Mike Cornell
Glen Raven Custom Fabrics

Michael Cornell, Northeast Sales Manager for Glen Raven Custom Fabrics, LLC, started in the industry in 1989 as a Sales Representative for Taco Metals, a manufacturer and supplier of marine hardware and industrial extrusions. In 1996, Dickson Constant, a performance textile manufacturer based in France, hired him as Northeast Sales Manager. With the acquisition of Dickson Constant by Glen Raven Mills in 1998 and a consolidation of sales territories in 2002, Mike became the Northeast Sales Manager for Glen Raven Custom Fabrics, LLC representing both Dickson and Sunbrella for the Northeast US and Eastern Canada. In addition to the NECPA, he currently serves on the Board of Directors for IFAI Canada.

Scott Massey
Awning Cleaning Industries

Scott Massey, owner and president of Awning Cleaning Industries (ACI) of New Haven, CT, has over three decades of experience in the awning business, having started ACI in 1982 after working as an installer for a local awning dealer. A self-described “science nut” with great interest in physics, Mr. Massey attended college with the intention of having a career in aviation. A pilot’s license and membership in the Planetary Society notwithstanding, Mr. Massey is well grounded in his roles of Public and Consumer Relations Manager and Director of Operations at ACI. In addition to NECPA, Mr. Massey is also a member of the Industrial Fabrics Association International (IFAI) and the Professional Awning Manufacturers Association (PAMA).

Jim Newman
Bainbridge

Jim Newman has been with Bainbridge International since 2006 as a Sales Representative handling the marine canvas & awning industries. He started off his career in the textile industry in 1997 with Unitex. Jim is a graduate of the University of Rhode Island and presently resides in Lincoln, Rhode Island.

Tonya Ricketts
the Canvas Lady

Tonya L. Ricketts is the owner and founder of the Canvas Lady, Warwick, RI. For over 15 years she has been creating custom canvas and upholstery products for boats, working in the boatyards of New England, racing sailboats with area yacht clubs and even living aboard various vessels! She has been active in the NECPA since 2002 and had various positions over the years on the board, including the role of President from 2010-2011. She loves teaching and promoting the canvas trade and is usually found at the yearly NECPA EXPO in front of a crowd doing what she loves! Ms. Ricketts holds a BFA from North Carolina School of the Arts, and also has an advanced canvas training certificate from the Marine Canvas Training Institute in FL. She also is active in her community as an adult leader with Sea Scouts Ship 1909 promoting and teaching seamanship to youths ages 14-18.

Stefanie Vanderbeck
S.V. Design and Consulting   

Stefanie Vanderbeck stands at the forefront of awning design and project management with a detailed understanding of the various manufacturing techniques. With 30 years of experience, she’s an industry expert who manages all facets of awning / canopy manufacturing from the intricate design concept through to installation.

Throughout her career, Stefanie has built a reputation for providing high quality, custom awnings with her strong project management skills and an impeccable eye for commercial and residential design. She knows what it takes to run a successful awning company, from OSHA compliance, to streamlining production in the factory and elevating sales.  

For the past five years, Stefanie has been a board member of the North East Canvas Product Association (NECPA), where she leads seminars and connects with other experts in the field. She has also been a Certified Project Planner since 2005 through the Industrial Fabrics Association International (IFAI), and is an active member of the Professional Awning Member Association (PAMA).

Heidi Ashley
Seafarer Canvas, LLC

Heidi began her career in international banking, bank operations and international consulting. She worked for the Bank of California, NY Edge, and Citigroup. In 1998 she joined Seafarer Canvas. She manages the NY shop and financial operations for the company. She has a BA in French Language and Literature from Boston University and a MBA in International Business from Baruch College.

Kate Bradford
Custom Marine Canvas

Katie started Custom Marine Canvas in June of 1985 because she always sailed and always sewed. With six employees, CMC stays busy year round serving recreational, commercial, and government watercraft. She joined the Marine Fabricators Association when it was formed, and was elected to that board in 1993, serving as Chair from 2000-2002. She brought the MFA together with NECPA for the Upper Atlantic Regional Workshop, approximately 15 years ago. She served on the IFAI Board from 1997-2003 and rejoined the IFAI Board in 2011, and currently serves as immediate past chair.

Mike Gatti
Herculite Products

Mike has dedicated his career to the industrial fabric industry. He has over 20 years’ experience with Weblon, Inc. in financial and management positions. Currently he is General Manager of Weblon Products in the Awning and Marine products division at Herculite Products in Emigsville, Pennsylvania. Mike is an active member of IFAI, PAMA, Marine Fabricators Assoc. and many IFAI affiliated regional zones. He currently serves as PAMA Chairman and a board member of Canvas Products Association Zone 7. Mike earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Marketing from Pace University.

Cheryl Yennaco
Atlantic Awning

Cheryl Yennaco is the Owner and General Manager of Atlantic Awning, a provider of quality, custom enclosures and coverings for commercial and residential customers throughout New England. After graduating from Southern University of New Hampshire, Cheryl went directly to work for the family business, Atlantic Awning. During her 23 years with the company, she has worked in the Cutting & Stitching, Sales, and Office Management departments. Today, Cheryl focuses on employee, vendor, and customer relations, as well as assisting other departments. In addition to serving NECPA, she is a member of the IFAI Symposium Committee and a Board Member for the Professional Awning Manufacturer's Association (PAMA).