Sarasota, Florida-based designer and manufacturer of casual outdoor furnishings, Windward, has expanded its corporate executive team with the addition of Chad Desmett as operations manager, Lisa Cobert as human resources manager, and Steve Waszazak as information technology manager.

“These three consummate professionals bring to the Windward organization an energy and expertise that will be a tremendous asset as our company continues to grow,” says Rachel Peace, CIO. “We welcome each as a valuable resource in our efforts to position Windward as a leading casual furnishing brand.”

As operations manager, Desmett joins Windward with a track record of ramping up and managing successful high-level furniture manufacturing plants in the U.S. He has been tasked with improving performance and quality processes as well as supervising supply chain and inventory. Oversight of budgeting, workflow, and staffing also are responsibilities. Originally from Pennsylvania, he resides in Florida. Desmett is proud to be a part of a family-owned company that relentlessly pursues quality and continues to bring jobs back to America.

With over 25 years as a human resources professional, Cobert has provided employee-oriented, high performance business cultures emphasizing productivity, standards, goal attainment, recruitment, and development of superior work forces. Cobert, who holds an SPHR certification, resides in Sarasota. “Being given an opportunity to be a part of Windward has been such a blessing for me,” she says. “To know that I can play a part in the future success of a ‘Made in America’ organization, makes every day purposeful.”

Waszazak brings over 25 years of technology expertise to his position as IT manager. Steve comes to Windward from Amazon and is an expert at using technology to positively impact customer experience and drive business value. He is a member of InfraGard, which is a partnership between the FBI and the private sector.