WithIt Promotes Director and Announces 2019 Board of Directors
Furniture World News Desk on
1/29/2019
WithIt, the women's leadership development network serving the home and furnishings industries, has announced the promotion of its Director and has named its 2019 Board of Directors.
Amy Van Dorp has been promoted to Executive Director of the organization, effective October 1st. Amy has been on staff at WithIt since 2006 in various part-time roles, and for the past three years has served full-time as the Managing Director. For the past 12 years, Amy Van Dorp has been a crucial force driving the mission of the WithIt organization.
“I cannot imagine anyone more qualified to fill the Executive Director role at WithIt. Amy has the ability to think strategically, but at the same time execute tactically. She is a self-starter with sound judgement that welcomes all, motivates all and elevates everyone she comes in contact with. Her passion for WithIt’s mission is immeasurable.” - Pamela Thomas, 2019 WithIt Chairman and Director of Supply Chain, Universal Furniture.
Her passion for the organization shines as she brings the vision of the WithIt Board of Directors and membership to life. Previous to WithIt, Amy was Art Director at Elegant Bride magazine where she produced wedding magazines and planners. Her career also includes 16 years as a freelance graphic designer, creating professionally-designed marketing materials for many companies, including WithIt.
“I have been proud to work for the members of WithIt for the last 12 years. My passion has always been to plug women into the network that will help them thrive. I am so appreciative of the promotion which recognizes my work keeping the WithIt organization running and moving forward for all women in the industry.” - Amy Van Dorp, newly promoted Executive Director of WithIt.
In addition, WithIt is announcing its 2019 Board of Directors. Lark Shirley-Stevens, Executive Director of Marketing & Membership at Furniture First, is WithIt’s 2019 President. Lark has been a member of WithIt since 2006 and has served on the Board of Directors for the past 5 years as Secretary and Vice President/President Elect.
The Board also welcomes the addition of three new members. Emily Severson of A.R.T. Furniture will serve as Vice President of Membership, Tori Evans of endygo will serve as Vice President of Connections and Victoria Valentinas of VLV Designs will serve as Vice President of Emerging Leaders.
The 2019 Board positions reflect some refinements based on an updated structure that supports the organizations forward-looking mission; as a result, two new positions were created. The Emerging Leaders position is a new position that will be dedicated to this membership segment and assume the responsibility of student Mentoring Day and developing Rising Leaders within our industries. The newly created Technology position will support new ways to further our mission and bring greater benefits to members at all stages of their careers.
“2019 holds a lot of promise for WithIt”, stated 2019 WithIt President Lark Shirley-Stevens. “We will continue to build upon the strategic groundwork that was set this past year that covered many initiatives including updating our Mission and Vision statements and our Board structure to support that mission. Additionally, we are in the process of establishing a new Board of Advisors that will help support and guide our organization.”
The 2019 Board of Directors include:
Executive Committee:
Chairman: Pamela Thomas, Director of Supply Chain, Universal Furniture
President: Lark Shirley-Stevens, Executive Director of Marketing & Membership, Furniture First
Vice President/President Elect: Lorri Kelley, President, Lorri Kelley Advisors
Second Vice President: Kayla Wallace, VP of Client Relationships, FurnitureDealer.net
Secretary: Renee Loper-Boyd, Vice President Marketing, International Market Centers
Treasurer: Jamie White, CFO, Fairfield Chair Company
Vice Presidents/Committee Chairs:
Professional Development: Reyna Moore, R. Moore Consulting
Business Development: Carolyn Crowley, Myriad Software
Scholarship: Megan Barrett, Product Development Manager, Vanguard Furniture
Membership: Emily Severson, Demand & Sales, A.R.T. Furniture
Marketing: Kaitlin Surdoval Deane, Sr. Manager, eCommerce & Marketing, STORIS
Events: Deb Barrett, Principal, Window Dressings/ Soft Design Lab Technology: Abby Lane, Principal, Redhead Furniture Design Emerging Leaders: Victoria Valentinas, VLV Designs
Supplier/Design: Maria Killam, Principal, Maria Killam Colour & Design
Connections: Tori Evans, VP of Business Development, endygo
About WithIt: WithIt was formed in 1997 for women in the home and furnishings industries in order to support their multi-dimensional career paths. The non-profit network is based in North Carolina and supported by leading companies across the industry including their Vision and Platinum sponsors: International Market Centers, Heritage Home Group’s Charitable Trust, AHFA Furniture Foundation, Crypton Home Fabrics, Myriad Software and Twin Star Home. WithIt’s purpose is to encourage and develop leadership, mentoring, education and networking opportunities for professional women in the home and furnishings industries