ASTRA Executive Director Steps Down After 6 Years Amid Leadership Transition

The American Specialty Toy Retailing Association (ASTRA) is going through a leadership transition as Sue Warfield steps down as executive director. The board of directors has appointed Kathy Trivisonno as interim executive director, effective Friday, July 24, to ensure continuity of operations and member services while the board conducts a national search for ASTRA’s next executive director.

“On behalf of the entire board, I want to thank Sue for her years of dedication and service to ASTRA and to the specialty toy community,” said Sandra Malott, board chair. “ASTRA has experienced tremendous growth over the last several years, and Sue has been an important part of that story. In collaboration with Sue, the board has been working towards a succession plan and is committed to a thoughtful, well-managed transition. We look forward to celebrating Sue’s immense contribution to our organization and industry at Marketplace & Academy in Pittsburgh in 2027. We are grateful to Kathy for stepping in to lead the team during this period.”

“It’s been an honor and my pleasure to serve ASTRA and its community,” said Sue Warfield. “Since taking on the executive director role in 2020, it’s been my goal to ensure that whenever it was time for new leadership, that ASTRA was in a financially sound and positive position. Kathy will do an amazing job to keep that momentum going for our industry and members.”

Trivisonno, director of operations, will oversee day-to-day operations, member programs, and planning for ASTRA’s flagship Marketplace & Academy event during the transition.

The board of directors has begun a formal search process, guided by association-governance best practices, to identify ASTRA’s next executive director. Members will be kept informed at each stage, including the launch of the search, the announcement of the new executive director, and an introduction at an upcoming member event.

Founded in 1992, ASTRA is a member-driven, nonprofit trade association serving more than 3,600 specialty toy industry professionals, including manufacturers, independent retailers, sales representatives, affiliates, and inventors. It offers members year-round networking, advocacy, education, business resources, and exclusive member savings.