Ridgefield, Conn.—Following an exhaustive search, Jeanne Matson was selected to succeed Lori Dowling as president and CEO of StarNet Commercial Flooring Cooperative. It takes effect at the start of the year.

At the group’s spring meeting, Dowling announced her intentions to retire at the end of the year following eight years as head of the industry’s largest network of independent contractors ( FCNews, May 15-22). Dowling promised to stay on board and work closely with Matson to make the transition seamless.

Matson is a highly seasoned senior executive with over 25 years of experience at senior-level positions within Proctor & Gamble (P&G), most recently as general manager for its professional business division.

Her most recent responsibilities with P&G included overseeing the marketing, sales and educational activities within the organization. She was personally responsible for launching several key consumer brands, as well as managing the company’s distribution channel of independent, entrepreneurial owners. She currently resides in Darien, Conn., with her family, is active within her community and sits on several boards for local service organizations.

Bob Sabosik, president of M.E. Sabosik Associates and chairman of StarNet’s board, called Matson “a strategic thinker. Her unassuming manner and strong relationships, both with business associates and clients, set her apart. As she moves from her industry to ours, we look forward to her leadership in taking the StarNet organization to the next level of success.”

In identifying her initial goal upon stepping into the role, Matson said, “My top priority is to meet with all of StarNet’s members, vendors and business partners in the coming months.”

StarNet currently has 150 members doing business in 230 of the top markets across North America. They have a combined annual volume of $2 billion.

For more information on StarNet call 800.787.6381.