Words to Live By from 2024 FNAA Hall of Fame Honorees: Tacey Powers, Dave Powers and Susan Itzkowitz

Susan Itzkowitz, Dave Powers and Tacey Powers were inducted into the FN Hall of Fame at the 2024 FNAAs on Wednesday night.

The three exceptional leaders took the stage to reflect on their storied careers and thank those who helped them on their path to hall of fame status in the footwear industry.

In 2004, Susan Itzkowitz partnered with Marc Fisher to launch a new shoe venture, which has grown into a powerful player in the fashion footwear business, encompassing 14 brands, including licensed collections for Calvin Klein, Guess, Tommy Hilfiger, Hunter and others. And as a longtime board member for Two Ten Footwear Foundation, she has spearheaded efforts to increase representation and opportunities for women in the industry.  

“I overcame barriers I hadn’t even known existed, such as becoming one of the first women to hold senior roles in several male dominated companies,” Itzkowitz said. “It wasn’t always easy, and honestly, some of the toughest challenges came from other women. But their ruthless approach to leadership taught me a powerful lesson: women in business wield extraordinary strength when they lead with a balance of power and kindness, and embrace collaboration.”

Dave Powers made news this year as he announced he’d step down as chief executive officer of Deckers Brands in August, capping off an incredible 12-year run with the company. He joined Deckers as president of direct-to-consumer in August 2012, rising through the ranks to become CEO in 2016. Under his tenure, Deckers experienced explosive growth, led by its Ugg and Hoka businesses. For its last fiscal year, the company scored $4.3 billion in sales.

“It’s a tough world these days, and we’re grateful to have this opportunity to be with you all tonight and celebrate all of you,” Dave Powers noted. “I also want you to know it’s not lost on me how surreal this is for me. I mean, I grew up in a small, blue-collar town in New Hampshire, which actually at one point, was known for its shoe industry… But, I will leave you with a few words that is a motto that we use a lot at Deckers which is, ‘Stay hungry, stay humble and be kind.’ And that formula works every day.”

And for Tacey Powers, she joined Nordstrom in 1981, starting on the sales floor and working her way up to the executive level, where she now serves as executive vice president and general merchandise manager for shoes. In addition to overseeing the retailer’s stores in the U.S., she also has been committed to mentorship and giving back to the industry as a board member for Two Ten Footwear Foundation and Footwear Retailers and Distributors of America.

“To the Nordstrom family: I am grateful to have been part of your organization for over 40 years,” Tacey Powers said. And to my Nordstrom team: I work with a group of amazing people who bring joy and their special talent to work every day. I believe we have some of the best merchants in the business… I feel truly best blessed to sit in one of the greatest seats in the industry, and I will never take that for granted.”

For 38 years, the annual FN Achievement Awards — often called the “Shoe Oscars” — have celebrated the style stars, best brand stories, ardent philanthropists, emerging talents and industry veterans. The 2024 event is supported by sponsors Listrak, Marc Fisher, Nordstrom and Vibram.