DMA Announces Changes to Leadership Team

May 16, 2012—The Direct Marketing Association (DMA) today announced that Larry Kimmel has resigned as CEO to join the agency Hawkeye. To help with the transition, Kimmel will continue as President Emeritus of the DMA and will serve in a senior advisory capacity. DMA Executive Vice President of Washington Operations, Linda Woolley, will become the organization’s acting President and CEO.

During his tenure, Kimmel was instrumental in enhancing DMA member value, transforming the organization's core economics, and building community enthusiasm for the direct marketing discipline.

“We are thankful for Larry’s leadership during an important time of change for the DMA and greatly appreciate his tireless efforts on the organization’s behalf,” said DMA Chairman Matt Blumberg. “He has done a fantastic job energizing our community and expanding our reach deeper into the interactive marketing community. We are pleased that he will continue to support the organization as Linda assumes the role of acting President and CEO and works to move the mission of the organization ahead.”

Linda Woolley has been the head of the DMA’s Washington D.C. office and advocacy programs since joining the organization in 2008. Woolley is a recognized leader in Washington D.C. and the direct marketing industry with a background that includes more than 30 years of extensive leadership experience in corporate public affairs, government relations and corporate and trade association management.

“We’re excited to have Linda take the helm. As the head of advocacy efforts, she has an exceptional understanding of the direct marketing industry, strong relationships with both policy makers and marketing leaders, and an excellent track record guiding organizations like the DMA, “said Blumberg. “As an existing and active leader in the DMA, her appointment makes for a seamless transition that will provide continuity and consistency as the organization determines the long-term needs for the association, and its mission.”

About Direct Marketing Association (DMA)
The Direct Marketing Association (www.the-dma.org) is the world’s largest global trade association of businesses and nonprofit organizations using and supporting multichannel direct marketing tools and techniques. DMA advocates standards for responsible marketing, promotes relevance as the key to reaching consumers with desirable offers, and provides cutting-edge research, education, and networking opportunities to improve results throughout the end-to-end direct marketing process. Founded in 1917, DMA today represents companies from dozens of vertical industries in the US and 48 other nations, including half of the Fortune 100 companies.

In 2012, marketers — commercial and nonprofit —will spend $168.5 billion on direct marketing, which accounts for 52.7 percent of all ad expenditures in the United States. Measured against total US sales, these advertising expenditures will generate approximately $2.05 trillion in incremental sales. In 2012, direct marketing accounts for 8.7 percent of total US gross domestic product and produces1.3 million direct marketing employees in the US. Their collective sales efforts directly support 7.9 million other jobs, accounting for a total of 9.2 million US jobs.