David F. Miller Center for Retailing Education and Research

The major objectives of the Miller Center for Retailing Education and Research are to stimulate student interest in pursuing careers in retailing, prepare students for entry level management positions, provide continuing education opportunities for individuals currently in retailing, improve communications between retailers and academics so that academics are more familiar with problems facing retailers, and so that retailers can take advantage of new perspectives and insights arising in the academic community, and undertake research on retailing issues, opportunities, and problems.

The objectives are directed toward finding ways to increase retailing productivity and uncover effective strategies for dealing with heightened competition and rapidly changing conditions in retail markets.

The Retail Center undertakes a broad range of activities which are are selected to meet the needs of a variety of retailers (international, national, regional, and local), including:

• developing educational programs in retailing for undergraduates
• stimulating student interest in retailing careers
• offering continuing education programs, hosting conferences, sponsoring workshops and seminars
• serving as an international resource center for retailing
• conducting research on issues of importance to the industry

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Sponsoring Companies

Sponsoring Companies provide support for the Retail Center and are represented on the Executive Advisory Board which reviews the Retail Center's activities and determines the strategic direction for future programs. For details about becoming a partner of the Retail Center and to see the list of our sponsoring companies please visit our Partnerships page.

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Individual Retail Center Supporters

All of the services offered to students are funded through sponsoring companies and individual gifts. We want to thank individuals who have contributed to the Center in support of the activities we provide our students at the University of Florida. Your commitment to helping our efforts is sincerely appreciated.

If you would like to make a gift please visit the UF David F. Miller Center for Retailing Warrington College of Business Administration online giving page.

Individual Supporters

1. David Berg
2. Joe and Meghan Desprospero
3. Jen-Lin Hwang
4. Debra and Frank J. Kutch
5. James F. Lewis and Lisa Maxwell-Lewis
6. Nicole A. Panettieri
7. Carolina L. Prieto
8. Elaine Seltzer
9. Lily C. and Jordan J. Siviglia

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Sponsoring Companies

Sponsoring Companies provide support for the Retail Center and are represented on the Executive Advisory Board which reviews the Retail Center's activities and determines the strategic direction for future programs. For details about becoming a partner of the Retail Center and to see the list of our sponsoring companies please visit our Partnerships page.

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Executive Advisory Board

The Executive Advisory Board is comprised of executive representatives from each sponsoring company and academic members from the UF community. The Advisory Board meets twice a year to establish broad strategic directions for the Retail Center and review the present activities. The retail executive members help identify important problem areas, while the academic members provide input on the feasibility of developing effective programs to examine these problems. Committees consisting of specialists from supporting firms are established to select and review research projects and to develop and review educational programs.

Board Members

1. David Miller
   Retired Vice COB, COO - Stores & Catalog, Office of the Chairman, jcp
2. William J. Alcorn
   Retired Sr. VP, Controller & CPO, jcp
3. Beth Angelo
   President – Catalog Division and Chief Merchandise Officer – Stores, Body Shop
4. Robert Beall
   Chairman & CEO, Beall's, Inc.
5. David Berg
   Executive Vice President, President, Bloomin’ Brands International
6. Christine Casarez
   District Team Leader, Target Corporation
7. Ellen Davis
   Sr. Vice President of NRF & Executive Director of NRF Foundation
8. Krista Gibson
   Sr. VP-Brand Strategy, Brinker International
9. Mary Beth Garcia
   Founder and President, Talent Optimization Inc. Representing MOHR Retail Training Solutions
10. Juan Guerrero
    Senior VP, Supply Chain, Office Depot
11. Rich Guidotti
    Vice President & General Manager, Greater Florida Market, AT&T Mobility
12. Marlin Hutchens
    V.P., Store Operations, Walgreens
13. Truman Hyde
    Director of Consumer HR Business Partners, Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations
14. Kelley Johnson
    HR Director, Diversity and Emerging Talent, jcp
15. Michael P. Kercheval
    President, International Council of Shopping Centers
16. Steve Knopik
    Chief Executive Officer, Beall’s, Inc.
17. Doug Koch
    Chief Talent Officer, Brown Shoe Company
18. Mike Krysa
    District Manager, DICK's Sporting Goods
19. Shamika Lackey
    Director, College Relations, Macy's
20. Chip Lane
    President, Sealane Marketing
21. Richard Lawlor
    V.P. Retail Sales & Marketing, Hess Corp.
22. Bruce Mager
    Regional Human Resource V.P., Macy's East
23. Richard A. McAllister
    President & CEO, Florida Retail Federation
24. James McClain
    Human Resource Manager, Firestone Complete Auto Care
25. Stephen M. Metivier
    Managing Director Capital Finance, Wells Fargo Retail Finance Division
26. Clara Miller
    Head of Operations, Climatized Self Storage
27. David F. Miller, Jr.
    Managing Partner, Climatized Self Storage
28. Michael Patrick
    Founder and President, MOHR Retail
29. Jamie Petter
    Director of Internal Communications & Talent Development, Chico’s, FAS Inc.
30. Carlos Ribas
    Vice President & Managing Director, LAC Region, The Wendy’s Company
31. Gary Rubin
    President, Direct to Consumer Division - Perry Ellis International
32. Kevin Scott
    Sr. VP Merchandising Services, The Home Depot
33. Lary Sinewitz
    Executive V.P., Brandsmart
34. Kyle Stenzel
    Vice President of Marketing, Signature Brands LLC
35. Brad Taylor
    Group, Human Resource Manager, Target Stores
36. Craig Thomas
    Vice President Marketing, Florida Blue
37. John Thomas
    President & CEO, Pinch-A-Penny
38. Pam Tope
    Florida Region President, Verizon Wireless
39. Joe Vella
    Director, Corporate Giving, Macy's Inc.
40. Barbara Wichman
    Director, Leadership Development, Sears Holdings

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Student Advisory Board

The Student Advisory Board consists of students who have recently completed retail management internships. The SAB is dedicated to the development of enthusiasm for retailing at the University of Florida. This prestigious group represents visiting retail companies as their ambassadors when at the University for recruitment, interviews, speaking engagements and workshops. The SAB actively educate their peers about retailing through public speaking, seminar support, assembly representation as well as assisting the Center with workshops, seminars and newsletters.

Board Members

1. Allison Cereghino
2. Jennie Clark
3. Caitlyn Edwards
4. Alia Kouri
5. David Magnotta
6. Rachel Morse
7. Jason Olivieri
8. Shonique Thomas
9. Rebecca Wilkinson