ASSOCIATION STAFF

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Kevin D. Steele

Kevin assumed the role of Executive Director of the Arkansas Homefurnishings Association in January of 2023. He first joined the Association in August of 2017 as the Sales and Marketing and Government Relations Manager and was promoted to Assistant Director in 2020.

Previously he served as the Military & Veterans Liaison for the Office of the Arkansas Secretary of State. During his time at the Secretary of State’s office, he served as a conduit working with veterans’ organizations, individual veterans and their families throughout the state. He was also instrumental in bringing government, military, and veteran leaders together to enhance the livelihood of the military/veteran communities in the State of Arkansas. He has a working knowledge of the Capitol and a network of connections with elected officials across the state.

Kevin is a United States Navy Veteran and received his Bachelor of Science in Journalism/Public Relations from Arkansas State University. He has been a member/board member of numerous professional, veteran, and civic organizations. Currently he is a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion, Arkansas Society of Professional Lobbyists (ASPL), serves on the Executive Board of the Arkansas Society of Association Executives (ASAE) and serves as a Board Advisor for Camp Alliance Inc.

Kevin lives in Little Rock with his wife, Lydia, and teenage twins Harrison and Savannah.

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MANAGER OF MEMBER SERVICES

Todd Gerdes

Todd has been a member of the Arkansas Homefurnishings Association for over 20 years and he joined our staff in January of 2023. He is a veteran in the furniture Industry with over 41 years of experience and knowledge, working in Arkansas, Missouri, Kansas, Texas, Utah, Nevada, Colorado, Nebraska, Wyoming, Idaho and Montana. Todd is the Southern Board Chair for IHFRA and loves his role working with the Arkansas Roadrunners.

Todd grew up in rural Nebraska helping his father and grandfather on the farm. In 1968 his father opened his first furniture store in Lincoln, Nebraska, and that’s when Todd began his life in the furniture industry. 

Todd attended the University of Nebraska, the University of Colorado, and the University of Utah. He was a Foreign Exchange student to Norway. 

Todd and his wife Lisa live in Conway and are active members of their church. They have 2 children and 3 grandchildren. 

Todd’s favorite definition and motto for success is, that you are a true success when you help others to be successful. This motto is what drew Todd to the Arkansas Homefurnishings Association. The members of the ARHFA actively reach out to help others in the furniture industry to help them better themselves. No matter where they live, next door or across the country. 

If you have any questions about membership or programs offered by the Arkansas Homefurnishings Association feel free to stop by our office in Little Rock or contact Todd at 501-733-1587.

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OFFICE MANAGER

Donna Strickland

Donna Strickland has served the Arkansas Homefurnishings Association since 1992. Donna plays an important role in the day-to-day operations and has served as Office Manager since 2001. Donna and her husband, Tony, live in southwest Little Rock where they have raised two sons and a daughter and now have three grandsons and three granddaughters. Donna enjoys spending time with her family, reading, playing pool and traveling.

For any questions concerning the Associations’ benefits, costs, programs or events – please don’t hesitate to call Donna.

EMAIL DONNA