La-Z-Boy Restructures Information Technology Services Department

Furniture World Magazine

La-Z-Boy announced the following personnel changes in the area of Information Technology. Karen Appling has been promoted to director of residential IT services, and Gary Clark has been hired as director of corporate IT services. These moves reflect the company's decision to separate the day-to-day management of its residential division from the corporate management function. Appling's career with La-Z-Boy began in 1979 as a computer operator. Since then she has held a variety of positions, most recently as director of IT services. In her new position, Appling is responsible for developing and implementing strategies that enable employees to effectively use new information and technology to ultimately meet the objectives of the La-Z-Boy Residential division. She reports directly to John J. Case, president of La-Z-Boy Residential. "Karen has been a key member of the La-Z-Boy team for many years," said Case. "Her ability to understand and direct others in the latest business technology trends will be a great asset to this division." Appling holds a bachelor's degree in business services from the University of Toledo and resides in Petersburg, Mich., with her husband and two children. Clark comes to La-Z-Boy from Inacom Corporation in Toledo, Ohio, where he held the position of district director of professional services. In his new position, Clark oversees all corporate IT services. His responsibilities include managing all corporate IT initiatives, including network support services, training services and e-business areas, as well as facilitating communications and providing assistance to all La-Z-Boy divisional IT departments. He reports to Stan Kirkwood, vice president and CIO of La-Z-Boy Incorporated. "Gary has a strong technology background and excellent management skills that will serve him well in this new position," said Kirkwood. "We are pleased to have him heading our corporate IT efforts." Clark holds a bachelor's degree in business administration from the University of Toledo and resides in Sylvania, Ohio, with his wife and daughter. Headquartered in Monroe, Mich., La-Z-Boy Residential is the nation's largest single manufacturer of upholstered furniture and the world's leading producer of reclining chairs. It is a division of La-Z-Boy Incorporated, the nation's largest furniture manufacturer. Return to the March/April 2000 News Index