International Home Furnishings Market Authority Announces Staff Changes

Furniture World Magazine

The International Home Furnishing Market Authority (IHFMA) Board of Directors announces that Tammy R. Covington has been promoted to Vice President of Operations and Donna Gross has been hired as Administrative Assistant, replacing Sara Leonard who is retiring. Covington, who has served as Director of Operations for the IHFMA since 2002, will broaden her current responsibilities, which include coordination of the ongoing improvement and amplification of all Market transportation modes, travel services and visitor amenities. Her new position will entail the management of the IHFMA operations relating to the construction of the new transportation terminal, a project that will encompass several years of hands-on supervision. She will also have increased involvement in budgeting, contracting and negotiating with Market-related constituencies and will continue to work with local and state officials to secure funding to enhance key Market operations. “This promotion is in recognition of the impeccable quality of Tammy’s performance, scope of her knowledge of all aspects of Market functions, and her deep commitment to the constant improvement of the Market experience for all our visitors,” said Judy Mendenhall, IHFMA President. “The Authority is very fortunate to have a professional of her caliber serving in this essential management position.” Gross joins the IHFMA after serving as Director of Services and Communications with the High Point Convention and Visitors Bureau and takes over the administrative duties of Sara Leonard, who is retiring after over twenty years with the IHMFA and its forerunner, the International Home Furnishings Marketing Association. According to Mendenhall, the Administrative Assistant position has been expanded to include training responsibilities, website management, development of external communications and involvement in public relations activities and special events planning. “Donna brings comprehensive knowledge of the specifics of Market to her new position. We worked with her many times in the past as her involvement through the CVB included the training and hiring of the excellent staff who man our information booths, a function she will continue to manage for us.” She added that Gross’ experience as a Reservationist at the Triad Housing Board, previous to her employment at the CVB, gives her a strong background in the coordination of accommodations for market visitors from all over the world. In addition to their extensive Market experience, both Covington and Gross are actively involved in the greater High Point community. Covington serves as President-Elect of the High Point Kiwanis Club and is a member of the Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership: High Point organization and the United Way Communications Cabinet. Gross, a graduate of Leadership: High Point is a volunteer with the Hospice of Piedmont Taste of Town event and the Make-a-Wish Foundation.