NEW YORK, NY (JUNE 1, 2021) – Jeff Kaufman, Home Fashion Products Association (HFPA) President and
President/COO of Avanti Linens announced that he would be stepping down from his role as HFPA
President, effective June 1, but will serve on the board as a director. Filling Kaufman’s unexpired term
will be HFPA Vice President Charles Gaenslen, CEO, Loftex Home LLC.
“HFPA is the organization it is today because of Jeff’s leadership and vision,” said Gaenslen. “He went
above and beyond the call of duty for us, and we owe him a debt of gratitude.”
Kaufman has served as HFPA’s President for the past six years, assuming the role in 2015. Under his
leadership HFPA has helped its members navigate trade and tariff issues, changes to New York
showrooms and the home textile industry following the COVID-19 pandemic, including the introduction
of the HFPA Virtual Market Week. As President, Kaufman represented HFPA on Capitol Hill in 2019,
testifying in front of the 301 Committee of the USTR regarding proposed tariffs.
“Jeff has been a steadfast leader of HFPA for a long-time, both as a board member and as President,”
said James Brannigan, Executive Director of HFPA. “We have seen tremendous growth under Jeff, and
he leaves the organization in a better position than it was in when he joined. We are looking forward to
the next chapter with Charles as our president and are grateful to be able to continue to tap into Jeff’s
knowledge and experience as past president.”
For more information on the association and events, visit www.homefashionproducts.com.
About HFPA:
The Home Fashion Products Association (HFPA®) serves to advance the growth of the global home
fashion Industry by setting standards for excellence through technical product compliance, advocacy,
and awareness efforts. Since 1968, HFPA has been a leading association providing members information, advice, and action on regulations governing U.S. trade policies, and on key state and federal legislative issues. HFPA establishes uniform market dates and promotes best practice for high product standards in its industry. Members include companies that manufacture, market, or supply for window, bedding, bath, table linens, kitchen textiles, floor and wall coverings, allied products, accessories and services. The HFPA Foundation supports students of home fashion surface design and marketing and has awarded multiple annual scholarships since 1996. For further information, please contact HFPA headquarters at 212-297-2189.
About Kellen:
Kellen is a global leader in association services, conference planning, communications, regulatory affairs,
and public affairs, serving more than 140 trade associations, professional societies and charitable
organizations worldwide. Its partner organizations represent over 10,000 companies and 100,000
professionals globally across industries and professions. Founded in 1964, Kellen maintains seven
international offices, located in Atlanta, Beijing, Brussels, Chicago, New York, and
Washington, DC. For more information, visit www.kellencompany.com.
