Specialty Sleep Assn. Reorganizes Board, Names President

August 15, 2010  by in UnCategorized   

By Home Furnishings Business in Bedding on August 16, 2010

The Specialty Sleep Association has named a new board of directors and slate of officers, and the group's first professional president.

At SSA's first general membership meeting under its newly revised by-laws at the recent Las Vegas Furniture Market, Deslee Textiles USA President Bart DeHaerne was elected to the new position of chairman. Ergo Customized Comfort Founder and President Michael Nermon is now vice chairman; and Chili Technology President Todd Youngblood is the new secretary/treasurer.

For the first time in the SSA's history, Dale Read was appointed to a newly defined president's position, which is now a paid professional position in the organization. Read will focus on membership development and implementation of the group's Safety & Environmental Program (SEP). Tambra Jones remains executive director with her primary responsibility continuing to be leasing for the group's World Market Center showroom, and overseeing operations and finance.

"This has been a tremendous year of growth for the SSA, particularly with the introduction of our SEP seal," Dehaerne said. "We needed a professional who could dedicate their time and effort to continue to lead this effort, and with Dale scaling back his involvement with Bedroom magazine, we had the opportunity to engage him on a part-time basis to spearhead the program. Already, a number of manufacturers are working with us to implement the seal and Dale is playing an important role in facilitating this. We are glad he was able to find more time to commit to our organization."

In addition to the officers, other directors re-elected at the meeting included: Denny Boyd of Boyd Specialty Sleep; Mark Miller of InnoMax, Jeff Scorziell of Anatomic Global; Scott Smalling of Simmons; and Dave Brummett of Mattress Firm.