WithIt Appoints Publishing Executive Kelly Peterson to Lead

Furniture World Magazine

WithIt, the organization dedicated to the support and development of female professionals in the home industries, names its new president and board for 2007. Kelton “Kelly” Peterson, group advertising director for powerhouse consumer magazine publisher Hearst Corporation, succeeds outgoing president Kathy Wall of The Media Matters, Inc., who becomes chairman of the board. Peterson will spearhead the 2007 board’s efforts to enhance tangible benefits to its members – networking, mentoring and access to education and other information critical to professional and personal growth are among them and the Withit tenth anniversary celebration.. Other members of the WithIt executive committee for 2007 are: board of governor’s chairman, Robin Campbell, Stanley Furniture; vice president/president elect, Tiffany Mullis, Vanguard Furniture; secretary, Sev Ritchie, FurnitureFan; and treasurer, Rachel Fleming, Grant Thornton, LLP. Executive committee members serve one-year terms. New vice presidents/committee chairs, serving for one year, are: financial development, Margaret Fontana, Anthem Leather; marketing, Betty Lyn Eller, O at Home magazine; media, Leslie Newby, Brand Communications; membership, Mary Frye, HFIA; mentoring, Sharon Kepley, Woolrich; education, Jean Welch, Haverty’s; networking, Phyllis Zaepfel, PROFITsystems; scholarship/foundation, Liz O’Brien, Carter Furniture/Star International. “WithIt’s leadership in professional development for its members is not only significant for individuals,” says Peterson, “It serves the entire home industries in its support of established and emerging talent.” On the eve of its diamond anniversary, WithIt announces plans to celebrate the organization’s growth in both membership and prominence since its inception. Special events will be 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 Atlanta/Southeast, Christina Mairs, American Drew/Lea Industries, in San Francisco/Northwest, Linda Carey, in Texas/Southwest, Stephanie Cole, Dallas Market Center; in Florida, Heidi Higgins, Carl’s Furniture; in Metro/Northeast, Susan Egan, House and Garden; in Chicago/Midwest, Erin Piotrowski, Leggett & Platt; and in the Virginias/Carolinas, Susan Inglis, From the Mountain. Named as at-large board members, representing various segments of the industry, are: sales representative, Tracy Denton, Sealy; case goods/upholstery manufacturer, Kimberly Roussey, La Z Boy; supplier, Patty Toler and retail, Deb Linkhorn, Morris Home Furnishings. Connie Post, The Connie Post Companies, will act as special chair of the 10th anniversary and Leslie Carothers, The Kaleidoscope Partnership will chair the 2007 Education Conference to held in Charlotte, NC, August 7 -9, 2007. Sara Lyke is executive director of WithIt. For more information about WithIt, visit www.withit.org or emailt Sara Lyke at withitexecdir@triad.rr.com.