WithIt, a women’s leadership network based in the home and furnishings industries, announced its 2010 Board of Directors, including the appointment of Stephanie Lowder, president and creative director for Rare Bird Creative, as President.
“WithIt is a brain trust, a learning space, and a growth engine for individuals and companies,” Lowder explains. “Those who make their living by connecting people tell us that WithIt may be the best network in the home and furnishings industries. And, this year, we are launching a campaign to expand our service to additional sectors.”
The WithIt 2010 Board of Directors includes the following:
Executive Committee officers:
Mary Frye, Chairman Board of Governors, and president of Home Furnishings Independents Assn.
Liz O’Brien, Chairman, and sales representative for Ekornes, Star International, Carter Furniture & Creative Accents.
Stephanie Lowder, President, and president/creative director at Rare Bird Creative.
Jana Platina Phipps, VP/President Elect, and owner of Home Couture Collective/Classical Elements.
Mary Leigh Wallace, VP, and VP of RLF Communications.
Debbie Beers, Secretary, and VP of consumer insights at Furniture Brands International.
Kira Staggers, Treasurer, and manager of audit services at Smith Leonard PLLC.
VPs/Committee Chairs:
Mary Eitel, VP Marketing, and president of MKE Communications Inc.
Julie Smith Vincenti, VP Media, and president of Nine Muses Media LLC.
Lorri Kelley, VP Mentoring, and VP of sale at Palliser.
Cathy Smith, VP Education, and director of design and merchandising at De Leo Textiles.
Maybelline Te, VP Networking, and creative director at Snug Furniture LLC.
Cindy Williams, VP Membership, and vp of retail strategy at Info Retail.
Cameron Cook, VP Scholarship Foundation, and public relations manager at Four Hands.
VPs at Large, representing industry niches:
Beverly Kastel, VP Casegoods/Upholstery, and VP of marketing at Ekornes.
Karen Olson, VP Showrooms/Buildings, and VP of marketing at Merchandise Mart Properties Inc.
Libby Langdon, VP Supplier, and president of Libby Interiors Inc.
Shelley Parlin, VP Retail, and chief operating officer at PROFITsystems.
Regional VPs:
Heather Brown, VP Atlanta/Southeast, and marketing/communications manager at Bluefish Home.
Alexia Rouquette, VP Florida, and marketing/public relations manager at Twin Star International/Classical Flame.
Kathleen Holterman, VP Virginias/Carolinas, and showroom/designer sales manager at French Heritage.
Joan Franken, VP Chicago/Midwest, and owner of Concepts & Designs.
Catherine Smoak, VP International, and owner/creative director, Jigsaw Solutions.
“WithIt success stories - both corporate and individual - are legion,” Lowder says. “We will be looking for new ways to help our members and the home and furnishings industries, which it is our honor to serve. We invite all who wish to develop the full potential of female leaders to join the community.”
Founded in 1997, WithIt recognizes, connects and supports women who have achieved top leadership. It mentors, teaches and encourages those who aspire to leadership.
The organization’s annual WOW awards recognize and celebrate excellence. This year’s award winners will be announced during the organization’s annual professional conference, Leadership2: Take It to the Next Level, August 17-19. WithIt’s renowned New York Design Tour, including exclusive tours of showrooms and residences, is set for May 15-18 during the International Contemporary Furniture Fair.
Visit withit.org for information about all national and regional WithIt events. Contact director@withit.org for membership, leadership, and sponsorship opportunities.