WithIt Names President for 2007

January 15, 2007  by in UnCategorized   

By Home Furnishings Business in on January 2007 Kelly Peterson, group advertising director of Hearst Corp., has been named 2007 president of WithIt.

Peterson succeeds outgoing president Kathy Wall, who becomes chairman of the board.

Peterson will lead the organization’s efforts to enhance tangible benefits to its members—networking, mentoring and access to education and other information critical to professional and personal growth. She will also lead the planning for the WithIt 10th anniversary celebration.

Other members of the WithIt executive committee for 2007 are: board of governor’s chairman, Robin Campbell, Stanley Furniture; vice president/president elect, Tiffany Mullis, Vanguard Furniture; secretary, Sev Ritchie, FurnitureFan; and treasurer, Rachel Fleming, Grant Thornton, LLP. 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, Haverty’s; networking, Phyllis Zaepfel, PROFITsystems; scholarship/foundation, Liz O’Brien, Carter Furniture/Star International.

“WithIt’s leadership in professional development for its members is not only significant for individuals,” said Peterson, “It serves the entire home industries in its support of established and emerging talent.”

On the eve of its diamond anniversary, WithIt announces plans to celebrate the organization’s growth in both membership and prominence since its inception. Special events will be scheduled throughout the year. Established in 1997, WithIt provides educational and mentoring programs to benefit hundreds of participants and corporate sponsors annually.

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 Industries; in San Francisco/Northwest, Linda Carey; in Texas/Southwest, Stephanie Cole, Dallas Market Center; in Florida, Heidi Higgins, Carl’s Furniture; in Metro/Northeast, Susan Egan, House and 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 segments of the industry, are: sales representative, Tracy Sherry-McDenton, Sealy; case goods/upholstery manufacturer, Kimberly Roussey, La Z Boy; supplier, Patty Toler and retail, Deb Linkhorn, Morris Home Furnishings.

Connie Post, The Connie Post Companies, will act as special chair of the 10th anniversary and Leslie Carothers, The Kaleidoscope Partnership will chair the 2007 Education Conference to held in Charlotte, N.C., Aug. 7-9.