Joe Yarbrough has been selected to lead the Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI) as president. He will begin his duties March 31, replacing current president Werner Braun, who is retiring.

Yarbrough comes to CRI from Mohawk Industries, where he most recently served as senior vice president for advanced manufacturing engineering. Earlier in his career, he spent six years with Coronet Industries and was later vice president for manufacturing for Aladdin Mills when that company merged with Mohawk in 1994.

David Jolly, president and CEO of J&J Flooring Group and current CRI board chairman, says the CRI board of directors is very pleased to welcome Yarbrough as the next president of the CRI. "With his 40-plus years of carpet industry experience, Joe brings an unprecedented array of knowledge, experience, and insight regarding our customers, markets, and opportunities." 

An active supporter of CRI's volunteer leadership, Yarbrough is a current member and immediate past-chairman of CRI's Strategic Issues Leadership Council. According to Jolly, Yarbrough's depth of experience with CRI will benefit the organization as well as the industry as a whole.

"With Joe there will be no ramp-up time in assuming his duties, as he is very knowledgeable of the CRI mission, staff, and goals," he said. 

A Georgia native, Yarbrough has resided in Dalton since 1972. He and his wife, Nanette, have five children and eight grandchildren. He is an active member of Grove Level Baptist Church and participates in a number of humanitarian and industry organizations, including Ross Woods Adult Day Services. He is also a member of the board of Carpet America Recovery Effort (CARE), chairman of the state board of the Technical College System of Georgia, and member and past chairman of the Greater Dalton Chamber of Commerce. He also serves on the board of commissioners for Dalton Utilities.

"I sincerely look forward to working with the CRI member companies and their representatives and the dedicated CRI staff in order to advance the mission and objectives of this great organization, while helping everyone recognize the excellence and value of the products our industry is sending to market," Yarbrough said.