Carrie Freeman Parsons will succeed her father, Donald S. Freeman Jr., as chair of Freeman, effective July 1. Carrie currently serves as the vice chair of Freeman and has been actively involved in the business since 1985. Don Freeman will transition into the role of chairman emeritus on April 1.
Freeman, based in Dallas, provides integrated services for experiential marketing, specializing in event marketing and management. Its offerings include strategy, creative, logistics, digital and event technology.
Carrie grew up in the business and represents the third generation of Freeman leaders. She has held numerous positions in the company, including general manager, president of Freeman Exhibit Company and chief marketing officer. She has been a member of Freeman's board of directors since 2004.
Dan Lafrance has been named president of Flanagan Foodservice Inc. He is the first non-family member to serve in that role and the third president in the history of the company. Previously the title was held by Dan Flanagan, CEO of Flanagan Foodservice.
Lafrance will provide strategic leadership to the company and will work collaboratively with Dan Flanagan, the board of directors and the Flanagan team on long-range business goals and strategies.
Lafrance has more than 25 years of experience in the consumer packaged goods industry. Most recently, he served as Canadian vice president of sales and foodservice for the Kraft Heinz Company.
Flanagan Foodservice, founded in 1977, is the largest Canadian family-owned foodservice distributor.
Tom Royer is the new CEO of U.S. Retail Flowers Inc., parent of Royer's Flowers & Gifts and Connells Maple Lee Flowers and Gifts. He previously served as chief operating officer of the company.
Tom, a third-generation member, succeeds his brother Greg Royer, who led the company for 20 years and held the title of president and CEO. Greg will remain with the company as chairman of the board.
Tom joined the family business as a painter in 1980 and later became store manager and distribution manager before being named COO.
Paul Fowle has been named the company's first non-family president. Fowle previously spent a 29-year career with DVFlora, a wholesale flower provider in New Jersey.
U.S. Retail Flowers, based in Lebanon, Pa., operates 19 stores in Pennsylvania and Ohio and has 400 employees.
Share your news in Family Matters
Would you like to recognize a family member who has recently joined the family business, board, council or foundation, or a non-family member recently named as chairman, CEO or independent director? Showcase the hiring or promotion of your key people in Family Matters. Send your announcement to barbara@familybusinessmagazine.com — because we believe it matters!