The Footwear Distributors and Retailers of America (FDRA) announced that Cliff Sifford, vice chairman and CEO at Shoe Carnival, had been selected to serve as its chairman.

Sifford has served in various leadership positions with FDRA and his appointment from FDRA’s vice-chairman was unanimous.

Jennifer Bendall, vice president of government and public affairs at Nike, will serve as FDRA’s vice chairman after having served as treasurer. Josue Solano, CEO, BBC International, was appointed as the organization’s treasurer. FDRA’s most recent past chairman Mike Jeppesen, formerly of Wolverine Worldwide, will serve as an ex-officio member of its Executive Committee.

The new leadership team was approved at FDRA’s March 24 virtual board meeting and took effect on June 1, 2021. The team will guide the footwear industry’s business and trade association over the next two years.

“I am honored to take the helm of our industry’s most effective, innovative and collaborative organization. There has been no greater tool to serve the industry during these unprecedented times than FDRA,” said Sifford.

“I’m honored to have been selected as Vice Chairman. FDRA is of tremendous importance to footwear companies across the globe,” said Bendall “We at Nike understand how important a strong and vibrant trade association is to the overall competitiveness of our industry.”

“Under former chairman Mike Jeppesen’s leadership, FDRA has enhanced its brand and developed into a more robust and professional organization focused on driving value to every member,” said Matt Priest, president and CEO, FDRA. “From the onset of the Trump tariffs to the acquisition of the Fashion Footwear Association of New York (FFANY) to the challenges of navigating a pandemic, Mike lead FDRA through some of our most challenging and transformational times. As our leadership team resets, I’m excited that Cliff Sifford is now taking the reins as chairman. Cliff has been active with FDRA for many years and brings a lifetime of footwear industry leadership to our ranks. I’m also extremely pleased that Jennifer Bendall will continue to serve in our leadership team, now as vice-chairman. Jennifer is an amazing leader providing key knowledge on the political and regulatory challenges our industry faces and effective ways to address those challenges.”

Photo courtesy FDRA