ICFA Names New Membership Managers

Furniture World News Desk on 10/31/2024

Jill Schiff and Candy Chase.

The International Casual Furnishings Association has added two membership managers to its staff, one for the West Coast and one for the East Coast.

Candy Chase, who most recently was national sales manager for Treasure Garden, is responsible for the West Coast, and Jill Schiff is covering the East Coast.

Chase has worked in the casual industry for 25 years, getting her start in 1999 as a buyer for California Backyard. She also has worked for three other casual industry retailers: Emigh’s Casual Living, Paddock Pools and Today’s Patio, all on the West Coast. She transitioned to the manufacturing side when she first joined Treasure Garden in 2012.

“I absolutely love this industry and love being involved in it,” Chase said. “I’m so excited to be joining the ICFA team and am looking forward to getting to know the new people that have been coming into the industry. We have so many new faces, and there are a lot of young people.”

In her free time, Chase enjoys hanging out with friends and family, going to movies and traveling. She also has been a passionate volunteer with Rescue a Golden of Arizona for more than 25 years.  

Schiff’s background is primarily with Mercedes-Benz, where she spent 20 years in various roles including sales, education and customer and community relations. She also has a background in interior design.

Schiff began her new role with ICFA on September 1 and attended Fall Casual Market Atlanta. “The industry is so welcoming,” she said. “I met so many people, and everyone was so wonderful and kind. I look forward to getting to know more people and learning more about the industry.”

Schiff relocated from South Florida to Charlotte, N.C., during the pandemic and is enjoying exploring her new city. She describes herself and her husband as foodies, and they like to dine out and socialize with friends and family. They also recently adopted a Bernedoodle named Stanley who is taking up much of their time for now.

Commenting on the appointments, Megan Pierson, chair of the ICFA board and executive vice president of business development at Polywood, said, “I am really excited for Jill and Candy to join the ICFA team. I know both of them will bring the energy and enthusiasm needed in these roles to help grow our association.”

ICFA Executive Director Jackie Hirschhaut agreed and added, “They both have ideal backgrounds for their new roles. Candy knows the industry through and through both on the retail and manufacturing sides, and Jill’s background in the luxury sector will serve her well in the casual industry. And the two of them together make for a formidable team!”

The International Casual Furnishings Association
The International Casual Furnishings Association supports and promotes the growth of the outdoor and casual furnishings industry through professional education, networking and development. It is the only trade organization committed to promoting the sales of its members’ quality products and services. It is a powerful partnership of manufacturers and importers, retailers, sales representatives and designers of outdoor furnishings plus suppliers to the industry. For more information, see www.icfanet.org.