NFBA Appoints Lawrence As Executive Director

January 3, 2007  by in UnCategorized   

By Home Furnishings Business in on January 2007 The National Furniture Bank Association has named Don Lawrence executive director. Lawrence has been with the NFBA since 2003 as the vice president of communications.

Phil Van Poetsch has served as the executive director of the NFBA since 2004, and remains with the organization as the vice president of operations.

“Don and I have worked very closely over the years, and as he has had far more contact with furniture industry executives, he has become the ‘face of the NFBA,’” Van Poetsch said. “Consequently, it seems an appropriate move for Don to become the primary point of contact as executive director. I look forward to working with him for years to come.”

Lawrence has extensive experience running associations and will continue in his primary role of promoting the NFBA. Van Poetsch will continue administering the finances of the NFBA in close conjunction with Lawrence.

“The change of titles doesn’t affect their responsibilities,” said NFBA chairman Tom Polk. “It merely better reflects their roles at the NFBA to the people within the home furnishings industry, and to furniture bank operators in the NFBA family. ... Don and Phil work very well with one another, and each bring strength to the NFBA.”

Lawrence was the founder and president of the National Convergence Alliance, the communications technology association which operated from 1996 to 2003. He also volunteers as the president of the non-profit SANS Foundation which provides free suicide and depression screening to schools in New England, and is part of the Massachusetts Coalition for Suicide Prevention.

The NFBA is a unified non-profit organization of the home furnishings industry. Supported by sponsorships, its mission is to increase the service capacity of existing furniture banks, and open new furniture banks in areas without one.