Paul M. Heffernan, Jr., vice president consumer experiences, has an extensive background in the athletic footwear industry. His 32-year career in the shoe industry began with positions at Melville Corporation in merchandise planning. In 1982 Paul joined Converse, Inc. as the running product manager. Paul joined NB as the running product manager in 1985 and moved to the position of "diversification" product manager responsible for all non-running lines. Paul had a brief stint at Reebok International Ltd., in 1987 where he was the tennis marketing manager. Staying only 10 months, Paul returned to New Balance that same year to manage the company's running, walking, hiking and children's shoe lines. In 1990, he was promoted to marketing manager and in 1992 Paul was appointed to vice president of marketing. In 2002, Paul was named executive vice president of global marketing, design & development. During this time NB enjoyed significant market share growth in North America and around the world. In March 2008, Heffernan assumed the newly created position of vice president, consumer experiences. In this role, Paul has been instrumental in shaping a newly created licensee agreement for NB stores while also managing valuable medical marketing/procare business. Paul also contributed to Dunham's merchandise planning and is building a promotion position with NB in the golf market from an exposure and sales revenue standpoint. Lastly Paul serves as the executive sponsor for NB's associate learning, called Cornerstones. His passion for the brand and his deep rooted knowledge of the vaules and mission lends credibility to this new program. He is a 1978 graduate of Villanova University where he played varsity golf. In addition to his passion for competitive golf, Paul enjoy running (presently wearing the 758), skiing and at least 60 minutes of physical exertion (presently wearing the MX871) a day. Paul is a member of the board of directors of the Bromley Outing Club in Peru, Vermont and lives in Wellesley, Mass. with his wife and four daughters.