Daily News
From Home Furnishing Business
AHFA Elects Andy Bray as Chair of Board of Directors
December 9,
2024 by Karen Parrish in Business Strategy, Industry 
The American Home Furnishings Alliance announces Andy Bray, president and CEO of Vanguard Furniture in Conover, North Carolina, was elected chair of the organization’s Board of Directors for 2025 during the Annual Meeting & CEO Conference in Yountville, California, Nov 8-10.
Joining him on AHFA’s Executive Committee are Caroline Hipple, Hooker Furnishings, first vice chair; and Melinda Whittington, La-Z-Boy, Inc., second vice chair. Nathan Cressman, Magnussen Home, continues on the executive committee as immediate past chair.
Bray is the second generation of Vanguard leadership to serve as chair of the AHFA Board. His father, John Bray, served as chair in 2010.
Executives named to new three-year terms on the AHFA Board of Directors include: Jessie Flanders, Lloyd Flanders Industries; Fred Henjes, Riverside Furniture; and Derek Schmidt, Flexsteel Industries.
Serving on the board with terms expiring at the end of 2026 are Doug Bassett, Vaughan Bassett Furniture; Chad Gore, Leggett & Platt; Jeremy Hoff, Hooker Furnishings; Travis Wagner, Ashley Furniture Industries; and Mark Weber, Southern Motion.
Board members with terms expiring at the end of 2025 include: Edward Audi, Stickley Furniture; Mark Franklin, Franklin Furniture; Sean O’Connor, Universal Furniture; Jason Porter, Hickory Springs; Veronica Schnitzius, American Leather; Luke Simpson, Durham Furniture; and Henry Vanderminden IV, Telescope Casual Furniture.