Thursday, July 24, 2025
NWFA (National Wood Flooring Association) has named Stephanie Owen as its new President and CEO. This significant leadership change comes after a thorough selection process led by a volunteer committee and the unanimous approval of the NWFA Board of Directors. Owen, who has been a part of the NWFA team since 2015, takes on the role after having served as interim CEO for several months. Her appointment signals a new chapter for the association, with a continued focus on supporting members and advancing the wood flooring industry.
“We are confident that under Stephanie’s leadership, the NWFA will continue to thrive, strengthening our association and advancing the wood flooring industry,” said Steve Brattin, chair of the NWFA Executive Committee. He expressed the board’s excitement for the future, noting the promise of continued growth and meaningful impact in the industry under Owen’s leadership.
A strong foundation
Stephanie Owen’s journey with the National Wood Flooring Association began nearly a decade ago when she joined the organization in 2015. Over the years, Owen has held various key positions within the NWFA, including Education and Member Engagement Director, Vice President of Education, and Executive Director of the Education and Research Foundation. In these roles, she demonstrated her unwavering dedication to the association’s mission and to supporting the success of its members.
Her previous role as interim CEO provided her with invaluable insights into the operational and strategic needs of the organization. Her experience with the NWFA’s educational initiatives, particularly her instrumental work in developing the NWFA’s online university and the inaugural Leadership Development Summit, has further solidified her position as a respected leader in the industry.
“I’m incredibly honored to step into this role with an organization that has been so meaningful to me, both personally and professionally,” said Owen. “The NWFA is home to passionate members, a dedicated team, and a shared belief in the value of our craft. I’m excited to lead us into the next chapter—focused on growing our impact, supporting our members, and continuing to elevate the wood flooring industry we all care so deeply about.”
Owen’s academic credentials include a Bachelor of Science in Communications and a Master of Science in Education, both earned at Missouri Baptist University. These qualifications, combined with her extensive leadership experience, make her an excellent fit for the role of president and CEO.
Key role of NWFA
The National Wood Flooring Association, headquartered in St. Charles, Missouri, is a prominent not-for-profit organization dedicated to supporting the wood flooring industry. With more than 3,000 member companies worldwide, NWFA’s mission is to educate consumers, architects, designers, builders, and other stakeholders about the uses, benefits, and value of wood flooring. The association’s member companies gain access to valuable resources, including cutting-edge training, technical support, networking opportunities, and industry-leading educational materials.
For over 30 years, the NWFA has served as a central hub for knowledge and expertise in the wood flooring industry, helping its members stay ahead of industry trends, technological advancements, and regulatory changes. As part of its ongoing efforts to raise the professionalism and success of its members, NWFA continually develops new programs and initiatives aimed at enhancing the knowledge base and skill set of those within the industry.
In her new role as president and CEO, Stephanie Owen’s focus will remain on empowering the NWFA’s members with the tools, education, and networking opportunities they need to succeed. She is poised to lead the association into its next phase of growth and development, furthering its mission to advocate for the wood flooring industry and elevate its standing within the global construction and design sectors.
Under Owen’s leadership, the National Wood Flooring Association aims to continue its legacy of innovation in education and professional development. She has already made a significant impact in the area of educational resources, developing programs that cater to the evolving needs of industry professionals. The NWFA’s online university, for example, provides an accessible platform for members to access high-quality training and certifications. Additionally, the Leadership Development Summit, which Owen helped launch, offers valuable leadership training for professionals seeking to advance their careers within the wood flooring sector.
Looking ahead, Owen is committed to expanding these initiatives, ensuring that NWFA members continue to have access to relevant and timely resources to stay competitive in a rapidly changing market. With her deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities within the wood flooring industry, Stephanie Owen is poised to drive the NWFA forward as a leader in education, advocacy, and member support.
Stephanie Owen’s appointment as the president and CEO of the NWFA marks an exciting time for the association and the wood flooring industry as a whole. As she leads the organization into this new era, her passion for the industry, combined with her proven leadership skills, will undoubtedly have a lasting and positive impact on the future of the NWFA and its members. With Owen at the helm, the association is poised to continue its vital role in shaping the future of the wood flooring industry, providing resources and support to help businesses thrive and succeed in an increasingly competitive market.
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