The PennZone

UNIONTOWN, Pa. - PennZone -- Planning for double-digit growth, office furnishings wholesaler COE Distributing has enhanced its executive team to support targeted initiatives and provide the ultimate client experience.

Effective immediately, J.D. Ewing moves from his role of president into the position of chairman, continuing his role as CEO. Ewing has grown this third-generation, family-owned business to one of the largest distributors of office furnishings in the United States, bringing new products to market and achieving COE's highest revenue months, topping out for the first time at $10MM revenue.

He will now focus on key customer relationships, refining company culture and big-picture strategy to position COE for explosive, sustainable growth.

"Our energized leadership team is committed to doing what's best for the company and our redefined roles will leverage team members' strengths to achieve optimal performance," Ewing said.

Former Chief Financial Officer Mike Flaherty transitions into the role of president and chief operating officer, overseeing day-to-day operations. A CPA and finance executive with 30 years of experience, Flaherty has served COE Distributing as CFO for two years. He was twice named Pittsburgh Business Times CFO of the Year.

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COE will hire a new CFO and has delineated several new positions to enable leaders to focus more intently on specific goals.

• Former Vice President of Operations Jennifer Jubin has been named VP of customer experience to oversee all employees and processes impacting customers.  
• John Townsend was appointed director of warehouse operations for COE's three distribution centers. Jack Kramer fills Townsend's previous position as manager of the Pennsylvania warehouse.

 Earlier this year, COE Distributing created two new positions and retooled its marketing department in anticipation of burgeoning demand for e-commerce services.

"The move to online sales has accelerated and our team is prepared to provide the resources our customers want in this increasingly digital environment," said Chief Marketing Officer Melanie Ewing, who was elevated to that role in the marketing expansion.

COE's Leslie Eldridge assumed Melanie Ewing's post as marketing director and Scott Nichols joined COE as director of e-commerce sales strategy, a position created to optimize e-commerce business by implementing best practices and creating best-in-class representation of products on e-commerce platforms.

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Additionally, accomplished supply chain executive Bob Nau joined COE as director of supply chain.

About COE Distributing
COE Distributing is a national office furnishings distributor with a passion for creating inspiring work environments. Family-owned since 1947, COE sources high-quality office furniture with forward-thinking, well-planned design from around the globe. Our private label OfficeSource offers a line of furnishings and accessories always styled right, built right and priced right. Based in southwestern Pennsylvania with distribution centers in North Carolina and Texas, the COE team delivers the right solutions for customers. http://www.coedistributing.com