Diane Carnevale Jones stepping down as GHTA executive director

GHTA board of directors seeking for replacement

Home Accents Today Staff -- Home Accents Today, 8/12/2011 3:36:28 PM

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Effective Sept. 15, Diane Carnevale Jones will step down as executive director of the GHTA to concentrate on building her new business, the Carnevale Jones Group, the assn. announced.

Her firm provides strategic products and services to clients, both within and outside of the Gift and Home industry.

"Heartfelt thanks to Diane for her many years of service to the GHTA," said Marc Rice, president of the GHTA. "On behalf of the organization, I wish her much success in her new venture. Diane was a joy to work with."

"Under her watch, the GHTA accomplished many of its goals," Rice continued. "Without Diane's tenacity and enthusiasm, I'm not sure we would have accomplished as much as we have with the GHTA. On behalf of the entire organization, I wish her much success in her new venture."

"I have a passion for the industry and have enjoyed my relationship with the GHTA," Jones said. "I look forward to participating in the GHTA as a member."

Since assuming the GHTA executive director position in 2007, Jones has worked with several boards to help grow the GHTA and launch new benefits, including industry health insurance, corporate discounts, First Friday webinars, the Brandwise Gift and Home Index, networking receptions, programming at trade shows nationwide, and a public policy program to monitor laws that affect the industry.

During Jones' time, the GHTA also designed a new website, voted to bring in retailers as members, designed a retailer web site, enhanced its annual conference, started a "Give Back" charitable program and the "Lunch and Learn" concept, and was named a sponsor of the AmericasMart Icon Honors.

The GHTA board of directors is currently evaluating candidates interested in the executive director position, according to a press release from the assn.

"The GHTA is working on marketing its existing programs and is nearly ready to announce a major new initiative, which the incoming executive director will be very involved with," said Beth Lang, chairman of the GHTA board. "We envision a bright future for the GHTA and the gift and home industry."

For more information about the GHTA, call 877-600-4872, or visit www.giftandhome.org.