Chris Davis, who helped form the World Floor Covering Association (WFCA) in 1995 and went on to serve as its president and CEO, died Wednesday from a sudden illness, according to the association.
Chris Davis, who helped form the World Floor Covering Association (WFCA) in 1995 and went on to serve as its president and CEO, died Wednesday from a sudden illness, according to the association.
"It goes without saying that Chris was an extraordinary businessman in every way-he took the WFCA and the industry to heights that we never imagined," said Jim Walters, chairman of the board at WFCA. "He championed causes and concerns that we cared about; he orchestrated programs that helped us grow and become better leaders and business people; and he paved the way to future success in our industry."
Davis became CEO of the Western Floor Covering Association in August 1994. He merged that group with the American Floorcovering Association (AFA) in January 1995, and this led to the creation of the WFCA. Between 1995 and 2000, Davis oversaw all aspects of the Surfaces trade show. In January 2000, Davis negotiated the sale of Surfaces to Hanley-Wood for more than $40 million while retaining WFCA sponsorship rights to the show for a minimum of 25 years, the WFCA reported.
Before joining the floor covering industry, Davis worked for ABC News and as an independent commercial photographer. He also took on roles of increasing responsibility within various convention and visitors bureaus in Texas and California. He also coordinated logistics for major events like 1984 Democratic National Convention, Super Bowl XIX (1985), the Major League Baseball All-Star Game (1987), the World Series (1972-73, 1975), and the NBA Championship (1974).
Walters said a memorial service for Davis will be announced in the coming weeks.
