Withit Names Kathy Wall President

Furniture World News

WithIt, the organization dedicated to the support and development of female professionals in the home industries, names its new president and board for 2006. Kathy Wall, president of The Media Matters, Inc., a full-service marketing firm, takes the baton from outgoing president Robin Campbell of Stanley Furniture, who becomes chairman of the board. Other members of the WithIt executive committee for 2006 are: board of governor’s chairman, Jackie Hirschhaut, AHFA; vice president/president elect, Kelly Peterson, Hearst Group; secretary, Brenda Plowman, Consultant; and treasurer, Darlene Leonard, BDO Seidman. New vice presidents/committee chairs are: financial development, Margaret Fontana, Anthem Leather; marketing, Sev Ritchie III, Furniture Fan; media, Leslie Newby, Brand Communications; membership, Mary Frye, HFIA; mentoring, Sharon Kepley, Woolrich; education, Jean Welch, Haverty’s; networking, Phyllis Zaepfel, ProfitSystems; scholarship/foundation, Betty Lynn Eller, Country Living Magazine. "This board will be challenged to enhance WithIt’s reputation for providing support to professional women in home furnishings careers by demonstrating tangible benefits for members,” says Wall, a 28-year industry veteran. “In addition to growing membership, communication efforts will include raising industry awareness about the wellspring of talent the organization represents.” Established in 1997, WithIt provides educational and mentoring programs to benefit hundreds of participants and corporate sponsors annually. Regional vice presidents are responsible for organizing events and opportunities for members in their areas. They represent their membership to the board. Serving in this role are: in San Francisco, Linda Carey, Ruddell & Associates; in Atlanta, Christina Mairs, Bernhardt Furniture, in Texas, Lynn Gerber-Jenkins, Phoenix Art Group; in Florida, Liz O¹Brien, Carter & Star Intl.; in Los Angeles, Laura Weinhofer, GERS; in Chicago, Barbara Jenkins, Kincaid Furniture; and in the Virginias/Carolinas, Susan Inglis, From the Mountain. Named as at-large board members, representing various segments of the industry, are: sales representative, Tracy Denton, Sealy; accessories manufacturer, Kae Pak, Toyo Trading; case goods/upholstery manufacturer, Kathleen Holterman, French Heritage; showrooms/buildings, Ann Richards, MMPI; retail, Deb Linkhorn, Morris Home Furnishings; and supplier, Patty Toler, MGM Transport. Sara Lyke is executive director of WithIt. For more information about WithIt, please visit www.withit.org . For inquiries about this release, please contact Sara Lyke at withitexecdir@triad.rr.com, or, by telephone, 336-880-2188; or write Leslie Newby at leslie@workthebrand.com.