Heelys, Inc. said its board has accepted the resignation of Michael G. Staffaroni, Heelys’ CEO since 2001, effective Friday. Ralph T. Parks, former president and CEO of FootAction USA, will serve as interim CEO. Parks was named to Heelys’ board of directors on January 29, 2008. An executive search firm will be retained to identify a CEO.


“Mike joined Heelys at the company’s inception in 2000 and his contribution has been immeasurable,“ stated Gary L. Martin, chairman of Heelys’ board of directors. “He worked tirelessly to build Heelys into a global brand and was instrumental in the company’s initial public offering.“ Staffaroni will serve as an executive consultant to Heelys for one year to assist with the transition in management.


Parks, who has more than 40 years of experience in the footwear industry, began his career as a sales associate for Kinney Shoes, a division of The Woolworth Corporation now known as Foot Locker, Inc. He joined FootAction USA in 1987 and assumed the role of president and CEO in 1991, where he remained until his retirement. During his tenure, the company grew from 48 stores to a national chain with 565 store locations and sales exceeding $650 million. Parks was inducted into the Sporting Goods Industry Hall of Fame in 2000.


“Heelys is a unique product that’s already changed the youth footwear industry,“ said Parks. “It’s exciting to come aboard and contribute to the company’s growth and expanded product portfolio.“


Also new to Heelys’ executive management team is Don Carroll, who joined the company on January 2, as SVP of Marketing. Carroll brings 20 years of marketing and product development experience to Heelys. Since 2006, he has co-owned Vector2Group, a Dallas-based management consulting firm. Previously, Carroll spent eight years at RadioShack Corporation where he ultimately served as the organization’s first chief marketing and brand officer. His experience also includes six years with Ogilvy and Mather, a leading international advertising, marketing and public relations firm.


The company said its executive additions underscore the company’s long-term strategic brand initiative to position Heelys as the global leader in youth footwear and innovator in healthy lifestyle products for active youth. In early January 2008, Heelys opened a representative office in Qingdao, China, which is the first Heelys-owned operation outside of the U.S.