WithIt board of directors continues same posts for 2021

HIGH POINT — WithIt, the women’s leadership development network for the home and furnishings industry, is continuing with its board of directors in the same posts into 2021, with Lorri Kelley, principal of Lorri Kelley Advisors, as WithIt president for 2021.

In addition, two new members join the board for 2021: Paris Gholston, industry communications specialist with the Mattress Recycling Council, will serve as vice president of scholarship, and Madeline Brown, marketing manager for Sherrill Furniture Companies, will serve as vice president of networking.

“Our success during the past year has been the result of an active, dedicated board of directors who worked tirelessly to preserve our resources while fulfilling the mission of WithIt,” says Lorri Kelley. “This year we will build upon those successes we realized throughout a difficult 2020 to ensure this important organization is stronger, more resilient and more relevant than ever before.”

The 2021 board of directors includes:

• Chairman: Lark Shirley-Stevens, executive director of marketing & membership, Furniture First
• President: Lorri Kelley, president, Lorri Kelley Advisors
• Vice President/President Elect: Renee Loper-Boyd, vice president marketing, International Market Centers
• Second Vice President: Emily Severson, VP of supplier relations, FurnitureDealer.net
• Secretary: Bonnie Wallace, operations manager, IHFRA
• Treasurer: Jamie White, Hanes Brands
• Professional Development: Rene Johnston-Gingrich, VP of training development,
  Profitability Consulting Group
• Business Development: Carolyn Crowley, president, Myriad Software
• Scholarship: Paris Gholston, industry communications specialist, Mattress Recycling Council
• Membership: Deena Gardner, vice president of marketing & communications, Reverie
• Marketing: Jessica Smithson, category manager, upholstery furniture, The Dufresne Group
• Events: Cathy Valent, vp home decorative & fabrics merchandising, Springs Creative Group
• Technology: Lori Dolnick, senior vice president, Frank Advertising
• Emerging Leaders: Victoria Valentinas, principal, VLV Designs
• Supplier/Design: Maria Killam, principal, Maria Killam Colour & Design
• Connections: Tori Evans, vp business development, Endygo
• Networking: Madeline Brown, marketing manager, Sherrill Furniture Companies
• Executive Advisory Council Liaison: Pamela Thomas, director of supply chain, Universal Furniture