Stephanie Lowder Named 2010 WithIt President

January 11, 2010  by in UnCategorized   

By Home Furnishings Business in on January 12, 2010 WithIt has named its 2010 Board of Directors, which includes the appointment of Stephanie Lowder, president and creative director for Rare Bird Creative, as president of the home and furnishings industries women's leadership network.

"WithIt is a brain trust, a learning space, and a growth engine for individuals and companies," Lowder said. "Those who make their living by connecting people tell us that WithIt may be the best network in the home and furnishings industries. And, this year, we are launching a campaign to expand our service to additional sectors."

The WithIt 2010 Board of Directors includes the following:
* Executive committee officers: Mary Frye, chairman of the board of governors, and president of Home Furnishings Independents Assn.; Liz O€™Brien, chairman, and sales representative for Ekornes, Star International, Carter Furniture & Creative Accents; Stephanie Lowder, president, and president/creative director at Rare Bird Creative; Jana Platina Phipps, vice president/president elect, and owner of Home Couture Collective/Classical Elements; Mary Leigh Wallace, vice president, and vice president of RLF Communications; Debbie Beers, secretary, and vice president of consumer insights at Furniture Brands International; and Kira Staggers, Treasurer, and manager of audit services at Smith Leonard PLLC.

* Vice presidents/committee chairs: Mary Eitel, Marketing committee, and president of MKE Communications Inc.; Julie Smith Vincenti, Media, and president of Nine Muses Media LLC; Lorri Kelley, Mentoring, and vice president of sales at Palliser; Cathy Smith, Education, and director of design and merchandising at De Leo Textiles; Maybelline Te, Networking, and creative director at Snug Furniture LLC; Cindy Williams, Membership, and vice president of retail strategy at Info Retail; and Cameron Cook, Scholarship Foundation, and public relations manager at Four Hands.

* Vice presidents at large, representing industry niches: Beverly Kastel, Casegoods/Upholstery, and vice president of marketing at Ekornes; Karen Olson,Showrooms/Buildings, and vice president of marketing at Merchandise Mart Properties Inc.; Libby Langdon, Suppliers, and president of Libby Interiors Inc.; and Shelley Parlin, Retail, and chief operating officer at PROFITsystems.

* Regional vice presidents: Heather Brown, Atlanta/Southeast, and marketing/communications manager at Bluefish Home; Alexia Rouquette, Florida, and marketing/public relations manager at Twin Star International/Classical Flame; Kathleen Holterman, Virginias/Carolinas, and showroom/designer sales manager at French Heritage; Joan Franken, Chicago/Midwest, and owner of Concepts & Designs; Catherine Smoak, International, and owner/creative director, Jigsaw Solutions.

Founded in 1997, WithIt recognizes, connects and supports women who have achieved top leadership. It mentors, teaches and encourages those who aspire to leadership.

Visit here for information about all national and regional WithIt events. Contact director@withit.org for membership, leadership, and sponsorship opportunities.