FDRA Announces New Chairman and Leadership Team (with pic)

FDRA Announces New Chairman and Leadership Team (with pic)

NEW YORK — The Footwear Distributors and Retailers of America (FDRA) today announced the selection of a new leadership team.  Greg Tunney, President, CEO and a member of the board of directors at the RG Barry Corporation, will now serve as the new Chairman of FDRA.  Nick Grayston, SVP and President of Footwear and Home at Sears Holdings, will take the helm as FDRA’s Vice Chairman and Rick Muskat will continue his outstanding work as Treasurer.

Blake Krueger, Chairman, CEO and President of Wolverine Worldwide, had previously served as chairman of FDRA for two years.

“I am honored and humbled to be selected as the new chairman,” said Greg Tunney.  “I’ve thoroughly enjoyed working with Blake these past two years as the vice chairman.  He has done an outstanding job as chairman and I’m eager to build upon his work.  One of my main goals now is to grow our membership and create new innovative services and products for the industry.  I have no doubt we can make that happen.”

IMG_1667   FDRA Chair Greg Tunney speaks at FDRA’s Annual Meeting.
Second to right is FDRA’s new vice chair Nick Grayston and to the far right is FDRA Treasurer Rick Muskat.

“I am proud of all FDRA has accomplished over the past two years,” said outgoing FDRA Chairman Blake Krueger.  “There is no doubt that FDRA is the footwear industry’s indispensable arm in Washington and leader in providing training and intelligence to our companies.  I expect under the strong leadership of Greg, Nick, and Rick, and the day-to-day direction of Matt Priest, FDRA will grow even larger and stronger, benefiting us all.”

“FDRA is extremely fortunate to have almost all of the footwear industry’s leading executives on its board to help guide it,” said Matt Priest, President of FDRA.  “Our outgoing chairman, Blake Krueger, has done an amazing job of helping build the FDRA brand and expand our services and membership base.  I’m excited about our new leadership because I think Greg Tunney will push FDRA to new heights in our advocacy efforts in Washington.  It will also increase our dominance in providing the most in-depth business intelligence and effective services of any footwear trade association.”