Dalton—The World Floor Covering Association (WFCA) unveiled its new board chairman and executive committee members, following its confirmation during a virtual board meeting held on December 15, 2023. Sam O’Krent, CEO of O’Krent Floors in San Antonio, Texas, assumes the role of the 60th chairman of the board, marking the beginning of a new era in the organization’s leadership. O’Krent, embarking on a two-year term, succeeds Dean Howell of Moda Floors & Interiors, Atlanta, Ga., who now takes on the role of immediate past chairman.
“I am honored to serve as the new chair of the WFCA board of directors,” O’Krent said. “I look forward to collaborating with this talented group of individuals as we continue to empower WFCA to serve and represent our flooring industry with impact and significance. In my time with the association, I’ve witnessed various changes and challenges in the industry. Moving forward, I am committed to finding innovative ways to unite our members and collectively address these challenges.”
O’Krent, a seasoned veteran with over 41 years with his family’s 5th generation business, has been at the helm of O’Krent Floors since 1997. Continuing the legacy started by his great grandfather, Samuel O’Krent, in 1915, O’Krent said he prioritizes creating a welcoming environment and adapting the business with new services and technologies. As president and owner, he said he remains committed to offering quality products at fair prices, treating customers like trusted friends and delivering exceptional customer service—a tradition upheld for over 100 years in San Antonio and South Texas. O’Krent Floors is a member of the National Floorcovering Alliance (NFA).
Additionally, the following were elected to serve on the 2024 WFCA Executive Committee:
- Immediate Past Chair: Dean Howell, president, Moda Floors & Interiors
- Chair-Elect: Lauren Voit, president, Great Western Flooring
- CFO/Treasurer: Adam Nonn, president, Nonn’s Kitchen Bath & Flooring
- Secretary: Typhannie Harker, chief executive officer, Carpeting by Mike Inc
- Vice Chair: Janice Clifton, owner of Abbey Carpets Unlimited
The WFCA membership has elected Darren Harrison, vice president of Sunshine Interiors, as the newest addition to the board of directors. The WFCA board of directors comprises industry professionals representing a broad spectrum of interests in the flooring industry. The full list of current board members can be found here.
“I congratulate and welcome our new board members and those returning,” said WFCA CEO, Scott Humphrey. “The WFCA has proudly been member-led and relied upon their unique industry knowledge and leadership strengths to guide the association. Chairman O’Krent, a passionate and dynamic leader, is a prime example of the proven leadership that has sustained our industry’s growth and challenges. We look forward to how he will build off the momentum sustained by immediate past chairman, Dean Howell, tackling current and future challenges. I am confident about the future, our strategic direction and what we can achieve together to drive our industry forward.”