Daily News
From Home Furnishing Business
IHFRA Announces 2025 Strategic Plan and Welcomes New President
April 16,
2025 by Karen Parrish in Business Strategy, Industry 
The International Home Furnishings Representatives Association (IHFRA) announces its 2025 Strategic Plan, welcomes a new President, and celebrates the one-year anniversary of their Executive Director Steve Allegrezza. As IHFRA shapes their path forward, their non-profit organization remains grounded in its core pillars—to empower, support, and advocate—and guided by the founding principle that more can be accomplished together than every could be alone.
IHFRA’s 2025 Strategic Plan includes a Foundation and Commitment to a collaborative spirit, a targeted focus on deepening member engagement, enhancing industry relevance, and expanding their presence at markets and events through strategic partnerships.
Steve Allegrezza, IHFRA executive director commented, “By working closely with vendor sponsors, aligned associations, and market centers across the country, we aim to provide high-impact opportunities and ensure IHFRA remains visible, relevant, and inclusive to all sales professionals.”
Steve shared some exciting new initiatives within IHFRA’s strategic plan with the launch of the LINK Ambassador Program, that connects members with experienced mentors to promote community and peer support. An additional pilot program that launches a series of New Local Chapters to bring regional members together for networking and collaboration; and the Enhanced Member Benefits, which includes an expansion of exclusive resources and savings programs.
Steve’s role of Executive Director was previously held by his father, Ray Allegrezza who now holds the position of IHFRA Advisor, Advocate, and Director of Content & Events. Ray Allegrezza's passion and experience in the home and furnishings industry is renowned and has been instrumental in ensuring a smooth leadership transition that continues to play a vital role within the organization. Ray’s role as Director of Content & Events, helps to create new partnerships and leads initiatives that reflect his passion for storytelling, community building, and industry advocacy.
Ray also continues to host The Last Word podcast, writes monthly editorial content, and engages with members and partners to help strengthen IHFRA’s reach and impact. His decades of experience, combined with his ongoing commitment, make him an irreplaceable advisor and ambassador for the association and to its future success.
Another key element to IHFRA’s success is the life blood of their engaged and dedicated Board of Directors. A small but mighty team brings a wide range of skills and a shared dedication to our members and to creating collaboration with the home furnishings industry. 2025 IHFRA Board includes Steve Allegrezza, Executive Director, Michele Elliott, Operations Coordinator, Nolan Reynolds, Membership & Content Coordinator, Ray Allegrezza, Director of Content & Events.
IHFRA’s 2025 2025 Executive Committee includes Chairman: Wendy Buzzard, Vice President: Kimberly Wheat, 2nd Vice President: Samantha Simonton, Secretary/Treasurer: Brent Jones, Membership Chair: Heather Bolick, District Chairs, Midwest: Lane Brundieck, West: Neil Friedman, Northeast: Tommy Leflein, South: Todd Gerdes and includes welcoming new incoming President: Cynthia Heathcoe.
As longtime supporter and Executive Committee member, Heathcoe has been instrumental in launching programs like the LINK Ambassador Program and Lead and Learn Webinar Series, while co-chairing both the Education and Mentorship Committees.
With a background in retail and marketing, Heathcoe brings a modern, member-focused approach to leadership. she commented, “IHFRA has always been more than just a professional organization—it’s a family. As we face rapid changes in our industry, I’m honored to lead with a focus on connection, support, and forward momentum. Together, we’ll honor the legacy of those who came before us while forging new paths for the next generation of reps.”
IHFRA's Spring High Point Market Event Schedule will offer a variety of engagements aimed at providing meaningful networking opportunities and a thoughtful blend of helpful resources to connect their members and the trade community. On April 24, we’ll host our signature Market Kick-Off Party and All-Stars Celebration in partnership with FurnitureDealer.net, FurnishNearMe, and High Point Exhibition. This is an incredible evening of food, live music, and community. IHFRA Members & Market Guests can RSVP to attend the Kick Off Party Here.
Then from April 25–27, IHFRA offers Grab n’ Go Breakfasts that do not require an RSVP so stop by at your leisure. For IHFRA members and guests can reserve Complimentary Headshots by clicking here. Additional engagement is being offered by America’s Healthcare Experts who loyally supports our members. To book a Healthcare informational appointment click here.
Steve added that in addition to their market events IHFRA works to support its members with amenities by partnering with host vendors in the IHFRA office—located in the heart of High Point Market at IHFC Main Building, M001-LL—serving as a hub for its members. “Think of the IHFRA as your High Point home base meets Market lounge, with a stocked fridge, a bevy of snacks, and a conference room available by request for collaboration and strategy sessions.”
In anticipation for Fall High Point Market, IHFRA is sharing details on their October 2025 Event Schedule including the 29th Annual Furniture Industry Awards Gala (FIAG), which will take place on October 24, 2025, at 6:00 PM, at the Qubein Conference Center and Arena. This year’s theme, “Mission Possible,” honors the leaders who have built reputations on growth, innovation, and overcoming adversity, even in uncertain times. To learn more and show your support by purchasing tickets, becoming a sponsor or placing a celebratory ad visit https://ihfra.org/fiag-2025/.