Key Staff Changes For Retailer Newport Nation, Newport Furnishings

Furniture World Magazine

Newport Furnishings announced the addition of another highly experienced sales and marketing professional to its rapidly growing Phoenix office as well as the promotions of key executives in its parent company, Newport Nation. Kathie Julian Kathie Julian is Newport Nation’s new president and chief operating officer. As such, she oversees the company’s day-to-day management and serves as the key liaison with all the company’s partnerships nationwide. Prior to assuming the position, she was Newport Nation’s senior vice president. During that time, she played an integral role in the company’s joint venture partner recruiting process and national expansion program. Julian’s two decades of experience in general and marketing management includes seven years in the furniture industry, serving as president/CEO and majority owner of two high-end furniture manufacturing and retail businesses. Prior to that, she spent 10 years in senior marketing management positions with The Dial Corporation. She earned her master’s degree in business administration at the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow, Scotland, and her bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Southern California in Los Angeles, Calif. Judi Kelly Judi Kelly is Newport Nation’s new director of corporate development. As such, she facilitates the rapid growth of the company. She was hired as operations manager but proved to be so invaluable that company officials quickly expanded her duties. Prior to joining Newport Nation, Kelly built a solid foundation in leadership and training at such companies as Security Pacific Bank, Reserve Life Insurance and the Scottsdale Unified School District. She is skilled at developing human resource, recruiting and training processes; administrative procedures, management, and strategic project planning. She earned an undergraduate degree in education from Grand Canyon University in Phoenix and a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Phoenix. Brigitte Dayton Brigitte Dayton is the new director of sales and marketing for Newport Furnishing’s Phoenix-based showroom. She leverages her seven years of experience in management, sales and marketing, media, fashion, and event production to think out of the box and bring a fresh approach to creating promotions and cultivating strategic marketing prospects in the Valley. Dayton also represents Newport Furnishings at company and community events. About Newport Furnishings Newport Furnishings®, founded by Chuck & Denise Haney in 1998 in Phoenix, has redefined the consumer furniture-buying experience. Customers select from furniture displayed both in the warehouse showroom and through an “extended showroom” of resource books offering a wide variety of styles, fabrics and finishes. This unique, by-appointment retail business model keeps business costs low and customer savings high. Newport Furnishings®, with corporate headquarters in Phoenix, currently has warehouse showrooms in Albuquerque, N.M.; Austin, Texas; Denver, Detroit, Fort Lauderdale, Fla.; Houston, Kansas City, Kan.; Las Vegas, Minneapolis, Nashville, Tenn.; Philadelphia, San Antonio, Seattle, St. Louis, Tampa Bay, Fla.; Tulsa, Okla.; and Phoenix. Newport Furnishings® of Phoenix recently reopened its flagship showroom, in a new centrally situated location, positioning itself for growth throughout the Valley by adding additional satellite stores.