WithIt Announces 2019 Board and Promotes Director

January 29, 2019  by Laurie Northington in Executive Changes, Industry   

Van Dorp has been promoted to executive director of the organization, effective Oct. 1.  She has been with the company since 2006 in various part-time roles, and for the past three years has served full-time as the managing director. Van Dorp has been a crucial force driving the mission of the WithIt organization.

“I cannot imagine anyone more qualified to fill the executive director role at WithIt. Amy has the ability to think strategically, but at the same time execute tactically. She is a self-starter with sound judgement that welcomes all, motivates all and elevates everyone she comes in contact with. Her passion for WithIt’s mission is immeasurable.” said Pamela Thomas, 2019 WithIt chairman and director of supply  chain, Universal Furniture.

Previous to WithIt, Van Dorp was art director at Elegant Bride magazine where she produced wedding magazines and planners. Her career also includes 16 years as a freelance graphic designer, creating professionally-designed marketing materials for many companies, including WithIt.

“I have been proud to work for the members of WithIt for the last 12 years. My passion has always been to plug women into the network that will help them thrive. I am so appreciative of the promotion which recognizes my work keeping the WithIt organization running and moving forward for all women in the industry,” said Van Dorp.  

2019 Board of Directors include:

Executive Committee:

Chairman: Pamela Thomas, Director of Supply Chain, Universal Furniture

President: Lark Shirley-Stevens, Executive Director of Marketing & Membership, Furniture First

Vice President/President Elect: Lorri Kelley, President, Lorri Kelley Advisors

Second Vice President: Kayla Wallace, VP of Client Relationships, FurnitureDealer.net  

Secretary: Renee Loper-Boyd, Vice President Marketing, International Market Centers

Treasurer: Jamie White, CFO, Fairfield Chair Company

Vice Presidents/Committee Chairs:

Professional Development: Reyna Moore, R. Moore Consulting

Business Development: Carolyn Crowley, Myriad Software

Scholarship: Megan Barrett, Product Development Manager, Vanguard Furniture

Membership: Emily Severson, Demand & Sales, A.R.T. Furniture

Marketing: Kaitlin Surdoval Deane, Sr. Manager, eCommerce & Marketing, Storis

Shirley Stevens, the 2019 president, has been a member of WithIt since 2006 and has served on the Board of Directors for the past five years as secretary and vice president/president elect.

The 2019 Board positions reflect some refinements based on an updated structure that supports the organizations forward-looking mission; as a result, two new positions were created. The Emerging Leaders position is a new position that will be dedicated to this membership segment and assume the responsibility of student Mentoring Day and developing Rising Leaders within our industries.  The newly created Technology position will support new ways to further our mission and bring greater benefits to members at all stages of their careers.

“2019 holds a lot of promise for WithIt,” said Shirley-Stevens. “We will continue to build upon the strategic groundwork that was set this past year that covered many initiatives including updating our Mission and Vision statements and our Board structure to support that mission. Additionally, we are in the process of establishing a new Board of Advisors that will help support and guide our organization.”