New York, NY – December 4, 2025 – During the Home Fashion Products Association Annual Membership Meeting today, President Charles Gaenslen, in his role of Nominations Chair, announced the 2026 Officers and Board of Directors.
In compliance with its Constitution & Bylaws, the current HFPA Board elected the following Officers for two-year terms, and the Association’s membership elected four new Directors to two-year terms and re-elected five Directors to serve another two-year term starting January 1, 2026.
Leadership (Officers) Transitions:
- Charles Gaenslen, CEO of Loftex, concludes his term as President. He will continue his service as Past President and will assume the role of Treasurer.
- Lexi Schladenhauffen, Chief Marketing Officer of 1888 Mills, has been elected President of HFPA and will also join the HFPA Foundation Board.
- Brian Delp, President (Americas) of Himatsingka, will continue as Vice President and remain President of the HFPA Foundation.
- Jody Folino, a current HFPA Board member, has been elected Vice President, effective January 1.
Newly Elected Board Members:
Irfan Hassan
President & Director, Al-Karam USA
Irfan Hassan leads Al-Karam USA, the North American division of one of South Asia’s largest integrated home-textile manufacturers. With more than 20 years of experience across finance, commercial operations, and brand development, he has expanded Al-Karam’s U.S. footprint, established new business segments, and driven product innovation and sustainability initiatives.
Chip Steidle Jr.
President & CEO, John Ritzenthaler Company
Chip Steidle Jr. heads John Ritzenthaler Company, a historic leader in kitchen textiles, home cleaning products, and chef apparel. Beginning his career on the factory floor of the family business, he rose to CEO and has helped strengthen the company’s market presence across retail, hospitality, and foodservice. A former Chairman of the International Housewares Association, he is respected for his strategic insight and collaborative leadership.
Steve Uretsky
Founder & Chairman, Allied Feather + Down and Allied Home LLC
Steve Uretsky founded Allied Feather + Down in 1987 and has since transformed industry standards through responsible sourcing, transparency, and the creation of the Responsible Down Standard (RDS). He also launched the pioneering RENU closed-loop recycling program. Under his leadership, Allied has grown into a global leader in down processing and home product manufacturing, supplying more than 30 brands worldwide.
Trina Solomon
Vice President of Marketing & Brands, Standard Fiber
As Vice President of Marketing & Brands, Trina Solomon leads product development, design, creative, and packaging teams across Standard Fiber’s U.S. and Shanghai offices. She is a driving force behind the company’s brand strategy and is widely recognized for her collaborative and strategic leadership.
Re-Elected Board Members:
HFPA also announced the re-election of five Directors, each returning for another two-year term beginning January 1:
- Spencer Foley
- Prem Katyal
- Michelle La Rovere
- Andy Petricoff
- Blake Ruttenberg
Remaining Board Members:
Remaining on the Board to complete the second year of their two-year term are:
- Sam Cooper
- Scott Goldstein
- Jeff Kaufman
- Julie McKenzie
- Tom Merriman
- Melissa Murphy
- Brandon Palmer
“As we move into 2026, HFPA is guided by a truly exceptional group of industry leaders. Our Officers, new Directors, and returning Board members reflect the strength, innovation, and collaboration that define the home fashions industry. Their leadership will continue to advance HFPA’s mission and support the evolving needs of our members,” said Incoming HFPA President, Lexi Schladenhauffen.
For more information about HFPA, please visit HFPA – Home Fashion Products Association
