Peterson named WithIt president for 2007
By Furniture Today Staff -- Furniture Today, February 5, 2007
Greensboro, N.C. — Kelly Peterson has been named 2007 president of WithIt, an organization dedicated to the support and development of female professionals in the home industries.
Peterson, an advertising director for Hearst Corp., succeeds Kathy Wall of public relations firm The Media Matters, who becomes chairman.
Other members of the WithIt executive committee for 2007 are: board of governors chairman, Robin Campbell, Stanley Furniture; vice president/president elect, Tiffany Mullis, Vanguard Furniture; secretary, Sev Ritchie, FurnitureFan; and treasurer, Rachel Fleming, Grant Thornton. Executive committee members serve one-year terms.
New vice presidents/committee chairs, serving for one year, are: financial development, Margaret Fontana, Anthem Leather; marketing, Betty Lyn Eller, O at Home magazine; media, Leslie Newby, Brand Communications; membership, Mary Frye, HFIA; mentoring, Sharon Kepley, Woolrich; education, Jean Welch, Havertys; networking, Phyllis Zaepfel, ProfitSystems; and scholarship/foundation, Liz O'Brien, Carter Furniture/Star International.
"WithIt's leadership in professional development for its members is not only significant for individuals, it serves the entire home industries in its support of established and emerging talent," said Peterson.
Regional vice presidents serve two-year terms and are responsible for organizing events and opportunities for members in their areas. They also represent their membership to the board. In the second year of their terms are: in Atlanta/Southeast, Christina Mairs, American Drew/Lea Inds.; in San Francisco/Northwest, Linda Carey, OneCoast Network; in Texas/Southwest, Stephanie Cole, Dallas Market Center; in Florida, Heidi Higgins, Carl's Furniture; in Metro/Northeast, Susan Egan, House & Garden; in Chicago/Midwest, Erin Piotrowski, Leggett & Platt; and in the Virginias/Carolinas, Susan Inglis, From the Mountain.
Named as at-large board members representing various industry segments are: sales representatives, Tracy Sherry-McDenton, Sealy; case goods/upholstery manufacturers, Kimberly Roussey, La-Z-Boy; suppliers, Patty Toler, MGM Transport; and retail, Deb Linkhorn, Morris Home Furnishings.
Women In The Home Industries Today plans to celebrate its 10th anniversary this year with special events. Connie Post of The Connie Post Cos. is special anniversary chair. Leslie Carothers of The Kaleidoscope Partnership will chair the 2007 Education Conference in Charlotte, N.C., Aug. 7–9.
