Nov 9, 2023

Gift for Life adds to board of directors

Industry charitable organization Gift for Life added two newcomers — Kim Mancuso-Telford, general manager for NY NOW, and Kate Duff of Claxton Consulting — to its 24-member board of directors.

“We’re delighted that Kate and Kim have joined the GFL Board. We welcome the energy, expertise and customer-centric approach they each bring to our ranks,” said Ari Lowenstein, chair of Gift for Life. “We look forward to both of these newcomers playing an active role not only in raising Gift for Life’s industry profile, but also in expanding its impact.”

Kate Duff is the founder of Claxton Consulting, a solutions partner to the home and gift industry, offering strategic guidance and operational expertise. She brings years of sales, business development and management experience from her time at Pomegranate, Archipelago Botanicals, 3FLOZ and Vizability.

“After all these years in the gift industry and seeing all the good that Gift for Life has done, I’m thrilled to be joining the board,” said Duff. “I am looking forward to rolling up my sleeves and helping wherever I can!”

Kim Mancuso-Telford is the general manager for NY NOW, leading the team in the evolution of a wholesale event and marketplace. On a mission to better service the retail industry, she is passionate about developing and motivating teams, building community and creating unique opportunities for clients.

“I’m excited to be joining the Gift for Life Board of Directors and supporting this incredible organization,” said Mancuso-Telford. “It is a privilege that ignites my passion to advocate for meaningful change and give back to the community.”

In addition to welcoming the two newcomers, Gift for Life also bid a fond farewell to former chairman, Matthew Katzenson of Fine Lines and Nancy Michael of the International Housewares Association, who are stepping down after decades on the board.

“We want to offer our heartfelt thanks to Matt Katzenson, who was a former chair of Gift for Life, and Nancy Michael for their many years of service,” Lowenstein said. “Their leadership, passion, energy and fundraising efforts helped to shape the organization and make it the charitable powerhouse it is today.”

The Gift for Life board of directors is now comprised of 24 leaders in the gift, home and stationery industries. Members are: Jessica Barile of Design Works Collective; Kelly Bristol of Just Got 2 Have It; Maureen Carpenter of The Queen’s Jewels; Sheila Charton of Springboard Futures; Randa Crisler of The Portico Collection, Inc.; Cole Daugherty of Dallas Market Center; Kate Duff of Claxton Consulting, Wes Hardin of Diverse Marketing; Emalee Hoffman of Orange Circle Studio/Studio Oh!; Angela Jacobson of Stephen Joseph; Russ Jones of Ivystone; Amy Loewenberg of NY NOW + SF NOW, Emerald X; Ari Lowenstein of Emergent Workshop/Ari’s Pantry; Julie McCallum of Gift Shop Plus; Kim Mancuso-Telford of NY NOW; Landon Metts of MarketTime; Sarah Mount of ANDMORE; Andrea Padilla of Transpac; Fred Rosenkampffof The Link Companies; Peter Schauben of Schauben & Co.; Angela Schmook of Road Runners; Cathy Steel of Steel Associates; Crystal Vilkiatis of Crystal Media; and Lenise Willis of Gifts & Decorative Accessories.