Executive Committee Also Selects Kathy Fedman-Zalkin as Chief Marketing Officer
Omaha, NE, August 7, 2016 – The North American Association of Uniform Manufacturers and Distributors (NAUMD) today announced the appointment of Steve Zalkin, formerly head of Alamar Uniforms, as its new President. Zalkin succeeds Neal Waters, who passed away last month after a brief battle with cancer. In addition, the association named Kathy Fedman-Zalkin Chief Marketing Officer.
The hirings break new ground for the 84-year-old organization. Zalkin is the first dealer to lead the association as president; Fedman-Zalkin is the first women to assume a managerial role in its day-to-day operations.
The husband and wife duo are no strangers to the uniform industry or NAUMD. Steve’s involvement dates back to 1983, when he worked for Omaha-based Pioneer Uniforms. He launched Alamar Uniforms in 1987, and together with Kathy, grew the business into a successful regional entity before selling the stores in 2016. Steve was also active in a number of NAUMD committees, including the Dealer Distributor Committee, and served as Chairman from 2010-2012. Both were mainstays of the association’s annual convention and trade exhibition.
“Steve and Kathy are a natural fit for NAUMD,” said Brian Garry, the association’s current Chairman and head of the Executive Committee. “They bring years of business experience and industry know-how, and have a keen understanding of what works -and what doesn’t – from a member perspective.
They’ve also built strong relationships, and that will be invaluable as NAUMD moves forward.”
“As former members, we understand the high expectations that come with paying dues. You want programs that grow your knowledge base to better run your business; you want to gain as much from the association as you can,” said Fedman-Zalkin. “Our job now is to get things for the association, to provide more value and build upon the initiatives started under Neal Waters and the Executive Committee.”
Team Zalkin, as they affectionately refer to themselves, will spend their first days reacquainting themselves with programs, vendors, and members. They plan to share their evolving vision for the NAUMD by late Fall. “My management style isn’t to ‘shake things up’,” noted Steve Zalkin. “I have an open door policy, and am always eager to sit down and talk with people to gain a better understanding of their needs.”
Look for updates and a profile on Steve and Kathy Zalkin in an future issues of The Pulse, the association’s weekly newsletter. Additional information can also be found on the NAUMD website, www.naumd.com
