Anti-Defamation League Honors Industry Executives for Their Support

October 31, 2022  by HFBusiness Staff in Business Strategy, Industry   

“At a time of rising antisemitism and hate, we are so pleased to honor these three furniture industry executives who are leaders in their own right and who have been incredible supporters of our mission to fight hate and extremism,” said Jonathan Greenblatt, ADL CEO.

“Time and again these executives have modeled responsible leadership and we are so pleased to be able to commend them publicly and celebrate their achievements.”

The 2023 honorees announced today are:

• Michel Smith Boyd, principal designer and CEO, Michel Smith Boyd, LLC. Based in Atlanta, Michel is an American interior designer and star of the hit shows “Luxe for Less” and “Rock the Block” on HGTV and “Buying it Blind” on Bravo. He has been recognized as one of the Top 10 African American designers in the country.
• Irwin Novack, president and CEO of Kane’s Furniture in St. Petersburg, Fla. presides over the 42^nd largest furniture chain in the U.S. and one of Florida’s oldest and most successful businesses, with 18 stores in eight major Central Fla. markets and an employee team comprised of 800 people companywide.
• Rachel Tronstein Stewart, president of Gardner White Furniture, Mich.’s largest furniture retailer. Rachel is a fourth-generation retailer who works alongside both of her parents, having returned to Mich. in 2012 after serving roles in clean energy with the U.S. Department of Energy and the Clinton Global Initiative.

Each year, the furniture industry joins ADL to support the National Home Furnishings Tribute Dinner and highlight the work of business leaders who embody the organization’s core mission and values. This year’s honorees will be recognized at the Ziegfeld Ballroom in New York City on June 22, 2023.

The National Home Furnishings Industry Tribute Dinner is held annually to raise funds in support of the ADL’s mission to fight antisemitism and hate. The event is being organized with support from ADL Home Furnishings Industry Chair Neil Goldberg of Raymour & Flanigan, along with Marketing and Education Committee Chairs Ellen Gefen of The Gefen Company and Larry Klaben of Morris Furniture Company.

The ADL Furniture Division seeks new partners (organizations and individuals) to join efforts to eliminate hate and bias through increasing inclusion, diversity and understanding within the entire Home Furnishing Industry.
Please contact Larry Klaben, larry.klaben@morrisfci.com, for more information.