It was announced today that Patricia Flavin, Senior VP of Marketing for Beaulieu of America, has accepted the position of Vice Chairman for the Marketing Issues Committee of the Carpet and Rug Institute. Ms Flavin is the first woman to hold a chairmanship in the history of the non-profit trade association started in the mid-1970’s. CRI represents 95% of all carpet made in the United States.

In her role as Senior VP of Marketing since 2007, Ms Flavin was part of the team that introduced the highly successful Bliss brand for Beaulieu at the industry’s premiere trade show Surfaces in 2008. Ms Flavin is a strong proponent of marketing to women – the group that controls over 85% of all purchase decisions for the home – and is the basis for the Bliss brand. In addition to her duties at Beaulieu, she conducted an educational seminar for dealers on the topic at Surfaces 2009.

Ms Flavin was born in Dublin, Ireland and holds a degree in Marketing. Beginning her career in public relations, she went on to become a successful entrepreneur in health, beauty and jewelry with her own product lines she promoted on home shopping channels. She is married and the mother of four.