Aug 5, 2024

Gift for Life appoints Carly McFadden to its Board of Directors

Gift for Life appointed Carly McFadden, editorial director of retail at Great American Media Services, to its Board of Directors.

“We are thrilled to welcome Carly McFadden to our Board of Directors,” said Sarah Mount, Chair of Gift for Life. “Her extensive experience and leadership in the retail sector will enrich our discussions and strengthen our efforts to support HIV/AIDS research, education, and hunger relief.”

McFadden currently serves as Great American Media Services’ Editorial Director of Retail, overseeing the editorial strategy, reporting and production for Gift Shop Plus and Stationery Trends magazines. With a strong background in the specialty retail marketplace and a passion for industry advancement, McFadden brings valuable expertise to the Board.

“I am honored to join the Gift for Life Board of Directors,” said McFadden. “Being part of an organization that supports such important causes resonates deeply with me. I look forward to contributing to Gift for Life’s impactful initiatives and helping to make a difference.”

McFadden succeeds Julie McCallum, former Editorial Director at Great American Media Services, who has departed the publication to pursue entrepreneurial endeavors in the gift and stationery retail sector. McCallum remains a staunch supporter of Gift for Life and has transitioned into an Honorary Board Member role.

Carly McFadden joins a distinguished group of industry leaders committed to advancing Gift for Life’s mission and expanding its reach within the industry.  Its 25 current board members are: Jessica Barile of Design Works Collective; Kelly Bristol of Just Got 2 Have It; Taylor Brunson of Softies; Sheila Charton; Randa Crisler of The Portico Collection, Inc.; Kate Duff of Claxton Consulting; Lindsay Duncan of Patrick & Company; Carolyn Geremia of Beekman 1802; Colleen Hall of C&F Enterprises; Emalee Hoffman of CMA Gifts; Angela Jacobson of AMJ Consulting; Russ Jones of Ivystone; Carlos E. Llanso of Legacy Publishing; Amy Loewenberg of NY NOW at  Emerald X; Ari Lowenstein of Emergent Workshop/Ari’s Pantry; Kim Mancuso-Telford of NY NOW; Carly McFadden of Great American Media Services; Landon Metts of MarketTime; Sarah Mount of ANDMORE; Brittany Rigg of Dallas Market Center; Peter Schauben of  Schauben & Co.; Angela Schmook of Road Runners; Michelle Sherrier of MC Design Collaboration and host of The Retail Whore Podcast; Cathy Steel of Steel Associates; and Lenise Willis of Gifts & Decorative Accessories.