The Anti-Defamation League will honor three home furnishings industry executives for their individual contributions to their respective communities and their unflagging support of ADL’s mission to fight antisemitism and secure justice and fair treatment to all.
“At a time of rising antisemitism and hate, we are so pleased to honor these three furniture industry executives who are leaders in their own right and who have been incredible supporters of our mission to fight hate and extremism,” said Jonathan Greenblatt, ADL CEO. “Time and again these executives have modeled responsible leadership, and we are so pleased to be able to commend them publicly and celebrate their achievements.”
The 2023 honorees are:
Michel Smith Boyd, principal designer and CEO of Michel Smith Boyd LLC and recipient of the Torch of Liberty Award. Based in Atlanta, Boyd is an American interior designer and star of the hit shows “Luxe for Less” and “Rock the Block” on HGTV and “Buying It Blind” on Bravo. He has been recognized as one of the Top 10 African American designers in the country.
Irwin Novack, president and CEO of Kane’s Furniture and recipient of the Lifetime Humanitarian Award. With headquarters in St. Petersburg, Florida, he presides over the 42nd largest furniture chain in the U.S. and one of Florida’s oldest and most successful businesses, with 18 stores in eight major Central Florida markets and an employee team composed of 800 people companywide.
Rachel Stewart, president of Gardner-White Furniture and recipient of the American Heritage Award. Stewart is a fourth-generation retailer who works alongside both of her parents, having returned to Michigan in 2012 after serving roles in clean energy with the U.S. Department of Energy and the Clinton Global Initiative.
Each year, the furniture industry joins ADL to support the National Home Furnishings Tribute Dinner and highlight the work of business leaders who embody the organization’s core mission and values. This year’s honorees will be recognized June 22 at the Ziegfeld Ballroom in New York City.
The National Home Furnishings Industry Tribute Dinner is held annually to raise funds in support of the ADL’s mission to fight antisemitism and hate. The event is being organized with leadership from ADL Home Furnishings Industry Chair Neil Goldberg of Raymour & Flanigan, along with event chair Larry Klaben of Morris Furniture Co. and education chair Ellen Gefen of The Gefen Co.
“We are deeply grateful to have the support of the industry and pleased that so many new leaders have joined the ADL Home Furnishings Industry board,” says Klaben. “Together we will fight bigotry and hate.”
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