CRI Announces 2027 Board with Joe Semaan as Chair

Dalton, Georgia, November 11, 2026—The Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI) revealed its 2027 board of directors during its annual meeting. Joe Semaan, previously the vice chair, will lead the board.

Kennedy Frierson of The Dixie Group has been appointed as vice chair, succeeding his father, Dan Frierson.

Russ DeLozier, president of CRI, expressed gratitude for the board's commitment to guiding the organization.

The 2027 board includes:

• Nancy Agger-Nielsen, Bentley Mills
• Jonathan Craig, Universal Fibers
• Winn Everhart, Tarkett USA
• Richard French, Mannington Mills
• Kennedy Frierson, The Dixie Group
• Chip Howalt, Textile Rubber & Chemical Co.
• Patrick Keese, Milliken & Company
• Tom Peeples, Global Textile Services
• Franco Rossi, Aquafil USA
• Joe Semaan, Mohawk Industries
• Robert Shaw, Engineered Floors
• Herb Upton, Shaw Industries