NEWH

With over 30 years’ experience in the Design Industry beginning her career path at Fanshawe College in Interior Design to evolving to the supply side of the industry. The years of experience have evolved by working closely with Procurement, Property Owners, Designers and Architects to meet the client and project specifications in product, price and service. Tucker enjoys the relationships that have been established throughout these years by providing excellent service in a market that is constantly changing how we approach business.

Chris is committed to the continual growth of NEWH in Canada and all other international markets. NEWH, The Hospitality Network, provides excellent opportunities with insight on our industry trends and information through networking with the Industry Leaders in the USA, UK and Canada. Chris has been a part of the NEWH International Board of Directors since 2005. Currently she is the President of NEWH Canada Inc., and Vice President of International Relations on the NEWH Inc., International Board of Directors.

Jennifer Wellman started in the hospitality industry in 2000. With a Bachelor of Fine Art in Sculpture from Georgia State University she naturally wanted to pursue a career in art and accepted a job with Deljou Art Group. Since her first job in art, Jennifer has gone on to work with Soho Myriad starting as an art consultant and leaving as the Director of Sales. She then became the Managing Director at EDL Art Consultants, and remained there until she accepted a position with Lexmark Hospitality as the Director of Architecture and Design Solutions, and is now VP of Architecture and Design Sales.
Jennifer has worked on several large hospitality projects including the Fort Worth Omni, Trinidad Grand Hyatt, and the Arizona Biltmore.

Christine is principal of Wasmer Contract Group a manufacturer’s representative with over 25 years of experience in the contract and hospitality industry. She holds a BFA in Interior Architectural Design from California State University Long Beach.

Venturing from design into contract sales in the early 1980’s, she found sales and marketing to be a great pairing with her design skills. Since beginning her own business in 1996, Christine has applied her experience, dedication to detail and commitment to her client’s needs to forge lasting business relationships. Wasmer Contract Group represents fine manufacturers of interior and exterior furniture.

Christine’s support of NEWH can be described in one word: Scholarship. Through her work on the Los Angeles Chapter board and on the board of NEWH Inc., she formulated protocol and procedures for the management of the scholarship program. Future plans include expanding the NEWH opportunity through student chapters and inviting the participation of premier educators by establishing an NEWH Educator’s Roundtable.

www.wasmercontractgroup.com

Monica Meade is a certified interior designer who brings over 15 years of experience in hospitality design to Architectural Ceramics. Monica worked at Marriott International on the International Design team and as a Sr. Project Mgr. with Leo A. Daly. Architectural Ceramics is committed to working with our client’s to maintain the integrity of their design vision. Monica now is the National Accounts Manager – Hospitality for Architectural Ceramics where she has worked to build the commercial design team over the last 3 years. Monica now works exclusively with designers, contractors and owners on Hospitality projects across the country.

Helen L. Reed is a graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University and has over 20 years experience working in the field of Hospitality Design. Her experience has ranged from a Project Interior Designer for an award winning Architectural and Interior Design to working as a manufacturer’s representative where she took time to learn about the manufacturing process of interior materials and furniture. In 1990 she started H.L Reed Design, Inc., a full service design firm that specializes in Restaurants, Country Clubs, Hotels and Retail Spaces throughout the United States. In addition to H.L.Reed Design, she started h2h,inc. in 2001. h2h is a full service procurement company that provides purchasing services for the Hospitality and Retail Industries.
Helen is one of the founding members of the Virginia Chapter of NEWH; in addition she has served as Director of Fundraising for NEWH, Inc until she became Vice President of Membership. She also serves on the Advisory Board for Virginia Commonwealth University School of Interior Design.

Tara Witt is the Development Director of Tarrison and founder of Vandervitt Inc., both based in the Toronto area. Tarrison is a full-line manufacturer of stainless steel products that cater to many different market segments. Vandervitt provides furniture and front-of-the-house speciality products to the hospitality industry. Tara joined the Toronto Chapter of NEWH shortly after graduating from Western University with a cross-disciplinary degree in business and psychology. She is currently the President of the Toronto chapter, and Secretary for the NEWH Canada Board.

Jonathan is a professional sales leader with over 35 years of experience in the hospitality FF&E industry. He has been involved in sales, sales and marketing management, and senior director level positions at manufacturers providing product for the hotel and leisure sectors. His experience has been primarily with floorcovering and carpet, most recently as Managing Director of Axminster Carpets. He has now launched his own company, Jonathan Young Associates, providing consultancy and product sourcing to the hospitality interior furnishings sector. Jonathan’s leadership and management skills will help establish a clearly defined strategy for business and understand how it needs to be implemented for success. His contacts across the US and Europe can help navigate the sales and marketing process for companies looking to expand into new markets.

As Chairman of the BCFA from 2011 until 2014, leading the Board of the trade association that supports the British Contract Furnishings Association, and currently as Vice President of International Relations of NEWH Inc and Past President of the UK chapter of the NEWH, he has a good understanding of business within the hospitality and commercial markets.

His experiences have taken him across continents, working and living in the US and UK, and developing and executing growth strategies for businesses across international markets.

He is a creative thinker and believes in the importance of communication particularly when working with people from diverse cultures, and across all levels of a business. Jonathan is passionate about the hospitality market and a big believer in connecting education and business through networking.

Guthrie & Associates is a creative & collaborative playground for designers, architects, developers, procurement specialists, corporate brands, and construction professionals. We proudly represent the finest manufacturers in our industry.

We keep things simple. The best way to work together is to create enthusiasm, provide impeccable service and keep the flow rolling throughout the whole process. Driven by the thought that collaborative & collective work gets the best results we believe in partnership with our clients. Every great project needs strong ideas and clients need inspiring people who can advise them about innovative products and applications for their creative world.

The foundation for our work is a very simple idea……providing our relevant products and combining our client’s vision to achieve great projects and experiences. “If you like what you do you excel at what you create.” anonymous

Trisha Poole has over twenty-two years of experience in design and management in the hospitality field. Her personal passion for design and her dedicated loyalty to the client mission has consistently delivered creative results to her clientele over the years. As the leader and president of Design Poole, Trisha has trained all of her design professionals to approach every project with an entrepreneurial spirit as it relates to project success.
Trisha gained most of her experience with large design companies in Orlando, Florida, and Chicago, Illinois, and has had the great fortune to work with leaders such as Disney, Wyndham Vacation Ownership, Sun International, Marriott, Hilton, and Starwood. Her previous experience was working with and/or managing architects on most of the projects, which gave her a greater understanding of projects that require extensive technical detail and architectural coordination.
Trisha’s role on every project is to assure client satisfaction. Her strength is interpreting the client’s vision and delivering it with a goal of exceeding expectations. With strong business ethics and a drive for design excellence, Trisha makes Design Poole a viable and integral component of any project team. Trisha earned her Bachelor of Design from The University of Florida, Gainesville, FL

Educated at University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, Bellin School of Nursing, and Harrington College of Design in Chicago, Lohmiller has 30+ years experience in the hospitality field. She became the first sales-woman for Falcon Products and was named West Coast Regional Manager in 1983, making her the first woman to be named manager for the company. Shelia founded an independent furniture representation business, the Lohmiller Group in 1984 in Los Angeles. Lohmiller cofounded the Network of Executive Women in Hospitality in 1984 with Dorrit St. John and Susan Spalding in Los Angeles. Having served as Founding President from 1984-1986, and Secretary of the NEWH, Inc. Board of Directors, Shelia was honored as the first recipient of NEWH’s Recognition of Excellence in 1992 for exemplary service to the organization. Shelia has served as the NEWH, Inc. Executive Director since 1993.

TWC Consulting LLC provides customized and interactive learning and development experiences in leadership areas of focus such as Strategic Planning, Goal Setting, Evaluating Performance, Career Discussions, Development of Associates, Performance Management, Presentation Skills, Communication Skills, Leadership and Management Skills, etc. TWC Consulting is owned and operated by Trudy Craven, recently retired from a 40-year career with Milliken and Company, a large privately-owned manufacturing company headquartered in Spartanburg SC, where she served in a variety of roles, with the last 10+ years as their Senior Learning and Development Manager.

The Strategic Planning Workshop follows a strategic thinking framework, beginning with an assessment of “Where We Are” and “Where We are Going”, looking at internal and external factors, including a SWOT and an understanding of customers, competitors, products and services, and the operating environment. Prioritizing key areas follows, and if time permits, it moves into drafting goals to address the final point of “How are We Going to Get There”. The strength of the workshop lies in the interaction of the participants working together in breakout groups with key lessons from the facilitator interspersed throughout.

Dallas Bentley is Director of Hospitality Sales for Marietta Drapery Company, a family business that manufactures and installs window coverings. He is a graduate of the Terry College of Business at the University of Georgia, and his previous position was Director of Marketing at Kennesaw State University, the 3rd largest university in Georgia. He is passionate about mentoring and education, and is a proud Big Brother in the Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Metro Atlanta program.

Alex Jones’ career started 20 years ago in retail furniture sales for one of Canada’s largest department stores before transitioning into the commercial furniture market.

Upon completion in 2002 of BCIT’s Marketing Management Diploma in Professional Sales, Alex started working at Heritage Office Furnishings specializing in healthcare and the hospitality division. Her expertise has now grown to include education and corporate in her account portfolio with special detail for ancillary spaces.

Founded in 1979, Heritage saw a full service dealership that includes furniture, warehouse, installation and architectural walls. With more than 50,000 square feet of warehouse and showroom space, they are located in Vancouver, Kelowna, and Kamloops, B.C. Heritage represents more than 200 manufacturers and is the only authorized Steelcase dealer in B.C. Lower Mainland and Interior. Working with various budgets to provide appropriate furniture to the design intent of the client and interior designer is Alex’s expertise.

In 2011, Alex joined NEWH as a commercial member before becoming an addition to the board. Currently she is the Director of Leadership Conferences, having moved from volunteering at all positions at the Vancouver Region Level.

Matt DeShantz is the Vice President and National Sales Manager for Fabricut Contract and S. Harris where he oversees daily operations and sales strategies, and meets with designers and specificers across the country. With over 30 years of experience in outside sales and sales management, Matt has spent the last two decades in textiles as a trained sales professional for both the residential and hospitality industries. Matt is proud to serve on the NEWH Board of Directors and Boutique Design’s Advisory Board. He is a graduate of Eastern Michigan University with a Bachelor of Science in Speech Communications with an emphasis on Sales and Negotiation. Matt resides in Birmingham, Alabama, with his husband of 23 years Koby Thompson, and his hobbies include motor sports and vintage automobiles.

Inspiration drove Gretchen Gilbertson to start a tech company in 2003. With a shared vision and unwavering focus, she and her husband built Séura – a company recognized by the world’s largest hotel brands and leading custom integration specialists as the premier provider of design-centric technology products.

For the last 15 years, Gretchen has held the title and responsibilities of CEO. While her talents and passions have fueled the company’s growth, she’s never stopped working to inspire and unite other women leaders. Today she serves as an advisor, mentor, and ambassador on the International Board of Directors for NEWH. Recently recognized by Dealerscope as one of the most Powerful Women in Consumer Technology, Gretchen has received the honor of countless technology, industry, and woman-owned entrepreneurship accolades.

Prior to starting her company, Gretchen was employed by Kimberly-Clark Corporation in various market research and product development roles. She graduated with a BA from the University of Wisconsin – Madison, and participated on the UW Spirit Squad as a cheerleader for the Badger football and basketball teams. During her time at the UW she met and married her college sweetheart – Bucky Badger.

Jordan McInturf is the vice president of sales for Shelby Williams, a premier manufacturer of furniture for the hospitality industry.

With over 20 years of experience in the hospitality and contract furnishings industry, Mr. McInturf started his career in sales with Milliken Hospitality Carpet. While at Milliken he was the recipient of the top sales producer and numerous other awards. He furthered his career in the contract furniture industry at Knoll as a senior account manager in Boston, MA. In 1998 he joined Durkan Hospitality Carpet as an independent sales representative. He was promoted to National Account Management and ultimately became regional vice president of the Mohawk carpet brands

For the past four years Jordan has been the vice president of sales for Shelby Williams with responsibility for sales & marketing, national account programs, and product development.

Michelle Finn is senior vice president, Hospitality Division, ST Media Group International, and president and co-founder of the Hospitality Media Group LLC formed for purposes of developing and managing trade fairs and events primarily focused on the hospitality industry, worldwide. In these roles, she oversees the management and development of its hospitality and related brands, which encompasses Boutique Design, Boutique Design Trade Fairs: BD|NY and BD|west held on an annual in New York City and San Diego respectively, Boutique Design forum series, Hospitality Match, International Design & Development Conference held in Korea and the management of the International Hotel Motel and Restaurant Show (IHMR), held on an annual basis in New York City.

Previously, Finn spent over twenty years in the Nielsen organization, where she held the position of VP Hospitality Brands responsible for the management and development of HD Expo, Hospitality Design and is the founder HD Boutique (now known as HD Americas) and HD Summit, an executive think- tank conference.

Finn has received numerous awards for innovation in trade fair development, publishing, leadership and service. She is a member of the Hospitality Industry Network ( NEWH), American Hotel Lodging Association ( AHLA), Cornell University Innovation Network, Boutique Lifestyle and Lodging Association (BLLA), Urban Land Institute ( ULI) and the International Society of Hospitality Purchasers ( ISHP). Finn holds two degrees from St. Mary’s College, South Bend, Indiana and serves on the national board of NEWH

Stacy Shoemaker Rauen is a well-respected and talented editor and writer, and is the editor in chief for Hospitality Design (HD) magazine, the leading publication for the industry. Besides running the day to day of the magazine and overseeing its content, Rauen is a noted speaker at industry events, and as an avid tracker of trends, places, projects, and people, she puts together panels at HD’s conferences, and has been quoted in various respected media outlets including CNBC and the Washington Post. She is also the founder of HD’s CitySCENE, a networking event series held in metropolitan areas throughout the U.S. and internationally, meant to connect design professionals in each market, as well as NextGen Forum, a conference for the next generation of hospitality design leaders. She holds two degrees from Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism, including a master’s in journalism, and is the president of the New York chapter of NEWH, Inc. – The Hospitality Industry Network.

Tara Chung is the Director of Interior Design for Marriott International, Global Designs Americas. In the past couple of years, her focus has been on supporting the growth of the Delta Hotels Brand in the US and Canadian markets. Previous to her work on Delta Hotels, she spent 10 years influencing and guiding the implementation of multiple new design initiatives for the Marriott Hotels and JW Marriott Hotels brands. Tara is passionate about the hospitality design industry and believes that good design and beautiful spaces keep us inspired.

Seattle-based designer My Nguyen holds degrees in Interior Design and Fine Arts and currently works as Director of Interior Design & Operations for Holland America Line (HAL) and Seabourn (SBN). Throughout her career, My has earned accolades for award-winning and nationally recognized projects in marine, high-end residential, and hospitality design. She joined Holland America Group in a newly created leadership role to form an in-house design team that oversees the interior refurbishments and maintenance of the HAL and SBN fleet. My is also the head designer of staterooms on Holland America Line newbuild vessels. My is passionate about influencing the industry to be the leaders in sustainability, forward thinking, and collaboration.

1. What is the last book you read? The Compound Effect, Darren Hardy

2. If you could check into any hotel in the world, what would it be? And why? The Ice Hotel in Northern Sweden. Do you really have to ask why? It’s Cool!

3. Tell us about your personal/professional background. Throughout her career, Stephanie has been dedicated to elevating the profession of interior design. She is a past board member of IIDA; she has been a site visitor for the Council of Interior Design Accreditation (formerly FIDER) for over 10 years. Stephanie has served on multiple coalitions in pursuit of legal recognition of the interior design profession. She is an advisor for the Interior Design Coalition of Washington IDCW. Stephanie is committed to the effort of securing interior design legislation in al 50 states. It is Stephanie’s tireless commitment to interior design professionalism that fuels her desire to be interior designs most passionate advocate.

4. What do you enjoy doing when you are not at work? Play with my kids / practice Yoga

As an interior designer, Natalie Sheedy has seen the power of design to profoundly impact our daily lives firsthand. A beautiful space can enhance the ways we think and act. This insight drives Natalie’s passion for great design and it’s her goal for every project she takes on.

Whether designing large-scale hotel interiors or residential projects, the essence of Natalie’s design process remains the same. She engages clients and contractors in hands-on collaboration, seeking insights, expertise and perspective at every phase from kickoff to conclusion. This ensures that decisions are strategic and deliberate and that every aspect of the finished design aligns with realistic business goals. It’s a process that’s proven to delight her clients time and again, creating one-of-a-kind spaces with sophisticated palettes, refined style and design functionality that can stand the test of time.

Before owning her own studio, Natalie spent 10 very rewarding years managing and designing multi-million-dollar hospitality projects as Studio Director at world-renown interior design firm The Gettys Group. Prior to her professional experience, she earned her B.A. with a minor in business at Harrington Institute of Interior Design in Chicago, where she had participated in a prestigious exchange program with the Academie van Kunst in Rotterdam, Holland. The sum of these experiences has given Natalie best-in-class training on how to make sure her clients experience the best possible return on their investment in design.

When she’s not in the thick of a project you can find Natalie sharing her passion for design as a member of NEWH, The Hospitality Industry Network, for which she sits on both the International Board and the Chicago Chapter board. She’s also proud a proud winner of a Gold Key award and was recognized as one the hospitality industry’s up- and-coming interior design leaders in Boutique Design’s “Boutique 18 for 2018”.

Linda Hinojosa graduated from California State University Fullerton with a BS in Human Services. She also completed coursework in Film, Television and Special Effects through the Multimedia Program at UCLA.

Her experience includes A&D specification work with shelving & furniture for public and university libraries, textiles for hospitality, resilient flooring for corporate, healthcare and higher education and is currently the A&D Specialist for Formica; covering healthcare, commercial, retail and hospitality projects.

Linda helps to grow our regions active members by reaching out to previous and new A&D, end users and vendors.

Linda resides in Orange County, CA with her husband Todd. They both share a passion for travel abroad, and have visited 23 countries.

Levar Jackson is Founder and CEO of Visual Renaissance, a full-service art strategy firm that sources and curates unique wall art, paintings, sculpture and other installations for sophisticated hospitality, residential and commercial properties. He specializes in helping world-class hotel brands drive customer loyalty and engagement with art that inspires. Levar co-developed Meural, a digital canvas that enables hospitality properties to offer guests a dynamic, personalized aesthetic experience. When he’s not organizing distinctive networking and educational programs for NEWH New York Chapter members, Levar can be found honing his craft as a photographer, chef and graphic designer–or taking in a movie near his home in Downtown Brooklyn.

Jon has taken a winding path into the interiors industry. Starting with studying Science of Psychology due to his fascination with the way the people interact (and being a sucker for the punishment of Math!), it progressed into the world of Technology. Working as a sales manager on complex wide scale Tech projects for some of the world largest companies, he realised it was a little too impersonal and so joined the Interiors world with leading wallcovering company Phillip Jeffries. As International Contract Sales Manager he oversees hundreds of projects on all continent and his aim is to bring an analytical mind, an extensive project knowledge and sales management into the commercial world for Phillip Jeffries.

Outside of work, Jon loves sport. From scaling cliff faces, running through muddy fields and diving with sharks he enjoys any challenge.

Aura is an Industrial Designer who started her Journey in the Hospitality Industry working for the Hotels Chain Sandals & Beaches Resorts. Right before COVID-19 Joined The Royal Caribbean Group. Unfortunately, it lasted very little as it was the most affected industry. Today she is co-founder of a movement called “Live By Design”.

Libby studied Interior Architecture & Design at Middlesex University in London and began her career designing retail outlets and spas for up-market cosmetics company Molton Brown. Since then she has gained considerable experience across a broad range of commercial interiors; from cosmetic and car showrooms to libraries, education centres and restaurants.

For the last 9 years, Libby has specialized in Hospitality, designing a series of luxury hotels and resorts for both individual owners and some of the world’s leading Operators. Now a Senior Designer Project Manager at G.A Design, based in the London Office, but working internationally across all 4 offices she is responsible for overseeing 1-2 projects at a time and each project from the initial design proposal through to final on-site completion. In her spare time she enjoys going to cinema, exploring markets and takes every opportunity to travel.

Enrico G. Cleva is an Italian architect, interior designer and international business development consultant in the design and exhibition businesses. A graduate of Politecnico di Milano University, Enrico founded his practice in 2005 with his wife architect Sara Viarengo Cleva, focused mainly on interiors for corporate offices and high end residential projects. Enrico is official representative of Fiera Milano in Canada, working on the business development of global shows like Host Milano, Tuttofood and HOMI. He is a strategic consultant for the Interior Designers of Canada association, a regular speaker on interior design trends and writes for design magazines such as Canadian Interiors.

Carolina was born into the field of design & construction; which carved the path into her career. During high school she worked as an associate at a local tile & stone showroom. Shortly after high school she advanced to managing their New York City showroom. Her passion for the industry grew and enrolled in college to become an interior designer. In 2015 she decided move to Florida to be closer to her immediate family. To proceed with her career & establish new roots she got heavily involved with local industry organization including IIDA & NEWH. Currently holds the title of NEWH South Florida Chapters’ Past President / Parliamentarian. Carolina is also the Regional Director of Business Development in Florida for TileBar. TileBar is a direct importer of porcelain and ceramic tiles, natural stone & LVT.

Alison Gasser is currently serving as Past President of the Los Angeles Chapter. After completing her AmeriCorps service working with at-risk youth to complete their High School diploma, she continued in many of her family members footsteps by joining the hospitality industry. She specifically followed in her mother and aunt’s footsteps by joining the NEWH Los Angeles chapter and became involved with the board immediately. Her solutions base approach has allowed her the opportunity to work with global companies on a personal level. She was a multiline representative with York Hospitality for five years and is now the Western Regional Sales Manager for Vibia Light.

Tory Knoph is an interior designer who brings a unique, new perspective to Stonehill Taylor. Her experience includes hospitality work for both large brands and boutique hotels alike. Over the past few years, Tory has been a part of numerous major design projects, including the Hyatt Regency Minneapolis, Press Hotel in Portland, ME, and the Hilton Brooklyn, NYLO, and Refinery Hotel in New York. She has close working relationships with many FF&E vendors, ensuring that each project is developed with the latest and most innovative products currently available. She also loves brew hopping on the weekends and hanging with her dog in Battery Park City.

Kristin Kubala has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Interior Design from Texas State University. She worked as a licensed designer in Austin, TX before moving to Houston and making the transition into commercial flooring sales. Kristin is an expert on creating, building, and managing relationships within the design community. With ten years of Interior Design and seven years of Resilient Flooring Sales under her belt, she brings a unique blend of creativity and flooring knowledge to customers.

Annette Lucille began her hospitality career in operations with Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts in beautiful Seattle, WA. Her commitment towards creativity led her to attend the Art Institute studying interior design while simultaneously studying wine. Development company Wischermann Partners, Inc moved her from Seattle to Minneapolis where she was mentored as a project manager; renovating + building new properties within the portfolio. As of 2016, she has been working for the world’s leading manufacturer of high-quality woven carpets – Brinton’s as a commercial sales executive + resides in South Florida. For the past five years she has contributed to the board + looks forward to serving as VP Admin to showcase her fondness for students.

Demi received both her Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree from the Interior Design Department of Middlesex University in London, where she was also stationed during her first working years. Since the mid-nineties she has been extensively involved in residential, commercial and hospitality projects in Europe and the UAE region and since 2015 in the GTA of Canada. In Canada she founded Demi Melissinou Design, a company that continues to provide services worldwide.

Her philosophy is that innovation and respect towards the power of ambience create amazing environments where people are excited to shop, eat, work, have fun & relax.

How did you become involved in NEWH? Eddie & Jill from Ramsey pulled me in! Glad they did!

Tell us about your personal/professional background? Graduated from a small college in Lynchburg, VA with a Health Degree and ended up selling shoes and running a little shoe boutique in VA. Later went on to sell leather with my current company, Moore & Giles!

What is the last book you read? A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara–super sad book
(I cried a lot) but glad I read it.

If you could stay at any hotel in the world, what would it be? And why? Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort. I love star gazing on a cold winter night and hope to enjoy the Northern Lights before its too late.

Name one of your favorite Bay Area pastimes? Lazy park days in the sun with friends!

What do you enjoy doing when you are not at work? Camping and enjoying the outdoors with my cute little family.

Favorite caffeinated beverage? Green Tea Matcha Latte

1. Tell us about your personal/professional background. I’ve been in the hospitality industry as an independent manufacturer’s representative for almost 9 years and it’s flown by! I have a marketing background and ended up in the industry through my husband – an architect by schooling and career rep himself. I’ve lived in Seattle my whole life and really can’t imagine being anywhere but the beautiful Pacific Northwest. San Diego is the only other US city I’ve considered living, however Bucerias Mexico makes a wonderful winter home someday. When I’m not working I’m chasing my kids around, spending time outside as much as I can, and planning my next home renovation project. It’s a horrible addiction.

Yadhyra graduated from Louisiana State University with a Bachelors of Interior Design. She then attended the Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico where she majored in Architecture for three years. Yadhyra has been working in the hospitality field for 15 years. With experience in architecture, interior design, art consulting and FF & E purchasing management, she has a well rounded set of skills which make her an asset to the industry.

Tara Witt is the Development Director of Tarrison and founder of Vandervitt Inc., both based in the Toronto area. Tarrison is a full-line manufacturer of stainless steel products that cater to many different market segments. Vandervitt provides furniture and front-of-the-house speciality products to the hospitality industry. Tara joined the Toronto Chapter of NEWH shortly after graduating from Western University with a cross-disciplinary degree in business and psychology. She is currently the President of the Toronto chapter, and Secretary for the NEWH Canada Board.

Jonathan is a professional sales leader with over 35 years of experience in the hospitality FF&E industry. He has been involved in sales, sales and marketing management, and senior director level positions at manufacturers providing product for the hotel and leisure sectors. His experience has been primarily with floorcovering and carpet, most recently as Managing Director of Axminster Carpets. He has now launched his own company, Jonathan Young Associates, providing consultancy and product sourcing to the hospitality interior furnishings sector. Jonathan’s leadership and management skills will help establish a clearly defined strategy for business and understand how it needs to be implemented for success. His contacts across the US and Europe can help navigate the sales and marketing process for companies looking to expand into new markets.

As Chairman of the BCFA from 2011 until 2014, leading the Board of the trade association that supports the British Contract Furnishings Association, and currently as Vice President of International Relations of NEWH Inc and Past President of the UK chapter of the NEWH, he has a good understanding of business within the hospitality and commercial markets.

His experiences have taken him across continents, working and living in the US and UK, and developing and executing growth strategies for businesses across international markets.

He is a creative thinker and believes in the importance of communication particularly when working with people from diverse cultures, and across all levels of a business. Jonathan is passionate about the hospitality market and a big believer in connecting education and business through networking.