GMDC names 2020 board of directors

GMDC|Retail Tomorrow has elected a new board of directors. The Colorado Springs, Colo.-based retail trade association has named UNFI corporate vice president of HBC/GM merchandising Patty Fishman the board's chair and added members from both retailers and suppliers. 

“The retail industry has experienced an unprecedented transformation in recent years, and GMDC|Retail Tomorrow is well positioned to usher retailers and consumers alike into a new phase of growth,” Fishman said. “As the organization celebrates its 50th anniversary — a significant milestone in the industry — I am honored to chair the board for GMDC|Retail Tomorrow, an innovation-first association helping to connect people and companies to opportunities for growth.”

Other newly elected members include:

•    Amy McAnarney, vice president/general manager, Hallmark Cards;
•    Derek Winters, vice president of sales, Willert Home Products;
•    Gayle Shields, vice president, Southeastern Grocers;
•    Mariya Zorotovich, director of responsive retail strategy and incubation, Intel; and 
•    Tom Rinck, director of customer and industry development, GSK Consumer Healthcare

The 2020 board’s tenure also coincides with the organization’s 50th anniversary. Since it was founded in 1970 by Fran Willmes of Spartan Stores, the GMDC|Retail Tomorrow said it has grown to become a trusted retail advisor, supplying them with resources, data, research and insights to drive growth. 

“As we celebrate our 50th anniversary, we honor the past while remaining focused on innovating for the future,” said Patrick Spear, president and CEO of GMDC|Retail Tomorrow. “The wealth of expertise that Patty and our incoming board members bring to our board of directors will strengthen our mission of helping retailers adjust their strategies to better engage with the evolving consumer while adapting to the trends and technologies that will shape the industry for decades to come."