Movers & Shakers: Carlene Wilson, executive vice president, Atmosphere Commercial Interiors

Carlene Wilson is working to lead Atmosphere Commercial Interiors into new regions and market segments as executive vice president of national sales and marketing of the former Target Commercial Interiors.

Atmosphere, rebranded last year after Target Corp. sold the office furnishings company, serves clients in the corporate, education and health care markets and stadiums as well, Wilson said.

"We're very diversified and want to continue to diversify into other markets, both in terms of industry and geographically," Wilson said.

Another priority, Wilson said, is to expand relationships with architects and designers and real estate professionals who have connections to commercial and other projects.

Wilson is taking on a newly created role at Atmosphere, one that she said capitalizes on her 25 years of experience in the commercial furnishings industry. She previously was co-owner and vice president of sales and marketing at BKM Total Office of Texas.

Wilson also serves as chairwoman of the dealership counsel of office furniture giant Steelcase, leading its talent management committee, which focuses on employee recruitment and engagement, a concern dealers share with clients.

Wilson has an economics degree from Gettysburg College.

Q: How are you applying your industry experience at Atmosphere?

A: I have a track record of growing companies. That's my passion. That's what I've done. While I don't want to project where we'll be three years from now, it's going to be significantly larger than what we are today both through organic growth and probably through acquisitions as well.

Q: How much of your work involves raising awareness of Atmosphere's new brand?

A: It's a majority of my work. We have a wonderful heritage because of the relationship that we've had with Target. That is why we are who we are today. But then most people want a dialogue about what's the future? Where are you headed, Atmosphere? How can we be part of that journey? That's what's exciting for me to talk about with our customers.

Q: How do you approach clients about working with Atmosphere?

A: We're fortunate to engage with senior leaders across many different types of organizations. We have discussions about their culture, their business objectives and how they can leverage their space as a strategic asset. We're not just talking about selling desks, chairs and files. A lot of our strategy, the smart and connected strategy similar to what we're seeing in our cars and in our homes, that's coming into our industry.

TODD NELSON