“As consumer behavior changes and the skills needed for retail jobs change with it, it’s never been more important for our industry to come together and focus on the future of its workforce.”
At its summer board meeting hosted at The Home Depot, the NRF Foundation today announced the addition of three members to its Board of Directors. Each newly elected member will serve until January 2021.
“As consumer behavior changes and the skills needed for retail jobs change with it, it’s never been more important for our industry to come together and focus on the future of its workforce,” NRF Foundation President Ellen Davis said. “Each of our board members has been thoughtfully selected to serve based on their perspective on our industry and its workforce, and a strong belief in the 42 million American jobs our industry supports. This group of diverse leaders provides incredible strategic oversight and guidance of the NRF Foundation’s philanthropic initiatives to help more people take their first step toward promising careers.”
Newly elected NRF Foundation board members include:
- Michael Colaneri, vice president of retail, restaurant and hospitality, AT&T
- Karin M. Norington-Reaves, CEO, Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership
- Talia Watts, marketplace merchandising manager, Nike
“The NRF Foundation’s work to shape the next generation of retail talent as consumers and employees expect more technology integration is critical. I look forward to contributing to the important work of the Foundation and cultivating rewarding careers for aspiring people as part of the Board of Directors,” AT&T Vice President of Retail, Restaurant and Hospitality Michael Colaneri said.
“I am looking forward to serving on the NRF Foundation board and honored to serve with a distinguished group of professional leaders and trailblazers who are shaping the future of a significant sector of our nation’s workforce,” Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership CEO Karin M. Norington-Reaves said. “It’s an exciting time for workforce development and the retail sector.”
“I am deeply honored to be joining the NRF Foundation Board of Directors. The organization has been instrumental in my retail career journey – from being a Ray Greenly scholarship recipient to today’s opportunity, so I’m thrilled to support NRF’s continued commitment to elevating retail careers and preparing the next generation of retail industry talent,” Nike Marketplace Merchandising Manager Talia Watts said.
Existing members of the NRF Foundation Board include:
- Emilie Antonetti, vice president of social purpose and managing director, Brooks Brothers Golden Fleece Foundation
- Steve Barr, consumer markets leader, PwC
- Bill Brand, former president, HSN
- Lee Culpepper, vice president of public affairs, Walmart
- Deb Decker, chief client officer, Alliance Data
- Danielle DiFerdinando, founder and creative director, Danielle Nicole
- Arlette Guthrie, vice president of human resources, The Home Depot
- Gene Gsell, former senior vice president and general manager, SAS
- Susan Hart, global retail practice leader, Spencer Stuart
- Gina Iacovone, senior vice president of field operations, BJ’s Wholesale Club
- Karen Katz, board of directors, former president and CEO, Neiman Marcus Group
- Mark Larson, partner, U.S. retail and consumer leader, KPMG
- Jerry O’Brien, executive director, Kohl’s Center for Retailing, University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Matthew Shay, president and CEO, National Retail Federation
- Anne Voller, group vice president of talent acquisition, Macy’s Inc.
- Danielle Wallis, vice president and general manager, client management, national business to business, American Express Company
View the current NRF Foundation Board of Directors.
About NRF
The National Retail Federation is the world’s largest retail trade association. Based in Washington, D.C., NRF represents discount and department stores, home goods and specialty stores, Main Street merchants, grocers, wholesalers, chain restaurants and internet retailers from the United States and more than 45 countries. Retail is the nation’s largest private-sector employer, supporting one in four U.S. jobs — 42 million working Americans. Contributing $2.6 trillion to annual GDP, retail is a daily barometer for the nation’s economy. NRF.com