CROTON-ON-HUDSON, NY, January 30, 2025 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Shelley E. Kohan has been included in Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.

Ms. Kohan has established herself as a prominent figure in the retail industry, with a career spanning more than four decades. Her journey began at Bloomingdale's New York in 1983, when she was hired as a salesperson in the junior's department. This initial role marked the start of an illustrious career in retail, which saw her rise through various positions, including buyer's assistant at Bloomingdale's, department manager at Bullocks Wilshire from 1988 to 1991, and assistant general manager at I. Magnin & Company from 1991 until 1993. Her expertise continued to grow as she took on roles such as the regional director of operations and the director of logistics at Macy's West between 1996 and 2000. Ms. Kohan spent thirteen years in southern California before returning to New York.

In 2000, Ms. Kohan became the operating vice president at Bloomingdale's New York 59th Street location, a position she held until 2002. She then transitioned to Saks Fifth Avenue as the vice president of store operations from 2002 to 2006. Her leadership skills were further honed during her tenure as the executive vice president of operations and vice president of U.S. Development at Space NK Apothecary from 2006 until 2009. In 2009, she founded Shelmark Consulting Incorporated, where she continues to serve as the chief executive officer, providing strategic guidance and insights into the retail sector. She is a strategic partner working collaboratively with global brands across many segments of the industry.

Ms. Kohan's contributions to academia are equally impressive. Since 2002, she has been an integral part of Fashion Institute of Technology, one of her alma maters. She has served as a faculty member since joining the college. She is currently an associate chairperson of Home Products Development and an associate professor at the Jay and Patty Baker School of Business and Technology. Her dedication to education is further evident in her role as an adjunct instructor at Syracuse University since 2020. Ms. Kohan's courses focus on business strategy, retail management, marketing, leadership development, and buying, with her curriculum enriched by her extensive field experience.

In addition to her academic roles, Ms. Kohan is a partner of strategy at The Robin Report and executive producer and host of the weekly podcast Retail Unwrapped where she shares insights into the retail sector. She is a senior contributor to Forbes.com, serves on the advisory board for two start-up companies.

Ms. Kohan's educational background laid the path for her extensive retail career. She earned an Associate of Applied Science in fashion merchandising and buying from Fashion Institute of Technology in 1987, followed by a Bachelor of Science in organizational behavior from the University of San Francisco in 1989. In 2016, she subsequently earned a Master of Business Administration in strategic business administration from Penn State World Campus. Ms. Kohan is a professor who fosters a community of engaged learning by motivating students to seize their full potential and put forth their greatest efforts. She is an advocate for students pursuing a career in retail and mentor for future retail executives.

Reflecting upon her professional endeavors, Ms. Kohan credits her success to her unwavering focus and her dedication to pursuing new ideas and overcoming obstacles. The characteristic that she credits most for her success is her curious nature, regularly volunteering for new initiatives and actively seeking out additional opportunities to expand her skill set. Her most significant achievements come from both an academic and professional standpoint.

Ms. Kohan's consistently high student evaluation scores demonstrate an elevated learning environment for students; she has made significant contributions to curriculum development and serves in leadership roles, including associate chair of Home Products Development and co-chair of the College-Wide Curriculum Faculty Senate Committee. In addition to service on multiple faculty senate committees, Ms. Kohan has received numerous teaching certifications, grants and awards, demonstrating her commitment to continuous learning endeavors. She serves as a club advisor at Fashion Institute of Technology for industry-related organizations such as Collegiate DECA (2016-present) and the National Retail Federation Association Student Foundation (2014-2021).

Establishing herself as a retail industry thought leader through executive roles at major retailers, including Bloomingdale's, Macy's, Saks Fifth Avenue, and her consulting firm, Ms. Kohan has built an influential media presence and is continuously recognized in the retail industry for her contributions as a retail pundit. Ms. Kohan is a featured spokesperson, writer, and retail strategist with an influential industry voice. Throughout her career, Ms. Kohan has received several accolades, including being named a top retail influencer multiple times (2016-2025) and receiving leadership awards from Macy's West (1997-1998).

Ms. Kohan's commitment to fostering the next generation of retail leaders demonstrates her dedication to sustaining and enhancing the future of retail. Looking ahead, she envisions continuing her pursuit of lowering educational costs for students and providing greater access to relevant course materials. Ms. Kohan plans to continue her approach of integrating real-world examples and current market scenarios into curriculum to consistently improve student engagement and career readiness. She plans to continue serving in leadership roles at the college while engaging in writing projects that contribute thoughtful insights to the evolving dynamics of the retail world.

About Marquis Who's Who®:
Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who's Who in America®, Marquis Who's Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. Who's Who in America® remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the world. The suite of Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who's Who® website, www.marquiswhoswho.com.

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