NHPA Announces New Roles Within Leadership Team

In its ongoing efforts to better serve independent home improvement retailers, the North American Hardware and Paint Association (NHPA) is pleased to announce several realignments within its leadership team.

Effective immediately, Scott Wright will assume the role of NHPA’s executive director of content development and executive editor for the Hardware Retailing and Paint & Decorating Retailer media brands.

In this position, Wright will be in charge of shaping the content of NHPA’s editorial products, guiding research development and overseeing a number of the association’s retailer roundtable groups.

“Scott has more than 30 years’ experience with the association, and throughout that time he has developed so many strong relationships with the retailers we serve,” says Dan Tratensek, NHPA’s chief operating officer. “Scott has a keen understanding of the day-to-day challenges retailers face and will undoubtedly elevate the solutions NHPA can provide the community.”

Prior to taking on this new role, Wright most recently served as executive director of NHPA’s advanced education programs. 

“I am honored to step into this new role and continue NHPA’s 124-year legacy of developing and disseminating meaningful content through our media properties that help independent home improvement and paint and decorating retailers become better and more profitable retailers,” Wright says. “This has always been the association’s mission, and my mission will be to see that both Hardware Retailing and Paint & Decorating Retailer continue to lead the industry forward in providing the quality content, actionable ideas and compelling research that our members and readers have come to rely upon to run more successful businesses.” 

Kim Peffley, who has been serving as NHPA’s director of organizational development and consulting, will be stepping into a new position as executive director of educational development and consulting. 

In this new role, Peffley will oversee the association’s advanced education initiatives including the Retail Management Certification Program and Foundations of Retail classes and will be in charge of the growth of the organization’s consulting services and customized educational programs.

Prior to joining NHPA in 2022, Peffley was raised in her family’s retail hardware business, spent time working in education and served as a general manager of a chain of hardware stores in northern Indiana. 

“We are truly fortunate to have someone with Kim’s breadth of experience on our team at NHPA,” says Bob Cutter, NHPA president and CEO. “Not only does she have the experience working within home improvement retailing and truly understanding the demands of the profession, but she has the professional acumen to use that experience to help guide others.”

Peffley says she is deeply honored to step into her new role of executive director of educational development and consulting.

“Reflecting on my 30 years in the industry, from starting as a part-time cashier to now, it fills me with gratitude to give back to the industry that has shaped my life,” Peffley says. “With 25 years in home improvement retailing and five years in consulting, my heart remains with the hardworking hometown stores and their incredible staff. This industry is my passion, and I am so proud to serve and support those who make it truly special.” 

Katie McHone-Jones, who most recently served as NHPA’s director of member services and events, will move into the role of executive director of retail engagement and events. 

In this position, McHone-Jones will be in charge of NHPA’s presence at industry functions, dealer markets and shows, as well as overseeing the Independent Home Improvement Conference and the association’s Retail Ambassador program. 

“Katie brings a wealth of experience managing live events and a great deal of enthusiasm to everything she does,” says Dave Gowan, NHPA chief financial officer. “We are excited for Katie to take on this new role.”

With 15 years of experience as an event professional and eight years of traveling to markets and visiting stores as part of the NHPA team, McHone-Jones says she is eager to bring her expertise in managing live events and passion for the industry to this new position.

“I am thrilled to step into the role of executive director of retail engagement and events at NHPA,” McHone-Jones says. “I look forward to enhancing NHPA’s presence at industry functions and continuing to support the Independent Home Improvement Conference and all the other events we create for the independent channel.”

Additionally, with the hiring of industry veteran Greg Cole as NHPA’s national sales manager, Whitney Mancuso will be stepping into the position of executive director of marketing and industry relations. Mancuso has been with NHPA for 15 years serving in a variety of roles. In her new position, her responsibilities include guiding the association’s branding and marketing efforts, as well as working closely with channel partners to help them develop programs, strategies and communications that will resonate with independent retailers.

“Not only has Whitney helped better position our association and its programs within the market space, her understanding of the channel and marketing insights and acumen will continue to be a valuable resource for our channel partners and companies wanting to connect with independent retailers,” Cutter says. 

In her 15 years with NHPA, Mancuso says she’s had the opportunity to contribute in various roles, gaining a deep appreciation for how the association champions independent retailers.

“I am excited to leverage my experience to enhance our marketing strategies and strengthen our industry relations,” Mancuso says. “Working alongside our talented team and valued partners, I am committed to driving innovation and delivering greater value to the independent retail community.”

In other leadership news at NHPA, Lindsey Thompson has been promoted to the role of managing editor for the association’s media properties and Autumn Ricketts has been promoted to lead graphic designer.

“We are so proud of Lindsey and Autumn and all of their hard work and dedication,” Tratensek says. “Their hard work not only raises the bar on the quality of what we produce at NHPA but helps us fulfill our mission of helping independent retailers run better and more profitable operations.”