Debbie Tott, who has served as the executive director of the Flooring Association Northwest (FAN) for the last 19 years has retired. Replacing her is Tish Gasparich, a business operations professional hailing from Boeing Corp. Gasparich began shadowing and training with Tott for the leadership role in July.

 

The announcement was made by Scott Humphrey, CEO of the World Floor Covering Association (WFCA), of which the FAN is one of its many affiliate flooring associations.

Humphrey noted, at a time when many regional trade organizations were shrinking, some even fading from existence, Tott ensured that FAN not only grew but thrived as one of the largest affiliates in the WFCA family. With a membership base consisting of inspectors, installers, retailers and distributors in the Pacific northwest region, Tott was regularly honored for her guidance and dedication at flooring industry events. She was feted most recently at the Ranier Golf & Country Club Fundraiser.

 

While at Boeing, Gasparich worked in business operations and project management, with skills in customer relations and strategic planning. She executed corporate events and logistics globally for the company and oversaw large-scale executive projects.

 

Debbie Tott’s mark on our industry will always be remembered,” Humphrey said. “She is not only an exemplary leader but a tireless and devoted professional who stops at nothing to achieve the goals she sets for her organization and herself. We wish her the very best in her future endeavors." 

 

He added, “I am looking forward to FAN’s continued growth and success under Tish. She is uniquely qualified through her background in business operations to take on this role and I have no doubt our membership base in the Northwest will grow and thrive from her contributions and leadership.”

 

Freida Staten, vice president, recruitment and affiliate relations, WFCA, also commented, “We thank Debbie for her dedication to our organization and we welcome Tish who brings a wealth of business experience and who is highly motivated to grow FAN and take it to the next level.”

 

Tott plans to spend more time with her family and pursue new interests.