TCNA Names Kephart to Lead TN Workforce Development Project

Clemson, SC, May 9, 2025-The Tile Council of North America (TCNA), in partnership with eight leading ceramic tile manufacturers based in Tennessee, is pleased to announce the appointment of Michael Kephart, president of Kephart Group, to lead their Tennessee Workforce Development Project-a strategic initiative aimed at strengthening the state’s ceramic tile manufacturing labor force.

Kephart brings over 30 years’ experience in ceramic tile development, distribution, manufacturing, and international trade. He has held executive roles at Dal-Tile and was a founding member and former President and CEO of Wonder Porcelain in Lebanon, Tennessee.

In his new role, Kephart will collaborate with the eight Tennessee tile manufacturers, the State of Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development, the Tennessee Board of Regents, and the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development (TNECD) to design and implement education and training programs. These efforts will leverage Tennessee’s historic $1 billion investment in workforce development, helping both students and career-changers prepare for high-quality opportunities in the tile industry.

Participating manufacturers include Crossville, Dal-Tile, Del Conca, Florim USA, Landmark Ceramics, Portobello America, StonePeak, and Wonder Porcelain. These companies operate some of the most advanced tile manufacturing facilities in the United States, producing ceramic and porcelain tile.