MEET YOUR 2026 CANDIDATES FOR THE NARTS BOARD OF DIRECTORS

(Candidates Are Listed Alphabetically by Last Name)

 

  • Voting is currently open for the 2026 NARTS Board of Directors election 

  • Eligible Primary and Lifetime Members:  you must be logged in to your NARTS360 Member Portal to access your ballot (located at the top of the page) 

  • Voting closes at 11:59pm EDT pm August 31, 2026 

  • Please vote for up to three candidates 

 

 
 

Judy Connor || StillGoode Home Consignments in Spring, TX

Judy Connor is a multi-passionate entrepreneur, speaker, mentor, and strategist with nearly 20 years of experience helping families navigate life’s biggest transitions. As part of the family-owned StillGoode companies, she has worked at the intersection of consignment, auctions, real estate, and staging. She has helped develop innovative systems that enable clients to maximize the value of their homes and personal property. Judy serves on the Board of Directors for NARTS and loves speaking, sharing practical strategies on operations, branding, marketing, profitability, and business growth. She is also the founder of Goode Legacy Group, a real estate team specializing in downsizing, relocation, and lifestyle transitions, and she helps oversee the StillGoode family of brands, including StillGoode Home Consignments, the largest consignment store in Texas, along with auction, staging, and real estate divisions. Known for her ability to connect big-picture strategy with real-world execution, Judy is passionate about helping business owners build stronger brands, create scalable systems, and develop businesses that can thrive in the long-term. When she’s not working with clients or mentoring business owners, she enjoys traveling, spending time with family, and exploring new ways to serve.

Why Are You Interested in Serving on the NARTS Board of Directors?

I am passionate about helping consignment, resale, and thrift store owners grow their businesses through actionable steps in marketing, operations, and branding.

What Knowledge, Experience, or Perspective Would You Bring to the Board?

Nearly 20 years of experience in the Consignment & Resale industry.

What Do You Believe is the Greatest Opportunity Facing NARTS Over the Next Three Years, and How Would You Like to Contribute?

I believe the greatest opportunity facing NARTS over the next three years is helping members evolve from operating resale businesses to building resilient, diversified brands. Consumer demand for resale has never been stronger, but success today requires more than a great store. It requires marketing expertise, technology adoption, operational excellence, leadership development, and the ability to adapt to changing consumer behavior. I want to help NARTS continue leading that transformation. As both a board member and business owner, I hope to expand educational resources that provide practical, actionable strategies members can implement immediately from branding and digital marketing to process improvement, AI adoption, succession planning, and creating multiple revenue streams. NARTS has always been more than an association; it’s a community that helps businesses thrive. I want to continue strengthening that community by encouraging & sharing real-world experiences, and helping members build businesses that are profitable, sustainable, and prepared for the future. By investing in innovation while preserving the relationships that make our industry unique, we can ensure NARTS remains the leading resource for the resale industry for years to come.

Stela Jantzen || Park Avenue Thrift in Enid, OK

Stela Jantzen is the Executive Director of Park Avenue Thrift, a nonprofit thrift store in Enid, Oklahoma, that transforms community donations into funding for local nonprofits and public schools. After earning her degree in Merchandising and Marketing from Oklahoma State University, Stela returned to Enid in 2009, where she and her husband, Riley, opened a gift boutique that they owned and operated together for 12 years. Passionate about strengthening her community, Stela volunteered with Main Street Enid, where her dedication to downtown revitalization led to her joining the organization as Assistant Director in 2012. It was there that she discovered her passion for nonprofit leadership. In 2019, Stela found the perfect combination of her retail and nonprofit experience when she became Executive Director of Park Avenue Thrift. Since becoming Executive Director, Park Avenue Thrift has distributed more than $3 million to local nonprofits and public schools, expanded from supporting only a handful of organizations each grant cycle to approximately 30, launched their second location Park Avenue Pop Up Outlet, and strengthened its financial position by growing savings and investments from $0 to more than $1.5 million. Stela is passionate about financial stewardship, governance, and helping nonprofit thrift organizations maximize their impact. Outside of work, Stela enjoys reading, birdwatching, thrifting, and spending time with her husband, Riley, their son, Owen, and their two very silly poodles.

Why Are You Interested in Serving on the NARTS Board of Directors?

I am interested in serving on the NARTS Board because I believe nonprofit thrift brings an important perspective to the resale industry, and I would be honored to help ensure that voice is represented. I joined NARTS in 2020 because I value learning and continual growth. The education I’ve gained through NARTS have been invaluable, and serving on the Board would be an opportunity to give back to an organization that has invested in both my professional growth and the resale industry. I would be honored to help support NARTS mission and contribute to its continued success.

What Knowledge, Experience, or Perspective Would You Bring to the Board?

I would bring a combination of retail business, nonprofit, and governance experience to the Board. Having owned and operated a retail business, led a nonprofit thrift organization, and served on nonprofit boards, I understand both the operational and strategic sides of our industry. As a nonprofit thrift leader, I balance retail operations with donor engagement, financial stewardship, governance, and community impact. I enjoy collaborating and finding practical ways to strengthen organizations, and I would be excited to bring that perspective to the NARTS Board.

What Do You Believe is the Greatest Opportunity Facing NARTS Over the Next Three Years, and How Would You Like to Contribute?

Resale continues to grow, bringing new people and new ideas into our industry. I believe NARTS has an incredible opportunity to support that growth by providing education, fostering collaboration, and helping members learn from one another. I would love to contribute by sharing practical experiences and helping ensure nonprofit thrift organizations have a voice in those conversations.

Cecile Reynolds || Brooke's Boutique in Pearland, TX

My professional journey began in healthcare as a registered nurse in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), where I developed a deep commitment to service, compassion, and excellence under pressure. Wanting to make a broader impact, I earned both my Master of Business Administration (MBA) and Master of Health Administration (MHA) and transitioned into healthcare leadership, serving in executive management roles focused on operations, strategy, and team development. When my children were young, I made the difficult but rewarding decision to leave corporate healthcare to create a career that would allow me to be more present for my family. In 2011, I founded Brooke’s Boutique, a luxury consignment business that has since grown into a trusted destination for designer fashion, authentic luxury goods, and exceptional customer service. Over the past 15 years, I have combined my healthcare leadership experience with entrepreneurship to build a values-driven business centered on integrity, education, and community. Today, I also serve as a licensed REALTOR®, partnering with my daughter while continuing to grow Brooke’s Boutique. I am passionate about mentoring fellow resale professionals, sharing practical business strategies, and fostering meaningful connections within the industry. I believe the resale community is strongest when we collaborate, learn from one another, and work together to elevate our profession.

Why Are You Interested in Serving on the NARTS Board of Directors?

I attended my first NARTS Conference in June 2011, a few months before I opened Brooke’s Boutique that October. At the time, I didn’t even know what I didn’t know. I was completely new to the resale industry, and NARTS became the place where I learned, asked questions, and found encouragement from people who had already walked the path I was beginning. Over the past 15 years, NARTS has been a constant throughout every stage of my business, from launching a new store to navigating growth, industry changes, and new challenges. While the education has been invaluable, the relationships I’ve built within this community have been just as meaningful. The willingness of members to share their knowledge, experiences, and support is what makes NARTS so special. As NARTS enters an exciting new chapter under the leadership of Angie and April, I would be honored to help shape its future. I know firsthand how important this organization is to entrepreneurs starting their resale journey because I was once in their shoes. At the same time, I value the opportunity to collaborate with experienced store owners who continue to innovate, adapt, and raise the bar for our industry. I believe some of the best ideas come from bringing together fresh perspectives and seasoned experience. Serving on the Board would allow me to give back by listening to members, sharing practical insights from my own journey, encouraging collaboration across all stages of business, and helping ensure NARTS continues to be a valuable resource for every member. It would be an honor to serve an organization that has helped shape both my business and my professional journey.

What Knowledge, Experience, or Perspective Would You Bring to the Board?

I bring a unique combination of operational, executive, and entrepreneurial experience that I believe would be valuable to the NARTS Board. My career began as a registered nurse in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, where I learned the importance of compassion, communication, and serving others. I later earned my MBA and MHA and held executive leadership positions in healthcare, overseeing operations, strategic planning, financial performance, quality improvement, and team development. Those experiences taught me how to think strategically, build consensus, lead through change, and make decisions that keep an organization’s mission at the center. As the owner of Brooke’s Boutique for the past 15 years, I’ve experienced many phases of entrepreneurship. I’ve operated multiple storefronts, made difficult decisions to adapt my business model, refined our niche, embraced social media and technology, managed both family and non-family employees, and continually evolved to meet changing consumer behaviors. Today’s competition extends far beyond traditional resale stores to platforms like Whatnot, TikTok, Instagram, and other emerging marketplaces, and I believe it’s important that our industry continues to adapt and innovate. Beyond business experience, one of my greatest passions is connecting people. I love helping new members feel welcomed, introducing people with shared challenges, and creating opportunities for members to learn from one another. Throughout my career, I’ve found that some of the most valuable solutions come from collaboration and the relationships we build along the way. I believe that sense of community is one of NARTS’ greatest strengths, and one of its greatest opportunities. I would bring a servant leadership mindset, practical business experience, and a collaborative approach to helping members feel supported, connected, and engaged while continuing to move the organization forward.

What Do You Believe is the Greatest Opportunity Facing NARTS Over the Next Three Years, and How Would You Like to Contribute?

I believe the greatest opportunity facing NARTS over the next three years is to strengthen its position as the premier professional organization for the resale industry while attracting and retaining the next generation of business owners. The resale landscape has changed dramatically. Today, many entrepreneurs begin by selling through social media, live selling platforms, or online marketplaces before ever considering a brick-and-mortar store. While these platforms have created exciting opportunities, they have also increased the need for education, professional standards, and a strong community of business owners who are committed to long-term success. NARTS is uniquely positioned to meet that need. Under its new leadership, I see an exciting opportunity to continue building a member-first culture that welcomes new entrepreneurs, supports established businesses, and demonstrates the value of belonging to a national professional association. If elected, I would love to serve as an ambassador for NARTS by helping members feel connected, encouraged, and engaged. I enjoy mentoring, building relationships, and sharing practical experiences from my own 15-year journey. I would also love to help communicate the value of NARTS beyond the annual conference, showing prospective and current members that NARTS is an investment in education, professionalism, collaboration, and the future of their business. Together, I believe we can continue growing an organization that elevates both its members and the resale industry as a whole.

Abraham (Abe) Sanchez || Article Consignment in Sacramento, CA

Abe Sanchez is the co-owner of Article Consignment Boutique, which he and his wife Valerie founded in 2009 following a career shift during the recession. What began as a pivot from construction engineering quickly evolved into a successful resale business built on quality, trust, and expertise. With a bachelor’s degree in Business Management, Abe has spent over a decade and a half growing Article into a respected destination for authentic luxury fashion for both women and men, all offered at a fraction of retail. Known for its strict standards, Article sells only verified authentic pieces, a reflection of Abe’s extensive training and hands-on experience in luxury authentication and resale. Prior to entrepreneurship, Abe worked in the banking industry with Wells Fargo and Chase, where he developed a strong foundation in loss prevention, asset protection, and risk awareness skills that continue to shape his business today. Today, Abe combines his diverse background in business, finance, and retail to support others in their growth. He is a sought-after speaker, has been featured on local media, and enjoys coaching entrepreneurs and professionals as they navigate career and business decisions.

Why Are You Interested in Serving on the NARTS Board of Directors?

I am eager to contribute to the upcoming chapter of NARTS. I firmly believe that we are on the brink of embarking on a new season within this organization, and I am committed to supporting its growth and success. As a member for nearly as long as Article Consignment has been in existence, I have been fortunate to have been surrounded by the talented individuals and the enriching conferences that have played a pivotal role in my personal and professional development. Now, I feel it is my turn to give back and help both new and existing members unlock their full potential while continuing to learn and grow myself.

What Knowledge, Experience, or Perspective Would You Bring to the Board?

I have built a respected resale business known for authenticity, exceptional service, and meaningful community connections. As a hands-on business owner, I bring experience in nearly every area of resale, including luxury authentication, inventory management, team development, customer engagement, marketing, live selling, and long-term business strategy. My leadership style is rooted in connection, collaboration, and a genuine belief that businesses thrive when people feel valued. I am passionate about creating memorable experiences, developing strong teams, and finding practical ways to adapt as the retail landscape continues to evolve. I combine an entrepreneurial mindset with a willingness to share what I have learned, encourage others, and remain open to new ideas. Throughout my career, I have become a confident speaker and educator, presenting on topics including business security, asset protection, and the practical use of artificial intelligence in resale. I enjoy making complex subjects approachable and helping fellow business owners discover tools and strategies that can save time, improve efficiency, and support sustainable growth. Above all, I am committed to preserving the personal relationships and sense of community that make the resale industry special. I am known for bringing enthusiasm, warmth, professionalism, and positive energy to every opportunity. Whether leading my team, serving customers, speaking to industry peers, or supporting my community, I approach my work with purpose, integrity, and a sincere desire to make a lasting difference for people and businesses I am privileged to serve.

What Do You Believe is the Greatest Opportunity Facing NARTS Over the Next Three Years, and How Would You Like to Contribute?

NARTS has an opportunity to reinvent and rejuvenate itself. In light of this, I believe our members should have more opportunities for continuous education, insights into industry standards and laws, support for small businesses, networking with professional resources, and effective seasonal conferences. As a member, I would like to have more resources available throughout the year. Additionally, I would like to have access to and insight into companies such as eBay, Shopify, Facebook, and Instagram, so that we can learn more ways to integrate these platforms into our businesses. I believe NARTS is poised to experience new growth and increased awareness within our industries, and we must ensure that we have sufficient resources and support to sustain and retain new members. Over the years, I have dedicated my time and expertise to NARTS by speaking and educating. I intend to continue doing so and help cultivate this momentum and ensure that we evolve with the times. I am committed to keeping NARTS relevant and accessible. I am now prepared to offer my time and knowledge to assist in achieving this goal.

Kimberly Smith || Retail Therapy in Houston, TX

My name is Kimberly Smith and I have owned my store for 20 years almost to the day of writing this. I joined NARTS shortly after buying my store and I have loved it ever since. I have always been part of the resale world. My mom brought me up in it and my first job was at a resale shop. It's in my blood. I'm doing the same in my family as well. My mom and my daughter both work with me and I hope to keep the legacy alive. This industry is so important to me and I want to keep it going for the next generation.

Why Are You Interested in Serving on the NARTS Board of Directors?

I have served on the NARTS board in the past. I have been a part of it as we revamped and turned the corner to make it something new. I work with the other board members to help bring it back to life so the next generation of store owners and employees can have the support system that NARTS has been to me. NARTS is a vital part of this industry and I want to help keep it going strong.

What Knowledge, Experience, or Perspective Would You Bring to the Board?

I would bring years of knowledge, ideas and hard work to the board. Years of trying this and that to perfect what has let me run my own store for 20 years. I'm not above learning something new and I love working with a team. I don't shy away from hard work and I've put in the hours to prove that. I thrive in communication and I don't walk away when the work gets hard. I'm here for the long haul!

What Do You Believe is the Greatest Opportunity Facing NARTS Over the Next Three Years, and How Would You Like to Contribute?

I feel like the greatest opportunity facing NARTS is growth. The organization is turning a corner and I see nothing but potential ahead. We have the chance to make NARTS something new while keeping the wisdom from our past tucked in close. The years of education we've learned in the past to pushing forward to topics, ideas, and new ways that we are just starting to touch. I can't wait to be apart of it and share it with the next generation.