American Society Of Furniture Designers Installs New Elected Officers And Directors

Furniture World News Desk on 4/25/2017

Catina Roscoe, ASFD President


The American Society of Furniture Designers (ASFD) is heading into Spring Market 2017 with a slate of new officers and board members that reflects the changing face of the home furnishings industry.

Greensboro, NC-based designer Catina Roscoe is set to become the third woman to be named president of ASFD since the association was founded more than 30 years ago. “As the unified voice of the furniture design community, it is only fitting that the make-up of the ASFD board is becoming more inclusive and diverse,” says the designer, who emigrated from Cuba to the US at an early age. Founder of Catina Unlimited Design, Roscoe has created numerous successful collections for leading manufacturers throughout her three-decade career, intuitively balancing traditional with contemporary styles, and the familiar with the unexpected. Her studio is a repeat finalist and winner of the Pinnacle Award.

“As passionate as I am about the value and integral role of great design, particularly in time of great change in our industry, I am honored to take on this position, as well as excited to be joined on the board by newly elected directors Aimee Kurzner, furniture designer at Currey & Company, Atlanta, GA; Megan Barrett, director of design for Sherrill Furniture Companies in Hickory, NC, and Mandy Shanahan, designer for Phillips Collection, based here in High Point,” Roscoe relates. “All three of these young women are leaders in companies long known for outstanding design. Additionally, Tom Conley, president and chief executive of the High Point Market Authority—which has accomplished so much in recent years in terms of welcoming the design community to Market—also joins the ASFD board this year. I look forward to the fresh perspectives and innovative ideas for growth that these new board members will bring to the table.”

As Roscoe assumes the role of president, Jason Phillips becomes chairman of the board of ASFD. Tim O’Hare, senior vice president of creative merchandising at Caracole, and designer Christian Dunbar have both been elected vice presidents, while Jack Hendrix, of Hendrix Barney & Co., CPAs, continues as treasurer.

Other continuing board members include Peter Aiken, Aspenhome; John Black, J. Black Design; Mark Tucker, MT3Dzines; Christopher Eitel, Vladimir Kagan Design Group; Liz Moore, Otto and Moore, Inc.; Jacob S. “Jake” Wharton, Womble Carlyle Sandridge & Rice, LLP; Karla Webb, Bienenstock Furniture Library; Bill McLoughlin, Furniture/Today; Monty Simpson, Kendall College of Art and Design; Adria Torrez, Association of Woodworking & Furnishings Suppliers (AWFS); and Cole Reynolds, Vanguard Furniture.

“My mission as we move forward together with the new board is to elevate furniture designers and broaden the reach of ASFD, both here at home, and around the globe,” Roscoe relates. “As we begin to chart the future course of the organization, it’s also important at this time to acknowledge those who have helped us navigate thus far. As such, the ASFD Board of Directors wishes to thank the following departing board members for their service and contributions: Rick Schroeder, vice president of design, Stanley Furniture; Steve Hodges, Steve Hodges Associates, Inc., and founder ASFD; C.J. Grudzinskas; Paula Fogarty; Fred Spector, Frederic Spector Design Studio and Savannah College of Art and Design; and Nicholas Blair, Turnkey Products.”

ABOUT ASFD: Founded in 1981, the American Society of Furniture Designers (ASFD) is dedicated to excellence, innovation, education and originality in the practice of furniture design. ASFD serves as the unified voice of the furniture design community, advocating professional practice and integrity at all times. ASFD seeks to demonstrate the value of design to the furnishings industry.