WithIt Appoints Manufacturing Executive Mullis-Brittain to Head Board

Furniture World News

WithIt, the international organization dedicated to the support and development of female professionals in the home industries, names its new president and board for 2008.Tiffany Mullis Brittain, director of communications, Vanguard Furniture, succeeds outgoing president Kelly Peterson, group advertising director, Hearst Integrated Media, who becomes chairman of the board. Mullis-Brittain will spearhead the 2008 board’s charge to develop its leadership and outreach roles in the home industries. Other members of the WithIt executive committee for 2008 are: board of governor’s chairman, Kathy Wall, The Media Matters, Inc.; vice president/president elect, Liz O’Brien, Carter Furniture, Star International and Ekornes; secretary, Christina Mairs, American Drew, Lea Industries; and treasurer, Rachel Fleming, Hanesbrands, Inc. Executive committee members serve one-year terms. New vice presidents/committee chairs are: financial, Sally Erickson, Sealy, Inc.; marketing, Mary Eitel, MKE Communications, Inc.; media, Leslie Newby, Brand Communications, Inc.; mentoring, Kim Reynolds, Oriental Weavers USA, Inc.; education, Leslie Carothers, The Kaleidoscope Partnership; networking, Phyllis Zaepfel, PROFITsystems; scholarship/foundation, Rene Crosby, Four Hands. “After 10 years of organization, WithIt has earned its mettle as a leader in professional development for members,” says Mullis-Brittain. “Now is the time to extend WithIt’s influence to the home industries at large, including internationally and in other home goods business segments.” Topical issues affecting the industry are fielded through WithIt’s many national and regional events scheduled throughout the year. Established in 1997, WithIt provides educational and mentoring programs to benefit hundreds of participants and corporate sponsors annually. Regional vice presidents serve two-year terms and are responsible for organizing events and opportunities for members in their areas. They also represent their membership to the board. In the second year of their terms are: in Dallas/Southwest, Stephanie Cole, Dallas Market Center; in Florida, Heidi Higgins, Carl’s Furniture; in Metro/Northeast, Laura Newman, Laura Newman PR & Marketing; in Chicago/Midwest, Erin Piotrowski, Leggett & Platt, CPG; in Atlanta/Southeast, Lorna Hunter, Cantoni Furniture; and in the Virginias/Carolinas, Kathleen Holterman, French Heritage. Named as at-large board members, representing various segments of the industry, are: case goods/upholstery manufacturer, Sharon Kepley, Woolrich, Inc.; accessories, Susan Vartanian, Stoney Creek Furniture; showroom/building, Karen Olsen, MMPI; supplier, Susan Inglis, From the Mountain, SFC; retail, Deb Linkhorn, Morris Home Furnishings. Sara Lyke is executive director of WithIt. Amy Van Dorp is administrator. 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.