The World Floor Covering Association (WFCA) announces the retirement of Chief Operating Officer (COO) Steve Abernathy, effective December 31, 2024. With nearly four decades of leadership in the flooring industry, Abernathy has been a driving force behind transformative initiatives that have strengthened both the WFCA and the broader industry.

In recognition of his exceptional contributions, Abernathy will receive the Tom Jennings Award for Excellence during a ceremony at the WFCA booth (2413) at The International Surface Event (TISE) on Tuesday, January 28 at 4:00 PM. This prestigious award honors his dedication to professionalism, leadership and unwavering commitment to advancing the flooring industry.

Since joining WFCA in 2015 as Vice President of Finance, Abernathy quickly rose through the ranks, becoming Chief Financial Officer and later COO in 2023. He also served as Executive Director of Certified Flooring Installers (CFI), where his leadership built momentum and set a strong foundation for the organization’s growth. By advancing professional training, certification, and collaboration, Abernathy positioned CFI as a cornerstone of workforce development within the flooring industry.

“Steve has provided visionary leadership, spearheading initiatives that have left an enduring impact,” said Scott Humphrey, CEO of WFCA. “His passion for excellence and commitment to the industry’s growth have been a guiding light for all of us. We are grateful for his extraordinary contributions and the legacy he leaves behind.”

Leaders from the WFCA Board reflected on Abernathy’s lasting influence:

“Steve Abernathy embodies the spirit of the Tom Jennings Champion Award through his unwavering commitment to the floor covering industry,” noted Sam O’Krent, chair of the WFCA Board. “His visionary leadership and innovative strategies have driven significant advancements, empowering retailers to thrive in an ever-evolving market. Through his dedication to education and advocacy, Steve has elevated industry standards and fostered collaboration among flooring professionals nationwide. His legacy will continue to inspire excellence, bettering retailers and ensuring a brighter future for the entire industry.”

“Steve is a talented leader whose integrity built trust and credibility throughout our industry,” said Dean Howell, past chair of the WFCA Board. “His unmatched attention to detail made him an exceptional problem solver and strategic thinker. Steve’s contributions to WFCA have been transformative, and while we will miss his leadership, we wish him all the best for an active and fulfilling retirement.”

“I have had the privilege of serving alongside Steve on several boards, and his calm, calculated approach to leadership has always impressed me,” added Deb DeGraaf, past chair of the WFCA Board. “His expertise in financial matters and his consistent, thoughtful decision-making have made a lasting impact on our industry. Steve’s passion for driving positive change and his immense knowledge have truly made a difference.”

Career Highlights

Abernathy’s career has been defined by his ability to combine visionary thinking with actionable strategies, driving growth and innovation across WFCA entities. His efforts have ensured the sustained success of key initiatives, including the Floor Covering Education Foundation (FCEF), strategic acquisitions, and advancements at CFI.

Driving Growth at CFI: He led the relocation of CFI’s headquarters to Dalton, Georgia, positioning it at the heart of the flooring industry. Enhanced CFI’s training and certification programs, laying the groundwork for long-term growth and solidifying its role in workforce development.

Advancing Industry Advocacy: As a founding board member of FCEF, he spearheaded efforts to address the installer shortage and served as interim executive director in 2020, guiding key initiatives to recruit and train new professionals.

Expanding WFCA’s Reach: He oversaw the integration of NFIC and FCITS in 2024, significantly enhancing WFCA’s education and certification offerings and strengthening its position as a leader in workforce development.

Pioneering Innovation at Shaw Industries: He spent 28 years implementing forward-thinking strategies that enhanced digital and retail solutions, laying the foundation for his future leadership in the flooring industry.

A Legacy of Impact

Abernathy's contributions to major projects such as FCEF, the acquisitions of NFIC and FCITS, and relocating CFI's headquarters to Dalton, Georgia, have left an indelible mark on the flooring community.

Reflecting on his career, Abernathy said: “I am honored to have been part of such a vibrant and dynamic industry. The relationships I’ve built and the opportunities to drive meaningful change have been the most rewarding aspects of my career. I look forward to seeing the continued growth and success of the flooring community.”