By Allison Watkinson
TLL Reporter
The American Specialty Toy Retailing Association says Sue Warfield (pictured at right) is stepping down as executive director of the organization.
The association’s board of directors has appointed Kathy Trivisonno as interim executive director to maintain continuity of operations and member services while the board conducts a national search for the 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, the association’s board chair. “ASTRA has experienced tremendous growth over the last several years, and Sue has been an important part of that story.”
Founded in 1992, ASTRA is a member-driven, non-profit trade association serving more than 3,600 specialty toy industry professionals, including manufacturers, independent retailers, sales representatives, affiliates, and inventors. Astra helps members succeed through year-round networking, advocacy, education, business resources, and exclusive member savings. Its Astra Academy provides on-demand professional development, while Marketplace & Academy—Astra’s annual trade show and education conference—brings the specialty toy community together to discover new products, exchange ideas, and help shape the trends that define the industry.
ASTRA says Warfield has been central to its success, and she is now working with the ASTRA board to find a qualified replacement.
“In collaboration with Sue, the board has been working towards a succession plan and is committed to a thoughtful, well-managed transition,” Malott said. “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.”
Warfield says she’ll miss the job, but also said it was the right time to go, with ASTRA solidly positioned for the future.
“It’s been an honor and my pleasure to serve ASTRA and its community,” Warfield said. “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, who has served as the association’s director of operations, will oversee day-to-day operations, member programs and planning for ASTRA’s Marketplace & Academy event during the transition period.
The board has begun a formal search process, guided by association-governance practices, to identify the organization’s next executive director. The association said members will be updated at each stage of the process, including the launch of the search, the announcement of a new executive director and an introduction at an upcoming member event.
Members with questions may contact the board of directors at board@astratoy.org.