WithIt names Wall president
By Furniture Today Staff -- Furniture Today, February 20, 2006
Greensboro, N.C. — Kathy Wall, a 28-year industry veteran and president of marketing firm The Media Matters, is the new president of WithIt, or Women in the Home Industries Today.
Outgoing President Robin Campbell of Stanley Furniture becomes board chairman of the trade group, which is dedicated to the support and development of female professionals in the home furnishings industry.
Other members of WithIt's executive committee for 2006 are Jackie Hirschhaut, American Home Furnishings Alliance, board of governors chairman; Kelley Peterson, Hearst Group, vice president and president-elect; Brenda Plowman, consultant, secretary; and Darlene Leonard, BDO Seidman, treasurer.
New vice presidents and committee chairs are Margaret Fontana, Anthem Leather, financial development; Sev Ritchie, FurnitureFan, marketing; Leslie Newby, Brand Communications, media; Mary Frye, Home Furnishings International Assn., membership; Sharon Kepley, Woolrich, mentoring; Jean Welch, Havertys, education; Phyllis Zaepfel, ProfitSystems, networking; and Betty Lynn Eller, Country Living magazine, scholarship/foundation.
"This board will be challenged to enhance WithIt's reputation for providing support to professional women in home furnishings careers by demonstrating tangible benefits for members," said Wall. "In addition to growing membership, communications efforts will include raising industry awareness about the wellspring of talent the organization represents."
WithIt's regional vice presidents are Linda Carey, Ruddell & Associates, in San Francisco; Christina Mairs, Bernhardt, in Atlanta; Lynn Gerber-Jenkins, Phoenix Art Group, in Texas; Liz O'Brien, Carter & Star International, in Florida; Laura Weinhofer, GERS, in Los Angeles; Barbara Jenkins, Kincaid, in Chicago; and Susan Inglis, From the Mountain, in the Virginias and Carolinas.
Named at-large board members representing various industry segments are Tracy Denton, Sealy, sales representatives; Kae Pak, Toyo Trading, accessories manufacturer; Kathleen Holterman, French Heritage, case goods and upholstery manufacturer; Ann Richards, Merchandise Mart Properties Inc., showroom buildings; Deb Linkhorn, Morris Home Furnishings, retail; and Patty Toler, MGM Transport, supplier.
Information about WithIt is available online at www.withit.org.
