethics.

    • Exam Committee
      Jim Brewer, Chair
      Russ Dimmitt, Staff Liaison

    ​
    The Exam Committee shall be responsible for overseeing the CSIA Certification examinations and monitoring compliance with all applicable rules and regulations, laws, and accreditation standards. The Committee shall work autonomously and will be primarily responsible for the decision-making of all essential Certification examinations.
    The Examination Committee shall be limited to five members. All members appointed to the committee will abide by the standard of engagement set by the CSIA Bylaws. Committee members must be CSIA Master® or Dryer Technician Certified®. One member may be a statistician or psychometric expert.

  • Master Sweep® Committee
    Dennis Dobbs, Chair
    Charissa Benge, Staff Liaison

    ​The Master Sweep® Committee is made up of Master Sweeps® and recommends and reviews educational, professional development, training, and programs for Master Sweeps®. This Committee also reviews the Master Sweep® criteria and applicants for the Master Sweep® Certification with a recommendation to the Certification Council and Board of Trustees.

  • Specialist Sweep® Committee
    Chris Terrones, Chair
    Charissa Benge, Staff Liaison
    ​
    The Specialist Sweep® Committee is made up of Specialist Sweeps® and recommends and reviews educational, professional development, training, and programs for Specialist Sweeps®. The Committee also reviews Specialist Sweeps® criteria and standards with a recommendation to the Certification Council and Board of Trustees.

  • Public Policy and Consumer Advocacy Committee
    Theresa Foote, Chair
    ​
    The CSIA Public Policy and Consumer Advocacy Committee is to advise on Public Policy Priorities and support CSIA’s Consumer Advocacy work with stakeholders by informing and engaging with them at the local, state, and federal levels on CSIA’s Public Policy and Consumer Advocacy priorities.

  • Research and Chimney Sciences Committee
    Chris Prior and Tim Smith, Co-Chairs
    Matt Ellis and Russ Dimmitt, Co-Staff Liaisons

    The Research and Chimney Sciences Committee reviews and advises the staff and Board on the strategic direction and investment in research and development and technology; reviews matters relating to scientific capabilities and programs of Chimneys and Chimney Science; and identifies and discusses significant emerging trends and issues in science and research considering the potential impact of such matters on the industry and CSIA Certified stakeholders.

  • Awards and Recognition Committee
    Anthony Valerio, Chair
    ​
    The Awards and Recognition Committee receives and reviews nominations and recipients for the CSIA-designated Awards and Recognition Program. The Committee may also recommend to the Board of Trustees additional Awards or Recognition based on need and merit.

  • Affiliated Trades Committee
    Jasper Drengler, Chair
    Sara Sichting, Staff Liaison
    ​
    The Affiliated Trades Committee and its members will identify and attend affiliated events, shows, and conferences representing CSIA with a staff liason. The Committee will recommend such events and other colloborative efforts for CSIA’s colloborative and cooperative positive efforts.

  • West Coast Committee

    The West Coast Committee works and reviews CSIA programs, services, and education appropriate for Sweeps® and Dryer Technicians® within the Western part of CSIA’s national arena. The Committee recommends education, conferences, affiliates, and service providers that are essential to the fireplace, dryer, and sweep industry.

Apply to a Committee Here