Forney, Texas— Robert Varden will be stepping down as executive director of the International Certified Flooring Installers (CFI).
Varden became CFI’s executive director in 2012, taking the reins from former director, Jim Walker. According to the organization, his 40 years of experience in the flooring industry runs long and deep, as anyone who has worked with the man or been trained by him can attest.
Varden said that although he’d been considering this difficult move for a while, he wanted to stay through the annual installation competition at TISE. “It has been an absolute honor and privilege to be a part of CFI for over 20 years,” Varden said. “I couldn’t be prouder of the impact we’ve had on thousands of installers and the entire flooring industry. I have decided the time has come to hand off the reins to another passionate professional and allow others to ‘step up’ to contribute their ideas, energy and passion to this amazing organization. In no way am I abandoning CFI and all its remarkable members. I’m at a point in our journey where I feel I can do as much if not more on the outside as I continue to promote quality installation and professionalism throughout this industry. I leave with the knowledge that the organization stands on a solid financial and programmatic foundation. The board and I are confident that CFI is in the capable hands of the WFCA, the CFI staff, led by John McHale, and an incredible group of individuals that make up the CFI advisory board.”
Scott Humphrey, CEO, WFCA, said Varden’s tenure and list of accomplishments at CFI are only a fraction of his legacy. “His passion and genuine desire to grow and advance the floor covering installation industry have been critical to the organization’s growth and expansion,” Humphrey said. “He will be missed.”