Wall Takes Helm at WithIt

January 29, 2006  by in UnCategorized   

By Home Furnishings Business in on January 2006 Kathy Wall has been named 2006 president of WithIt.

Wall is president of The Media Matters, a Lexington, N.C.-based marketing company. She succeeds Robin Campbell of Stanley Furniture in the WithIt role.

The organization also announced its board members. Members of the executive committee for 2006 are: Jackie Hirschhaut of the American Home Furnishings Alliance is the chairman of the board; Kelly Peterson of the Hearst Group is vice president/president elect; Brenda Plowman an industry consultant is secretary; and Darlene Leonard of BDO Seidman is treasurer.

New vice presidents/committee chairs are: Margaret Fontana of Anthem Leather heads up financial; Sev Ritchie III of FurnitureFan is the marketing chairman; Leslie Newby of Brand Communications heads up media; Mary Frye of HFIA is in charge of membership, Mary Frye; Sharon Kepley of Woolrich is in charge of mentoring; Jean Welch of Haverty's heads up education; networking is led by Phyllis Zaepfel of ProfitSystems; and, scholarship/foundation is headed up by Betty Lynn Eller of Country Living magazine.

"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," Wall said. "In addition to growing membership, communication efforts will include raising industry awareness about the wellspring of talent the organization represents."

Established in 1997, WithIt provides educational and mentoring programs to benefit hundreds of participants and corporate sponsors annually.

Regional vice presidents are responsible for organizing events and opportunities for members in their areas. They represent their membership to the board. Serving in this role are: in San Francisco, Linda Carey, Ruddell & Associates; in Atlanta, Christina Mairs, Bernhardt Furniture, in Texas, Lynn Gerber-Jenkins, Phoenix Art Group; in Florida, Liz O'Brien, Carter & Star International; in Los Angeles, Laura Weinhofer, GERS; in Chicago, Barbara Jenkins, Kincaid Furniture; and in the Virginias/Carolinas, Susan Inglis, From the Mountain.

Named as at-large board members, representing various segments of the industry, are: sales representative, Tracy Denton, Sealy; accessories manufacturer, Kae Pak, Toyo Trading; case goods/upholstery manufacturer, Kathleen Holterman, French Heritage; showrooms/buildings, Ann Richards, MMPI; retail, Deb Linkhorn, Morris Home Furnishings; and supplier, Patty Toler, MGM Transport.