WithIt Marks 25 Years, Announces Renee Loper-Boyd as 2022 President

January 19, 2022  by Laurie Northington in Business Strategy, Designer Weekly, Industry   

In this silver anniversary year, WithIt’s schedule of events celebrate this milestone by offering increased opportunities for networking and education. In addition, the organization welcomes new members to its Board of Directors and announces the 2022 Board slate.

“The past two years has taught us how critical having a robust network of industry peers is to being successful,” says Executive Director Amy Van Dorp. “One WithIt’s greatest strengths is the diversity of our members -- in the jobs they hold and the leadership experiences they have. You will meet company presidents and students – often at the same event.”

Membership in WithIt is open to all companies and women in the industry who support its mission and are looking to increase their network and pursue professional development.

We are pleased to announce Renee Loper-Boyd as 2022 President. Loper-Boyd is vice president of marketing at International Market Centers where she oversees marketing for Atlanta Market, IMC High Point and Las Vegas Market.

In addition, several new vice presidents join the board of directors: Shelly Head, Liberty Furniture, Sydney Harris, Furnitureland South, Jenny Barnhill, Culp Inc., Amanda Daubert, Furniture First, and Jessica Norby, Global Textile Alliance. 

“I’m honored to serve as WithIt’s president in 2022 and appreciate the opportunity to give back to an organization and industry that has supported me over the course of my career,” says Renee Loper-Boyd. “Thank you to our members, sponsors, board and committees for your contributions that enable us to serve the industry to develop, grow and support female leaders. I welcome everyone to learn more about WithIt and join the organization – together we are stronger!”

The 2022 WithIt Board of Directors includes:

WithIt Chair: Lorri Kelley, Lorri Kelley Advisors

President: Renee Loper-Boyd, International Market Centers

Vice President/President-Elect: Emily Severson Boyst, Hooker Furnishings

Treasurer: Shelly Head, Liberty Furniture

Secretary: Bonnie Wallace, IHFRA

Vice Presidents and Committee Chairs are:

Membership: Sydney Harris, Furnitureland South

Professional Development: Jenny Barnhill, Culp, Inc.

Business Development: Amanda Daubert, Furniture First

Scholarship: Paris Gholston, Mattress Recycling Council

Connections: Jessica Norby, Global Textile Alliance

Events: Cathy Valent, Springs Creative Products Group

Technology: Lori Dolnick, Frank Advertising

Emerging Leaders: Victoria Valentinas, VLV Designs

WithIt offers networking and educational opportunities throughout the year. This year the market-based events expand to include Dallas and Atlanta as well as continuing their presence in Las Vegas and High Point. 

All events are open to members, prospective members and the industry at large.  Event details and RSVP links can be found at https://withit.org/withit-events.aspx .

The 2022 schedule includes these first half events:

• Networking event and dinner during Las Vegas Market, January 24, 2022
• 25^th Anniversary Celebration during High Point Market, April 2, 2022
• Semi-annual Educational Breakfast sponsored by Myriad Software returns to in-person at High Point Market, April 3, 2022
• New York Design Tour resumes on May 13-16, 2022
• Annual Educational Conference returns to in-person in Alexandria, Virginia on June 22-24, 2022

Sponsorship opportunities with visibility and tickets are available for each of the anniversary events. Contact Development Director Cathy Smith for more information. All sponsorships are supporting the educational mission of the organization.