WithIt, the women’s leadership network for home and furnishings professionals, announced its 2011 Board of Directors. Mary Leigh Howell, vice president of
Greensboro, NC- based RLF Communications, takes the reins as WithIt 2011 President.
“It’s an honor to lead an organization that has meant so much to me on a professional and personal level,” Howell says. “WithIt’s value to its membership and our industry is a constant, and the Board will continue to develop compelling educational events and networking opportunities for home and furnishings leaders.
In addition, we will improve and expand the organization’s online presence by launching an enhanced Web site, a series of topical webinarsand timely network-building tools.”
The WithIt Board of Directors is made up of an executive committee, vice presidents who lead major committees, vice presidents who represent industry niches, and vice presidents who represent geographic regions.
Serving in 2011 on the Executive Committee:
Chairman Board of Governors – Liz O’Brien, sales representative, Ekornes, Star
International and Carter Furniture
Chairman – Stephanie Lowder, president and creative director, Rare Bird Creative
President – Mary Leigh Howell, vice president, RLF Communications
Vice President/President Elect – Julia Rosien, president, SocialNorth.com
Vice President – Debbie Beers, vice president of consumer strategy, art and science hub, Furniture Brands International
Treasurer – Kira Staggers, audit associate, Smith Leonard PLLC
Vice Presidents/Committee Chairs are expected to perform the duties of an assigned WithIt committee. The 2010 officers are:
Marketing – Amanda Williams, public relations account supervisor, Wray Ward
Media – Julie Smith Vincenti, president/manager, Nine Muses Media LLC
Mentoring – Lorri Kelley, vice president of sales – Western US, Palliser
Education – Cathy Smith, director of design and merchandising, De Leo Textiles
Membership – Cindy Williams, vice president of sales, Info Retail
Scholarship Foundation – Violette Forman, general manager, Havertys Furniture
Vice President at Large officers serve as representatives of an industry niche. The 2011 vice presidents at large are:
Millennial Outreach – Amy Voelker, vice president of merchandising communications,
FurnitureDealer.net
Casegoods/Upholstery – Beverly Kastel, marketing manager, Ekornes
Supplier – Libby Langdon, president, Libby Interiors Inc.
Retail – Shelley Parlin, chief operating officer, PROFITsystems
Regional Vice Presidents are tasked with building membership and developing events within their geographic region. The 2011 officers are:
Vice President New York Metro/Northeast Region – Jana Platina Phipps, owner, Home Couture Collective/Classical Elements
Vice President Florida – Alexia Rouquette, director of marketing and public relations, Twin Star International/Classical Flame
Vice President Virginias/Carolinas – Trisha Kemerly, president, WhipSmart Creative
Vice President Chicago/Midwest – Joan Franken, owner, Concepts & Designs
Vice President Dallas/Southwest Region – Cameron Cook, public relations manager, Four Hands
Vice President Las Vegas/West Region – Kassie Smith, president, Kassie Smith Lifestyle Group
Vice President International – Donna Bartlett, president, ViewIt Technologies, Inc.
“WithIt builds relationships that are permanent, reliable, and perhaps show their greatest worth when everything else in life seems unsteady,” says Howell. “Because of this, the organization attracts talented and tireless professionals to serve on its board.”
WithIt, founded in 1997, is a women’s leadership development network in the home and furnishings industries. The organization’s annual WOW awards are an opportunity for the industry to recognize and celebrate excellence. Winners will be announced during the organization’s annual educational conference (Aug. 23-25, 2011). WithIt has new headquarters in 2011: 2125 Eastchester Drive, Suite 103, High Point, NC, 27265.