Kathleen Mason has more than 25 years of merchandising, marketing and management experience in department, chain and specialty stores. She is known best in the retail industry for her ability to turn around failing businesses.

During Mason's time at Tuesday Morning, North America's largest retailer of discount and closeout home furnishings, the business has doubled in size. It was named by BusinessWeek as one of the fastest growing businesses in the country and its stock price and earnings have tripled. It currently operates 570 stores in 42 states. The stores, which open 10 times a year for four- to six-week events during the retail industry's peak selling seasons, offer closeout items in such product categories as gifts, crystal, luggage, linens, toys and seasonal items.

Prior to joining Tuesday Morning, Mason was president of HomeGoods Inc., a subsidiary of the TJX Cos., which also owns T.J. Maxx and Marshalls. By changing the customer focus of HomeGoods Inc., she turned a failing business into one of the TJX Cos.' fastest growing divisions.

Starting as executive vice president of Cherry & Webb, a well-known New England chain specializing in women's apparel and cosmetics, Mason became president, chair and CEO in 1991 after five years with the company.

She graduated from Pennsylvania State University and began her career with the Kaufmann's Division of the May Co. She became one of the youngest vice president/divisional merchandise managers in the company's history. She has also held senior management positions at the Emporium, Mervyn's and the Limited Stores.

Mason is a member of the UNT School of Merchandising and Hospitality Management Board of Governors. She is a director of Genesco Inc., manufacturer of Johnston & Murphy and Dockers Shoes; the Men's Wearhouse; and the International Mass Retailers Association.

She is also affiliated with the Executive Committee, an international organization of CEOs; the Charter 100; the Executive Women's Roundtable; the Chief Executives Round Table (CERT); the board of the Dallas Chamber of Commerce; and the New England Conservatory of Music.

This year, Ernst & Young recognized her as the entrepreneur of the year in the Southwest region.

Other featured articles in this issue

• Regents grant emeritus status to seven faculty
• Mean Green to revisit New Orleans Bowl
• Nearly 2,000 students to graduate Dec. 13
• UNT System names Footer to counsel post
• SECC drive tops $151,000
• Faculty concerns heard at senate meeting
• UNT deans Davis and Turner stepping down; search under way for replacements
• Dangerous winter weather brings possibility for closures
• Murphy Enterprise Center awards prizes
• Getty: You can have dessert, just don't eat too much of it

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