NFBA Appoints Lawrence As Executive Director

Furniture World News

The National Furniture Bank Association (NFBA), the home furnishings industry’s unified charitable organization, has announced the appointment of Don Lawrence as executive director. Lawrence has been with the NFBA since 2003 as the vice president of communications. Phil Van Poetsch has served as the executive director of the NFBA since 2004, and remains with the organization as the vice president of operations. Van Poetsch said, “Don and I have worked very closely over the years, and as he has had far more contact with furniture industry executives, he has become the ‘face of the NFBA.’ Consequently, it seems an appropriate move for Don to become the primary point of contact as executive director. I look forward to working with him for years to come.” Lawrence has extensive experience running associations and will continue in his primary role of promoting the NFBA. Van Poetsch will continue administering the finances of the NFBA in close conjunction with Lawrence. “The change of titles doesn’t affect their responsibilities,” said NFBA chairman Tom Polk. “It merely better reflects their roles at the NFBA to the people within the home furnishings industry, and to furniture bank operators in the NFBA family.” Polk stated that the NFBA is fortunate to have personnel with complementary skill sets. “Don and Phil work very well with one another, and each bring strength to the NFBA.” Lawrence was the founder and president of the National Convergence Alliance, the communications technology association which operated from 1996 to 2003. He also volunteers as the president of the non-profit SANS Foundation which provides free suicide and depression screening to schools in New England, and is part of the Massachusetts Coalition for Suicide Prevention. Lawrence and Van Poetsch will continue to report to the NFBA Board of Directors: Ray Allegrezza, Editor-in-Chief, Furniture/Today Magazine; Sharron Bradley, Executive Director, Western Home Furnishings Association (WHFA); Steve DeHaan, Executive Vice President, National Home Furnishings Association (NHFA); Mary Frye, President, Home Furnishings International Association (HFIA); Chuck Haas, CEO, MetroFi; Jeff Hay, Founder, Material Assistance Providers of Columbus Ohio; Carol Kane, Founder, Mustard Seed of Central Florida; Oli Mohammed, Executive Director, Furniture Bank of Houston; and Tom Polk, Founder, Furniture Bank of Metro Atlanta. About the National Furniture Bank Association (NFBA) The NFBA is the 501(c)(3) non-profit organization of the home furnishings industry. Supported by sponsorships, its mission is to increase the service capacity of existing furniture banks, and open new furniture banks in areas without one. No child in America should have to sleep on the floor. Kathy Ireland is the Help1Up Ambassador. Contact the NFBA for sponsorship opportunities. Contact: National Furniture Bank Association Don Lawrence (800) 576 0774 dlawrence@help1up.org www.help1up.org