by She succeeds Rawson Haverty Jr. who is retiring March 31
ATLANTA — Havertys has named Katie R. Mendolera senior vice president, strategic development and real estate.
In this role, she succeeds Rawson Haverty, Jr., who announced his retirement last year.
Mendolera comes to the company from Truist Securities, where she was managing director, consumer and retail banking for more than two and a half years. Before that, she worked for SunTrust Robinson Humphrey for more than 15 years, in roles such as managing director, Southeast corporate banking, director energy investment banking, vice president and associate, energy investment banking.
In her new role with Havertys, she will oversee all aspects of real estate management, including store expansion, relocations and improvements along with other strategic developments.
She reports to Richard B. Hare, executive vice president and chief financial officer.
“We are pleased to welcome Katie to the Havertys team,” Hare said. “She assisted Havertys in key transactions including a $70 million sale-leaseback of three distribution facilities at the beginning of the COVID pandemic in May 2020 and an increase and extension of our $80 million revolving credit facility in October 2022. Our previous working relationship with Katie and her knowledge of our business ensures a continued focus on executing on our strategies for future growth.”
Rawson Haverty is retiring effective March 31, marking the end to a 40-plus year long career with the retailer.
He began as a salesperson 1982 and joined the real estate team two years later. Having held several leadership roles for the company, he was named senior vice president, real estate and development in 1998. He was credited with overseeing the opening of more than 100 stores along with the transformation of the company’s distribution facilities and the investment of more than $100 million in executing a strategy that updated stores in line with customer expectations.
Due to his interest in sustainability, he also helped the company’s HVTerra program, which focuses on energy efficiency and waste reduction, thus setting the foundation of the company’s sustainability efforts for the future.
He has also been a director since 1992 and will continue to serve on the board.
Clarence H. Smith, chairman and CEO, said “Rawson has made extraordinary contributions to Havertys. We will miss his passion and deep dedication to the culture and legacy of our company. We wish Rawson the very best upon his retirement.”
