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In Memoriam

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John Shanley

RMS Board Member (1989-2009) | President (1994-1996)

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Gloria Gelfand

RMS Board Member (2002-2014)

A brilliant footwear analyst with decades of experience in the retail industry, John was recognized by the Wall Street Journal in its annual “Best on the Street” awards during his tenure at Susquehanna International Group in 2004, 2005 and 2007.

 

Previously, he served as managing director and senior analyst at Wells Fargo Securities, LLC, and managing director at JW Genesis Capital Markets, LLC, in New York. John was the Director of Research and Strategic Planning at The Woolworth Corporation (now Foot Locker, Inc.) and formerly held a similar position at Allied Stores Corporation (now Federated Department Stores). Daniel Schwarzwalder, senior managing director at Buckingham Capital Management and fellow RMS board member, remembers John as “the dean of the footwear industry.” 

Called “an indomitable force in the fashion industry for 65 years” by Women's Wear Daily, Gloria was instrumental in creating the first woman’s blue jean and in coining the term “sportswear” during her tenure with WhiteStag, which began in 1944. She went on to become a vice president at WhiteStag and later Sportempos and Leslie Fay. The first female division president at General Mills for Kimberly knitwear, Gloria then went on to become senior officer of the American divisions of Givenchy, president of Escada, Rena Lange, Feraud, president and chief operating officer of Gloria Sachs, and vice president of Ferragamo. In 2002, she opened her own consulting business at age 77. Lawrence DeParis, former President & CEO of Escada (USA) and current President of RMS, remembers Gloria as "a one-of-a-kind fashion professional who inspired and supported so many of us through her personal example, incredible connections, endless generosity, and warm friendship."

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