The Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI) board of directors is pleased to announce industry veteran Russ DeLozier will serve as the next president of the CRI, the leading source for science-based information about carpet and whose members represent more than 90 percent of the carpet manufactured in the U.S. Mr. DeLozier will begin his new role at CRI on June 1, 2023, in Dalton, Ga.

“Russ has more than 30 years of experience serving the industry and is a proven leader in corporate sustainability, chemical and floor covering manufacturing, and materials recycling. With his extensive knowledge and dedication to the industry, I am confident Russ will lead the CRI during a pivotal time in our organization’s history,” said Tom Pendley, chair of the board of directors of The Carpet and Rug Institute.

During his career, Mr. DeLozier has held a variety of positions with DOW, Shaw Industries, J+J Flooring, and Engineered Floors where he garnered extensive industry experience, particularly within sustainability and carpet recycling. For the past 12 years, Mr. DeLozier served as a vital leader on the CRI’s EPR panel, where he twice received CRI’s Joseph J. Smrekar Memorial Award in recognition for outstanding volunteer service to the industry.

“Over the course of my career, I have experienced firsthand the critical connections, advocacy, and leadership CRI provides to strengthen the entire carpet industry,” said Russ DeLozier. He went on to say, “I am honored to serve CRI and our members as the next president of the organization and look forward to leading our continuous efforts as the carpet industry’s leading advocate.”

Mr. DeLozier holds a degree in chemical engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology. He resides in Dalton, Ga, with his wife of over 35 years, Kirby. He has 3 grown children and is the proud grandparent of one young grandson.

The search for the CRI president was launched in January 2023 after the retirement announcement of Joe Yarbrough, who has served in the role since March 31, 2014.