Gary started his career in footwear working retail at Nordstrom in 1970. His first road job came in 1986 with Candies Footwear. Now Gary represents NAOT, Spring Boost, and KLOGS USA. He served as SATA's Vice President for 18 months, working with all committees, and was elected president in November 2007.

Tom is the third generation of Armbrusters to be a wholesale representative in the shoe industry. He's been in the business for 25 years and believes it is important to "give back" to make sure the industry remains a great way for others to support their families. He has been self-employed, a company employee, and had his own agency. Tom has served on the Board of Directors of Michigan Shoe Travelers for many years.

Born and raised in Cincinnati, Terry started her shoe career in the purchasing department at U.S. Shoe. After experience in various departments, she went out on the road for the Joyce Division in CA. She's been a wholesale rep for 20 years, traveling the NW and Hawaii while based in Portland, OR (married to an ex-flight attendant for 15 of them). She laughs that she has experienced it all, self-employed and as a company employee. Terry started getting involved in the Portland regional show as a board member and just finished a term as President. She got involved with SATA because our industry is ever changing and we need each other's support to remain a vital part of the industry.

Chuck spent six years as a department store buyer in Dayton, OH, and the past 27 years traveling in the upper midwest. He has been married to the same lady for 33 years, and they have three great 'kids,' ages 32,29, and 26. His involvment with SATA has given him a renewed enthusiam for this industry and a greater appreciation for the many professionals he proudly associates with.

Gina has spent 25 years in the shoe business. For the last nine years, she has been on the wholesale side of the business, working for California Magdesians. Gina is responsible for the Nordstrom Stores on the West Coast and all independents in the Pacific Northwest.

Mona has been in the shoe business for 25 years. She started her career managing the SouthWest Shoe Expo. Now she is the SouthWest Shoe Expo Executive Director, and she represents G.O. Max in the Midwest and Southwest.

Jim has been in the shoe business for the last 40 years, 30 of them in retail in his family's chain of shoe stores in Illinois. The last 10 years, he's been traveling for Bellini Shoes, and most recently for Arteffects Footwear. Newman is a charter member of the Board of Directors of the Shoe & Accessory Travelers Association.

Jim took a slightly different path into the shoe industry: a recession during which the best job a 25-year-old high school grad with experience as a drug store manager could find was selling shoes at 10% commission. He still finds it fun 23 years later. Jim was on the WSA board for 4 years before joining SATA and finds it very exciting and rewarding to be able to find ways to improve the shoe industry for both the shoe traveler and the retailer.

Jim McCabe began his career in the shoe business at Gimbel's Department Store, first as a department manager, then as a buyer. Jim's first road job was with Brown Shoe Co. and later worked for Nine West Group before joining Consolidated Shoe Co. in 1992. He now works for Harbor Footwear. He has served on other boards such as B&STA of NY, and is past president of the Westfield Jaycees.

Jim took an unlikely path to the shoe industry. In the early 80's he was building and remodeling houses. As interest rates soared, business fell. His brother Steve, in the shoe business with a southern territory for Spot-bilt and Saucony, asked if Jim might consider joining him. Some 24 years later, Jim looks back on fortunate timing as he continues to work for Saucony and has had the great experience of working with his brother through all that time. He has thoroughly enjoyed his time on the board, and has simple advice for other travelers: get involved.

Greg started in the shoe business at age 16 in his father's shoe store and has now been in the wholesale end for about 25 years. He's been on the Board of Directors of the Michigan Shoe Travelers for many years, and as their past president, he remains on the board and has a strong dedication to the travelers to make sure it is a show with integrity.

Robbie started traveling in 1977 in New England and Upstate NY before moving to the Midwest. Currently, he lives in Overland Park, Kansas (KC area) with his wife and 3 grown children. Robbie represents Eastland Shoe Company (20+ years) and The Combs Company/Rafters & Bogs (15 years). He also currently sits on the NWST (MN) board and runs two other shoe shows, Kansas City and Lincoln, NE. With all Robbie's years of experience, his presence on the SATA board can help create ways for our industry to stay strong and remain solid in the years ahead.

Danny Lakin is employed by Omni Footwear Group, which includes Kimel, Na*Na, AWOL and Sue Wong. He began traveling more than 30 years ago with DESCO Shoe Corporation, starting in New York as a trainee. He later joined L.J. Simone, covering the Northeast, and then worked for eight years for Chainson Footwear. In his current position, he is both executive vice president and Northeast sales rep. Lakin is a past president and current Show chairman of the Boot & Shoe Travelers of New York, a past regional vice president of the Two Ten Foundation and past executive VP of the Bureau of Wholesale Sales Reps.