CRI Announces Promotions
McIntosh, Seelaus Take on New Roles

Contact: CRI Communications Department, 706.428.2103

DALTON, GA (December 4, 2003) Werner Braun, president of The Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI), announced today that Ken McIntosh has been named Senior Director for Technical Services for the national trade association.

Mr. McIntosh had been employed at CRI as Director of Technical Services after joining CRI in February of 1986 following a distinguished career at Monsanto where he served as Director of Technology and Commercial Development for the carpet and home furnishing business group.

In addition, Mr. Braun also announced the promotion of Joan Seelaus from Senior Communications Manager to Director of Communications. Ms. Seelaus came to CRI in August of 2001 after a six-year stint at the Bivings Group, a strategic communications consulting firm based in Washington D.C.

"First of all, let me say I appreciate the leadership and direction Ken has provided for our Health, Environmental and Technical Department over the years. His department has had to address a multitude of issues facing our industry over the years and has done so impeccably and continues to do so today in a professional and efficient manner. The carpet industry is indeed fortunate to have Ken McIntosh working on its behalf," said Mr. Braun in announcing the promotions.

Mr. McIntosh holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Alabama and a Masters of Business Administration from the University of West Florida. He is a graduate of the Futures Management School of the University of Southern California. During his tenure at Monsanto, Mr. McIntosh developed and was holder of 22 U.S. patents.

Ms. Seelaus has been in charge of the Communications Department since September 2003. "Joan has been a critical addition to our advocacy efforts here at CRI and will continue to be a stabilizing influence on our communications efforts. We continue to find and generate new data to support our industry claims in the fight against misinformation and Joan will head up a department in which we have vested a lot of resources in order to make sure this support data is realized by decision-makers. We are pleased to be placing this valuable position in such capable hands," said Mr. Braun.

Ms. Seelaus has eight years of experience working on Internet-related projects and has used her expertise to help companies and associations transition from traditional paper-based communications to Internet-based operations. Previously, Ms. Seelaus worked in the U.S. House of Representatives and the Washington office of the Virginia Governor, where she worked on federal legislative issues and conference planning. Ms. Seelaus received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in International Relations from the College of William and Mary in Virginia.