by Executive will be succeeded by Tammy Nagem, long-time HPMA executive and current chief operating officer
HIGH POINT – Tom Conley, president and CEO of the High Point Market Authority for the past 11 years, is retiring from the position at the end of this year and will be succeeded by Tammy Nagem, an industry veteran and current chief operating officer who has been with the Market Authority since its inception more than 20 years ago.
Conley has led the organization since 2011, including during some of its most challenging times, following both the 2008 economic downturn and during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Throughout his decades-long career, he also has served as president of several associations including the American Fishing Tackle Manufacturers Association, the National Housewares Manufacturers Association, the Steel Service Center Institute and the Toy Industry Association. In addition, he worked in the association management field with International Travel Management Partners, The Sanford Organization and his own consulting firm, TPC & Associates.
“I’m thankful to have spent the last decade leaning into the home furnishings industry and applying my career experience to the great work being done at the High Point Market Authority,” Conley said. “Our role within the industry requires a fair amount of juggling amongst our various stakeholders, and I’m proud of what our team has been able to accomplish. I will cherish the contacts I’ve made within the industry and look forward to staying connected.”
Alex Shuford III, chair of the High Point Market Authority Board of Directors and CEO of the Rock House Farm Family of brands, commended Conley for his many years of service to the industry.
“Tom’s ability to strategically assess a scenario and then align the players to drive results has left High Point Market well-positioned for continued growth,” Shuford said. “The board of directors commends him for his years of service to the Market Authority and the home furnishings industry, wishing him success in whatever future endeavors he chooses to pursue.”
Conley’s final Market is the upcoming Fall 2022 Market, scheduled for October 22-26.
Nagem will succeed Conley and become president and CEO Jan. 1, 2023. She has been with the organization for more than 20 years in various roles, becoming chief operating officer in 2011.
“Tammy’s transition into this role will allow for a seamless continuation of momentum, while also generating new opportunities,” Shuford said. “She brings a wealth of institutional knowledge to the position in addition to her strategic acumen and deep industry connections. The board of directors looks forward to the work we will do together with her.”
Nagem said she looks forward to serving in her new leadership role.
“The mission of the Market Authority has been my focus for the past two decades, but furniture has been in my blood for much longer, having grown up around it in Martinsville, Va.,” she said. “I’ve also fallen in love with the High Point community, so this work is a bit of a passion project for me. I applaud Tom for the successes of the past 11 years and am embracing the opportunities that lie ahead. My first order of business is to hire a vice president of marketing so we hit the ground running in 2023.”
