Smith To Leave PARA In May 2004
By Staff -- TWICE, 9/1/2003
LOMBARD, ILL.— Deborah Smith, executive director of the Professional Audio Video Retailers Association (PARA), will be leaving the organization after the 2004 conference next May to start her own business.
PARA president John Flanner said in a prepared statement, "Deborah Smith has done an outstanding job over the past 12 years in growing and directing the evolution of PARA. Under Deborah's leadership, PARA has continuously been the Specialty Audio/Video Industry's most important resource for building professionalism and profitability. The PARA board of directors is pleased that we have eight months before Deborah leaves, which gives us plenty of time to research our options and secure the best possible executive director to continue PARA's mission of creating a community of business excellence."
In the same announcement, Smith said, "I have thoroughly enjoyed my tenure at PARA and the opportunity to work with so many excellent and creative people. After nearly 12 years, I am ready to spread my wings in a new direction, with full confidence that PARA will continue to prosper and grow. I also look forward to producing next year's conference, and celebrating PARA's 25th anniversary year."
The 2004 conference will be held at the Camelback Resort in Scottsdale, Ariz., April 21 to 25.
