International Textile Alliance Announces Two Board Members

September 18, 2024  by Karen Parrish in Business Strategy, Industry   

"I’ve had the pleasure of working with Tammy for many years, and I’m excited about the wealth of trade show experience and industry knowledge she brings to the board,” said Carrie Dillon, ITA managing director. “Tom’s excellent reputation and significant industry contributions make him an equally valuable addition. I look forward to collaborating with both of them on initiatives that will benefit our members and the industry as a whole."

Tammy Covington Nagem - President and CEO, High Point Market Authority
Tammy Nagem has been a pivotal figure in the home furnishings industry for over two decades. Appointed President and CEO of the High Point Market Authority (HPMA) in 2023, Nagem oversees all aspects of the world’s largest home furnishings trade show, including business development, marketing communications, and operations. Her leadership of a 13-person team ensures that nearly 75,000 visitors from around the globe attend the bi-annual event, where they experience top-tier programming, entertainment, and hospitality.

Nagem’s journey with HPMA began in 2001, and she was instrumental in shaping the organization, which now generates $6.7 billion in annual economic impact. Under her leadership, HPMA secured $9 million in infrastructure funding from the North Carolina State Legislature in 2023. A highly regarded leader, Nagem was named to the Triad Business Journal’s Outstanding Women in Business list in 2020.

Beyond her professional achievements, Nagem is deeply committed to her community, serving on various boards and advisory councils. Her strategic vision and industry expertise will bring fresh perspectives to the ITA Board.

Tom Notaro - Senior Sales Director, Furnishings at Glen Raven/Material Solutions Group

With over 40 years of experience in the furniture and textile industries, Tom Notaro has established himself as a key leader in both retail buying and manufacturing sales. As Senior Sales Director at Glen Raven/Material Solutions Group, Notaro manages sales across several segments, including Indoor, Outdoor, Contract, Residential Jobbers, and A&D markets.

Notaro’s impressive career includes leadership roles at industry giants such as Ethan Allen, Valdese Weavers, Wearbest, and Sunbury Textile Mills. Since joining Glen Raven seven years ago, his leadership has driven growth and success across the company. Notaro’s service on industry boards, including ITMA, NADFD, and ICFA, further demonstrates his dedication to advancing the textile and furnishings sectors.

Based in Long Island, NY, Notaro enjoys golfing and spending time with his family at their home in Delray Beach, Florida. His extensive knowledge and passion for the industry will be invaluable to the ITA Board.

Nagem and Notaro succeed Patrick Shelton, Senior Vice President of Sales & Marketing at Valdese Weavers, and Kathryn Richardson, Vice President of Sales & Strategic Engagement at Verellen. Shelton has been a board member since 2020, and Richardson, who served on the board since 2013, held the roles of board president and industry liaison during her tenure.

Current ITA Board of Directors
They join the existing ITA Board of Directors, which includes:

• David Lappert, Vice President, Sales, Kravet (ITA President)
• Elise Gabrielson, Vice President of Marketing, Crypton (ITA Vice President)
• Mendy Kearns, Vice President, Hamilton Fabrics (ITA Treasurer)
• Carla Bluitt, President, Gruppo Mastrotto North America
• Tammy Buckner, Sr. VP Design & Marketing, Culp, Inc.
• Anderson Gibbons, SVP of Sales & Marketing, STI
• Steven Gittelson, President, Morgan Fabrics
• Rick Lovegrove, Vice President, Upholstery, Universal Furniture
• Andy Pacuk, Sales Consultant, Visatex