2009-2010 NCSG Board of Directors Nominees
Here are your nominees for the upcoming election includes five different seats (Regions 5 and 8, two At-Large positions and that of Supplier Representative). You can vote for the Regional Director seat in your region, if applicable, and for two At-Large Directors. Ballots will be mailed from the National Chimney Sweep Guild office in Indianapolis on January 6, 2009, and must be postmarked by February 6, 2009 to be counted.
Seat: Region 5 (Representing Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, Wisconsin , South Dakota 
Mark Maynard
Incumbent – Appointed for 2008-2009 Term
Mark Maynard is a service technician at The Chimney Guy, LLC in Combined Locks, WI. Nominated by Katie Maynard, she has this to say about why she is nominating Mark, “Mark is a very dedicated sweep who is willing to serve to help his fellow regional sweeps be represented at the NCSG. He is reliable, intelligent, dependable and knowledgeable about the chimney sweep industry.” She adds that he is “organized, personable, friendly, nice, a perfectionist, fair, honest and reliable.”
Maynard is CSIA certified, NFI certified (gas and wood), always goes over and above on CEUs when recertifying. He is licensed by the State of Wisconsin, certified for gas line installation and certified for scaffolding set ups.
The Chimney Guy, LLC first joined NCSG in 1992 and Mark has been the voting member of his company for one year. He is a member of the Wisconsin Guild of Chimney Service Specialists and has served in various volunteer positions over the past eight years.
Seat: Region 8 (Representing Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada, Utah)
Jon Randall Brooks
Incumbent - Elected to serve 2004-2006 and 2006- 2009 terms
Jon Randall Brooks is the president of The Brooks Org.,LLC. DBA Brooks Chimney Sweeping in Ojai, CA. When asked why he seeks re-election, Brooks responded, “It has been an honor and a privilege to serve these last five years as your NCSG Region 8 Director. Likewise, with your support, I would be honored to continue with a final three year term. Participating in the direction of the industry is a commitment I am willing to make.” He added, “I bring leadership to the board and am trusting, honorable and reliable.”
Brooks is currently a CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep, a FIRE certified inspector and an NFI certified gas and woodburning specialist. He is currently also president of the Chimney Safety Institute of America and was previously president of the Golden State Chimney Sweep Guild. Brooks has also been a member of the Hearth Patio and Barbecue Association.
Seat: At-Large Director (Representing members nationwide.)Diane Pilger
Incumbent - Elected to serve 2006-2009 term.
Diane Pilger is the Vice President of Chief Chimney Services in Smithtown, NY. When asked why she seeks re-election, Pilger responded,”To continue the journey to fulfill the mission of NCSG.” She adds, “Familiar with legislative issues. Can be a team leader with my own opinion and can compromise when needed. Determined, (though I) know when to say no.”
Pilger is a CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep, past president of the New York State Chimney Sweep Guild, recipient of the New York State Chimney Sweep Guild’s Andrew Schukal Award and Massachusetts Chimney Sweep Guild’s Fred Toldo Award. She is also a graduate of the first HPBA Government Affairs Academy.
Chief Chimney Services joined NCSG in 1986 and Diane has served as her company’s primary voting member for five years. She is a member of the New York State Chimney Sweep Guild, Massachusetts Chimney Sweep Guild, New Hampshire Association of Chimney Professionals, North East Hearth Patio and Barbecue Association the National Fire Protection Association and the National Association of Oil Heat Service Managers.
Seat: At-Large Director (Representing members nationwide.)
Robert Priesing
Incumbent - Elected to serve 2006-2009 term.
Robert Priesing is the president of Havelock’s Chimney & Venting, Inc. in Havelock, NC. When asked why he seeks reelection, Priesing says, “To continue to work for the benefit of the industry.” He adds that he’ll bring strong leadership and organizational experiences to the board.
Priesing is currently CSIA Certified, NFI Certified, a North Carolina Licensed General Contractor and a North Carolina Licensed Home Inspector. He has been a member of the North Carolina Chimney Sweep Association since 1996 and is currently a member of the South East Hearth Patio and Barbecue Association.
Seat: Supplier Representative
Russell Dimmitt
Incumbent – Appointed for 2008-2009 Term
Russell Dimmitt is the Technical Support Supervisor at Copperfield in Fairfield, IA. When asked why he seeks nomination, Dimmitt responded, “I feel my industry, knowledge and experience working on other industry boards will be useful to the board. I also feel that you should be willing to give back to the people and businesses which have provided your livelihood.” He adds, “I have the ability to consider all viewpoints and discern motives then distill those views down to a common acceptable resolution. I can also see through the smoke that is presented to see what the real issue might be and get to the heart of the matter.”
Having worked with all facets of the venting, appliance and installation trades, Dimmitt believes that he can see what areas of common ground they share and the common areas of conflict they experience. He has had considerable experience as a speaker at industry events covering technical, customer service and business building topics.
Copperfield first joined NCSG in 1978 and Dimmitt has been the voting member of his company for one year. He served on the board of the North Central Hearth Patio and Barbecue Association for fifteen years, where he served as president for three years and as secretary for four years.