Las Vegas—N. Laurence Nagle has been elected chairman of the Floor Covering Industry Foundation (FCIF) during the organization’s annual meeting here during Surfaces 2004. Nagle, a long-time industry veteran who is in the World Floor Covering Association ( WFCA) Industry Hall of Fame, had been serving as FCIF’s vice chairman. “I am excited and pleased to celebrate my 50th year in the industry at the helm of the FCIF,” said Nagle. “My goal in the near future will be to raise $1 million and help as many people in the industry as possible to get the care and consideration they deserve.”

Since its founding, FCIF has been dedicated to financially assisting those who are, or have been affiliated with the floor covering industry who experience catastrophic illnesses, severe disabilities or other life-altering hardships. In the 24 years of its existence, the Foundation continues to ensure these philanthropic efforts—totaling more than $1.5 million—are accomplished with compassion, confidentiality and preservation of dignity for the individuals concerned. Also at the meeting, Chris Davis, WFCA’s CEO, was elected as president, as well as re-elected to FCIF’s Executive Committee. He had been elevated to FCIF’s chairman position in 2000 following the death of Walter Guinan, who co-founded the non-profit organization in 1980 with key industry people, including FCNews’ editor and publisher, Al Wahnon.

“This is the perfect time and Larry is the perfect guy to lead FCIF,” Davis said of the changing of the guard. “He has proven to be a key catalyst in our efforts to raise both awareness and funds for the Foundation.” “The FCIF has been run superbly by Chris Davis,” Nagle said, “and it will be relatively easy to partner with him to build further on his successful strategy.” In his last act as chairman, Davis recognized Wahnon for his years of dedication and service to the organization by presenting him with the Foundation’s first Chairman’s Award For Lifetime Achievement. The Award reads: “Since its inception, your tireless efforts to promote the FCIF have provided a beacon of awareness and a voice of hope for countless individuals in need.” In addition to Nagle and Davis, the following officers were elected: Alan Greenberg and Howard Brod sky, Co-CEOs of CCA Global Partners, co-vice chairman, and Keith Campbell, chairman of Mannington Mills, secretary/treasurer.

Rounding out the Executive Committee are Jon Logue, co-president and CEO of Carpets Plus/Color Tile; Steve Silverman, president and COO of Abbey Carpet, and FC News’ Wahnon. Along with the offi cers, FCIF’s directors, who serve staggered three-year terms were elected, including three new directors: Sy Cohen, president of Stanton Carpet Corp.; Lori Dowling, CEO of Star-Net, and Ron Dunn, co-president and CEO of CarpetsPlus/Color Tile. Directors re-elected for an additional three-year term were Dan Bernazzani of Liberty Carpet & Flooring Analysis, Jim Gould of Misco Shawnee, Phil Gutierrez of Abbey, Roger Hunt of Floor Covering Consumer Credit Association, and Don Wohlfarth Sr. of Bayar Sales Corp.

Continuing their terms as directors are Dan Frierson of The Dixie Group, Steve Griffith of Invista, Ed Korzcak of the National Wood Flooring Association, Roger Marcus of Congoleum Corp., Ulf Mattsson of Tarkett, Galen Poss of Hanley Wood Exhibitions, Julian Saul and Julius Shaw Jr. of Shaw Industries, Tony Sturrus of Pergo, and Lars von Kantzow of TriCrown Consulting. Finally, Judy Marsh will continue to serve as the Foundation’s executive adminstrator as part of WFCA’s in-kind commitment to manage the organization (FCNews, Jan. 26). For additional information about FCIF or to make a charitable donation, call 714/634-0302.