Leadership is a product of many different qualities that allow us to stand up and stand out. Yet one of the most important qualities of leadership is the ability to remain flexible, challenging our own limits and capabilities to bring out the best in ourselves.
As each of these leaders clearly demonstrate this is true at every level of leadership, and is a character trait that must be continuously groomed as part of every individual’s professional development plan. Dedication and hard work is critically important to climb the professional ladder, but open minds also open opportunities, allowing us to expand our options and our careers.
Please join us in congratulating the following individuals on their recent promotions and the versatility that each has shown to expand their professional development.
Michael Gray has been promoted to Senior Vice President at Sears Hometown and Outlet Stores. Michael was most recently Vice President and General Manager at Sears Hometown and Outlet Stores. He joined Sears Holdings in 2003 as Divisional Vice President of Loss Prevention before moving into operations as Region Vice President and General Manager for the retailer in 2009. Michael has also held loss prevention leadership positions with Things Remembered, PetSmart, and Builder’s Square over the course of his 22-year career. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from the University of Akron.
Bobby DeAgostino has been named Safety Director at Atlanta-based Floor & Décor. Bobby was previously Regional Vice President for Family Dollar. Bobby has held leadership positions in both operations and loss prevention over the course of his 27 years in retail, starting as a loss prevention / operations manager for Hills Department Stores. He has also held leadership positions as a Regional Loss Prevention Manager, Divisional Loss Prevention Manager, Regional Asset Protection Manager and Regional Director of Operations with The Home Depot, as well as serving as a Store Team Leader with Target Stores. Bobby holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Administration of Justice from Penn State University.
John Pool was appointed Senior Vice President, Corporate Security and Fraud for Boston-based Eastern Bank. John began his retail career at Target as a store investigator in Memphis progressing to District AP Team Leader in Nashville, Investigations Team Leader in New York City and ultimately several positions with Target’s Corporate Security leadership team last being Senior Management Leader, Corporate Security. John holds a Bachelors Degree in Criminology from Indiana State University.
Michael Ward has been promoted to Vice President of Loss Prevention & Safety at Lumber Liquidators. Michael was formerly the Director of Loss Prevention & Safety for the retailer. Michael began his loss prevention career 23 years ago working for Montgomery Ward, holding positions on both the stores and supply chain side of the business. He has held positions with increasing responsibility with Montgomery Ward, Eckerd Drugs as a Regional Loss Prevention Representative, and Michael’s, where he eventually became Director of Distribution Loss Prevention & Safety before joining Lumber Liquidators in 2013.
James Wilhelm, LPC has been named Director, Asset Protection for Los Angeles based 99 Cents Only Stores. James began his 19-year career with Sears Roebuck and Company, and has held several leadership roles in his loss prevention/asset protection career to include Management Consultant/Account Manager at Protiviti, Regional Manager of Loss Prevention & Safety with Office Depot Supply Chain, Senior Manager Asset Protection for Harlem Furniture, and Corporate Manager – Retail Loss Prevention at Ace Hardware. James holds Bachelor of Arts in English Language and Literature from Southern New Hampshire University, and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
John Goldyn has been named Director of Loss Prevention for Bevmo Corporation. John most recently served with Family Dollar stores as regional vice president after joining the company as divisional vice president of loss prevention in 2001. He also served as Director of Loss Prevention at Pep Boys from 1998 – 2001. John holds a Bachelor’s degree in Industrial and Organizational Psychology from the University of Phoenix.
Congratulations to each of these dedicated professionals on their recent moves and promotions.
For a complete review of the March On the Move, click here.