The Business and Institutional Furniture Manufacturers Association (BIFMA) on Aug. 25 announced the planned retirement of President and CEO Deirdre Jimenez later this fiscal year, concluding a leadership tenure marked by the advancement of industry standards, expansion of member engagement, and a strengthened industry influence. The association is initiating a search to identify its next leader. The transition timeline will be determined once the successful candidate is identified.
During her tenure, BIFMA helped the industry navigate significant challenges while continuing to advance critical initiatives to strengthen the association and its value to the marketplace. These initiatives introduced new industry standards, modernized existing standards, expanded outreach audiences, built educational programs, and elevated the association’s flagship 360 Leadership Conference. “It’s been an honor to lead BIFMA and serve the members and the industry through initiatives designed to elevate the association, expand its impact, and broaden its reach.” said Jimenez “I am grateful to have been part of the association and working with a community of dedicated industry volunteers, Board of Directors, and the BIFMA team. I am proud of what we have accomplished together and confident that BIFMA is well-positioned to continue advancing the industry and delivering value to its members.”
“Deirdre has provided strategic and operational leadership in promoting BIFMA to the industry and marketplace.” said Brian Krenke, KI President & CEO and BIFMA Board Chair. “Her experience as both an architect and interior designer influenced her vision. She brought a fresh perspective to the association and helped to position our industry not simply as manufacturing, but as a design driven sector that shapes the future of work and the built environment. We thank Deirdre for her insights and commitment to the industry.”
The Board of Directors remains committed to ensuring a smooth leadership transition while continuing to advance BIFMA’s strategic priorities and service to members. The BIFMA Board has formed a selection committee and has retained Vetted Solutions, an executive search firm that specializes in associations and nonprofit organizations.
The executive position profile is posted on BIFMA’s website. Interested parties may submit their resume directly to bifmaceosearch@vettedsolutions.com
About BIFMA
BIFMA is the leading non-profit furniture trade association in North America with members from around the world. Founded from the call to define uniform product standards for the industry, BIFMA has served as the voice of the commercial furniture industry since 1973 and is now the recognized source for managing and developing furniture standards that embody safety, ergonomics, health, sustainability, and performance that support buyer and specifier communities in making informed furniture selection decisions.
BIFMA further supports the industry providing market data, thought leadership, and industry outreach celebrating design and innovation in recognition of the significance furnishings play in the places we learn, work, heal, and live through product registries, sustainability certification, statistics reporting, government relations, industry promotion, education, networking, and trade development programs.