Having served as President and CEO of High Point Market Authority for 11 years, Tom Conley plans to retire from the position at the end of 2022. Longtime employee and COO Tammy Covington Nagim will succeed Conley in the position by a unanimous vote of the Board of Directors.
Drawing on more than 40 years of experience in the trade fair and association management industries, Conley has led the market authority since 2011. During his tenure, High Point Market has achieved record marks as it has been rebuilt from the economic downturn of 2008, building on its momentum to achieve a diversified presence Buyers become more designer-friendly, and weather a global pandemic, being one of the first big events to come back in person after restrictions begin to loosen.
Throughout his career, Conley has served as president of several associations, including the American Fishing Equipment Manufacturers Association, the National Houseware Manufacturers Association, the Steel Service Center Institute, and the Game Industry Association. He has also worked in association management with International Travel Management Partners, The Sanford Organization, and his own consulting firm, TPC & Associates.
“I’m grateful to have spent the past decade inventing the home furnishings industry and applying my professional expertise to the wonderful work being done at the High Point Market Authority,” Conley shares. “Our role in the industry requires a fair amount of maneuvering between various stakeholders, and I am proud of what our team has been able to achieve. I will cherish the connections I have made within the industry and look forward to staying in touch.”
Says Alex Shuford, Chairman of the High Point Market Authority and CEO of Rock House Farm Family of Brands. The Board of Directors commends him for his years of service in the Market Authority and the home furnishings industry, wishing him success in any future endeavors that he chooses to pursue.
Lead the next HPMA
He will succeed Tammy Najim Conley, as he will assume the position of President and CEO effective January 1, 2023. Appointed as the second employee of the Market Authority, he has served the organization for more than 20 years in various positions and was appointed Chief Operating Officer in 2011.
“Tami’s transition into this role will allow for a smooth continuation of the momentum, while also generating new opportunities. She brings a wealth of corporate knowledge to the position as well as her strategic acumen and deep connections to the industry,” says Shuford. “The board is looking forward to the work we’ll be doing with her.”
“The Market Authority mission has been my focus for the past two decades, but furniture has been in my blood longer, as I grew up around it in Martinsville, Virginia. I also fell in love with the High Point community, so this work is kind of a passion for me,” Najim attached. “I applaud Tom for the successes of the past 11 years and seize the opportunities that lie ahead. My first order of business is to appoint a Vice President of Marketing, so we are starting in 2023.”
Conley’s Final Market is the upcoming 2022 Fall Market, scheduled for October 22-26. Registration will open in late July.
