Executive Director

Executive Director

Certified Flooring Installers (CFI)

World Floor Covering Association (WFCA)

About the Organization

The World Floor Covering Association (WFCA) is the flooring industry's largest and most influential trade association, representing the interests of flooring retailers, contractors, installers, inspectors, manufacturers, distributors, and industry professionals across North America.

Certified Flooring Installers (CFI), a division of the WFCA, is the industry's leading installation training, certification, and workforce development organization. CFI is dedicated to elevating installation standards, advancing professional development, and addressing the industry's workforce challenges through education, certification, and strategic partnerships.

Position Summary

The Executive Director serves as the executive and strategic leader of Certified Flooring Installers (CFI), responsible for advancing the organization's mission, driving growth, and strengthening its impact across the flooring industry.

Working collaboratively with the WFCA leadership team, CFI Advisory Board, industry partners, and key stakeholders, the Executive Director will provide vision, leadership, and operational oversight for all CFI programs, training initiatives, certifications, workforce development efforts, partnerships, and financial performance.

This individual will serve as a visible industry ambassador, helping position CFI as the premier source for installation education, certification, and workforce advancement.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and execute the long-term vision, strategic direction, and growth initiatives for CFI.
• Collaborate with the CFI Advisory Board and WFCA leadership to establish priorities, goals, and performance metrics.
• Identify emerging industry needs, trends, and opportunities to ensure CFI remains responsive and relevant.
• Drive innovation in training, certification, workforce development, and member engagement.

Organizational Leadership & Operations

• Provide leadership and oversight for all CFI staff, programs, and daily operations.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, service, and continuous improvement.
• Ensure operational excellence and successful execution of all training, certification, and industry initiatives.
• Develop and implement policies, procedures, and best practices that support organizational effectiveness.
• Lead with a servant-leadership approach that empowers staff, volunteers, trainers, and industry partners to achieve shared goals.
• Foster an environment built on trust, open communication, active listening, accountability, and mutual respect.
• Encourage collaboration across teams and stakeholders while maintaining a strong focus on member and installer needs.

Workforce Development & Industry Engagement

• Lead efforts to address the flooring industry's workforce challenges through training, certification, recruitment, and career pathway initiatives.
• Collaborate closely with the Floor Covering Education Foundation (FCEF), WFCA, manufacturers, distributors, retailers, and industry partners.
• Strengthen relationships with installation professionals, trainers, educators, and industry stakeholders.
• Serve as a spokesperson and advocate for installation excellence and workforce development.
• Build and maintain meaningful relationships with installers, trainers, manufacturers, distributors, retailers, sponsors, and industry leaders.
• Serve as a trusted listener and advocate for the installation community, ensuring stakeholder feedback helps guide program development and strategic priorities.

Financial Management & Resource Development

• Maintain full responsibility for the financial performance and sustainability of CFI.
• Develop and manage annual operating budgets and financial forecasts.
• Identify and cultivate sponsorships, strategic partnerships, grants, and revenue-generating opportunities.
• Ensure responsible stewardship of organizational resources.

Program Development & Education

• Oversee the development, evaluation, and enhancement of all training, certification, and educational offerings.
• Ensure programs align with industry needs and support installer success at all career stages.
• Expand educational pathways that support recruitment, retention, and professional advancement.
• Explore new delivery methods, technologies, and learning opportunities that increase accessibility and engagement.

Board Relations & Governance

• Serve as the primary liaison to the CFI Advisory Board.
• Provide regular updates regarding organizational performance, initiatives, opportunities, and challenges.
• Support effective governance practices and implementation of board-approved strategies.
• Maintain strong working relationships with WFCA leadership, industry partners, and affiliated organizations.

Marketing, Communications & Industry Presence

• Partner with WFCA's marketing and communications team to increase awareness and participation in CFI programs.
• Represent CFI at industry events, trade shows, conferences, training programs, and partner meetings.
• Promote the value of professional installation, certification, and workforce development throughout the industry.
• Serve as a visible and respected leader within the flooring community.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree preferred or equivalent industry experience.
• Demonstrated leadership experience with responsibility for strategic planning, organizational growth, and team leadership.
• Experience working with boards, committees, volunteers, or industry associations preferred.
• Proven success in budget management, business development, sponsorships, fundraising, and revenue generation.
• Strong public speaking, presentation, communication, and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to build consensus and effectively collaborate with diverse stakeholders.
• Passion for workforce development, education, training, and advancing the flooring industry.
• Demonstrated servant-leadership skills with a proven ability to build relationships, develop trust, listen effectively, and bring diverse groups together around a common vision.

Location & Travel

• Position based in Dalton, Georgia.
• Candidate must reside in or be willing to relocate to the Dalton area.
• Travel required approximately 30–40% of the time.