GREENSBORO, North Carolina (16 January 2012) - For the first time in its 15-year history, WithIt has named a Canadian to serve as its president. Social media strategist Julia Rosien will lead the women's industry network for 2012.

Rosien is the president of SocialNorth.com, a consulting firm based in Cambridge, Ontario.

"This year, our 15th anniversary, we're focused on connecting the communities of our members, both online and offline, industry-wide, locally and nationally," Rosien said in a statement. "By increasing our online visibility, WithIt will grow as an organization and we will support all our members."

Rosien has created a new position, vice president of social media, as well as a series of leadership-focused videos to promote the benefits of WithIt membership. Additional highlights for the year include a leadership training workshop and a high-profile fundraising gala.

The WithIt board of directors is made up of an executive committee, vice presidents who lead major committees, vice presidents who represent industry niches, and vice presidents who represent geographic regions.

Two other WithIt leaders have strong connections to Canada: Lorri Kelley, vice president of sales for the Winnipeg-based Palliser will serve as vice president and chairman of the organization's mentoring committee; while Donna Bartlett, president of ViewIt Techologies; will serve as vice president of its international chapter.

WithIt's annual professional conference will be held from August 14 to 16 in Raleigh, North Carolina. The organization maintains a web site at www.withit.org.