HIGH POINT, N.C. — WithIt has appointed Cheryl Dobbins Hege to the role of director of advancement and marketing, tasked with strengthening industry partnerships and sponsorships, growing membership and engagement, and expanding the organization’s visibility and reach.
Dobbins Hege brings more than 15 years of home furnishings industry experience spanning partnership development, sponsorships, marketing, public relations and communication. She spent six years with Andmore as senior marketing manager, leading marketing and engagement initiatives for High Point and Las Vegas markets, working closely with designers, showrooms, retailers and industry partners. Earlier in her career, Dobbins Hege worked with McNeill Communications, a public relations and marketing agency representing home furnishings companies, where she supported High Point Market clients.
Dobbins Hege also spent six years as a WithIt corporate member through Andmore. During that time, she attended the organization’s Wow Awards, Education Breakfast, networking events and annual conference, which gave her firsthand knowledge of WithIt’s programs and community.
“Cheryl brings industry knowledge, strong relationships and a breadth of marketing experience that will be valuable as we continue to grow WithIt’s reach and impact,” said Amy Van Dorp, executive director of WithIt. “Her experience building partnerships and connecting organizations with their audiences will serve WithIt well. As we look toward our 30th anniversary next year, we’re excited to have Cheryl on the team helping us build on that momentum.”
WithIt provides leadership development, education, mentoring and networking opportunities for women across the home and furnishings industries. Its mentoring programs connect women at different stages of their careers, while its academic scholarships and student initiatives help introduce and connect the next generation of women to the industry.
“I’ve seen the value of WithIt and its mission firsthand, so the opportunity to bring my experience to an organization I already knew well felt like a natural fit,” Dobbins Hege said. “I’m excited to help more people understand what WithIt brings to our industry and strengthen our connections with members, sponsors and industry partners. I’m especially passionate about supporting the next generation of women entering our industry while continuing to provide opportunities for women at every stage of their careers.”
Dobbins Hege joined WithIt in August and is initially focused on strengthening the organization’s brand, messaging, public relations and industry visibility while working alongside longtime Development Director Cathy Smith. Over the coming months, development responsibilities will transition to Dobbins Hege ahead of Smith’s planned retirement in 2027, providing continuity for WithIt’s sponsorships, partnerships and broader advancement efforts.
