Cardinal Home Center Announces Five Leadership Promotions
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MADISON, Va. — July 17, 2026 — Cardinal Home Center has announced five leadership promotions across its store and corporate operations. The promotions reflect the company’s continued commitment to developing employees from within and strengthening its teams for continued growth.
Lesley Merritt Promoted to Staunton Store Manager
Lesley Merritt was promoted to Store Manager of Cardinal Home Center’s Staunton location, effective July 10.
Merritt joined Cardinal Home Center in January 2023 and previously served as Sales Manager at the Staunton store, primarily supporting its paint department. Her experience in the paint industry dates back to 1997, when she opened Augusta Paint & Decorating as a Benjamin Moore retailer. Cardinal Home Center acquired Augusta Paint & Decorating in 2023.
She will oversee the Staunton team and continue building on the location’s expanded retail offerings and services.
Garrett Allen Promoted to Lake Anna Assistant Store Manager
Garrett Allen has been promoted to Assistant Store Manager at Cardinal Home Center’s Lake Anna location, effective July 27.
Allen joined Cardinal Home Center in 2017 and most recently served as a Sales Associate at the company’s Madison location. He has also gained experience in yard operations and inventory management, giving him a well-rounded understanding of Cardinal’s products and daily operations.
His experience, commitment to customer service, and ability to work across different areas of the business will support the Lake Anna team and the location’s continued growth.
Emma Wood Promoted to Madison Sales Floor Manager
Emma Wood has been promoted to Sales Floor Manager at Cardinal Home Center’s Madison location, effective July 27.
Wood has worked at the Lake Anna location since 2022 and joined Cardinal Home Center when the location was acquired in 2024. She previously served as Sales Floor Manager at Lake Anna and brings valuable retail leadership experience, along with a passion for merchandising and creating an outstanding customer experience.
In her new role, she will lead the Madison sales floor team and help oversee merchandising, customer service, and daily retail operations.
Mike White Promoted to Crozet Yard Manager
Mike White has been promoted to Yard Manager at Cardinal Home Center’s Crozet location, effective June 2026.
White joined Cardinal Home Center in August 2023 and previously worked in receiving and as a Yard Associate at the Crozet location. His experience in both roles has given him a strong understanding of the store’s operations and delivery process.
In his new role, he will oversee the yard, receiving and delivery operations, helping coordinate deliveries, ensure orders are picked accurately and support efficient service for customers.
Dylan Chiles Promoted to Corporate Dispatcher
Dylan Chiles has been promoted to Corporate Dispatcher, effective July 27.
Chiles joined Cardinal Home Center in 2021 and previously served as Dispatcher at the company’s Madison location. In his new role, he will coordinate dispatching for Cardinal Home Center’s Madison, Crozet, Lake Anna and Staunton locations.
His knowledge of the company’s operations, strong communication skills and commitment to efficient service will help support scheduling and coordination across multiple stores. His previous experience in the yard and receiving gives him a practical understanding of Cardinal’s delivery operations.
“As we continue to grow across our existing locations, it is important that we strengthen our leadership structure and ensure we are positioned for future growth,” said Toby Allen, president of Cardinal Home Center. “These promotions recognize employees who have demonstrated the experience, commitment and ability to take on additional responsibilities. We are proud to promote from within, and we congratulate each of them and wish them continued success in their new roles.”
About Cardinal Home Center
For more than 35 years, Cardinal Home Center has provided trusted building solutions to homeowners, contractors, and builders. Locally owned and family-operated, the company offers quality products and expert service through locations in Madison, Crozet, Charlottesville, Staunton, Waynesboro, and Lake Anna, Virginia. Learn more at cardinalhomecenter.com.
Media Contact
Emmet Aylor
Assistant Marketing Manager
Cardinal Home Center
434-205-3134
eaylor@cardinalhomecenter.com
