BOB O'GARA – CEO

As a cofounder of The Highlands Group, Bob’s professional history is practically our company’s history. Bob was a division manager as well as president of KOGCO, one of the country’s premier rep firms until it eventually became The Highlands Group. Bob has extensive experience in multi-line sales as well as insight into the mechanics of office products distribution. He has a firm grasp of where the industry is headed.

Bob is an active CEO, serving as the key contact between manufacturers and major accounts. He embraces the changes in this industry over the span of his career and believes that The Highlands Group in uniquely poised to stay at the forefront of what’s to come.

Bob has a BA from Georgetown University as well as an MBA in Management from Emory University.

RICK MORGAN – PRESIDENT - SOUTH

Rick brings over 20 years experience in multi-line marketing to The Highlands Group. Prior to joining, Rick was founder and President of Regional IP Products, where he managed the outside sales force as well as negotiated with manufacturers and selected lines and products to promote.

At The Highlands Group, Rick is responsible for setting, then meeting aggressive yet realistic sales goals that are in line with the broader objective s for the company. He also ensures that we have the correct resources to meet those goals.

Rick has a BA in Econometrics from St. Andrews University in Scotland. He got his Certified Professional Managers Representative (CPMR) designation in 1996 and completed the MAP Management program in 2001.

DAVID DIGNAN - PRESIDENT MID - ATLANTIC

Since starting out with MS Ginn in 1970, David has amassed an impressive string of accomplishments in his career. During his tenure at MS Ginn, David was Sales Rep of the Year as well Top Sales Rep for his last five years with the company. In 1985, he left to found Promark Associates, which grew to become one of the top manufacturer rep groups in the Mid-Atlantic region. In 1991, Promark merged with Nesbitt Associates and formed NDB & Associates, which furthered their success as the dominant group in the Mid-Atlantic region. In 2000, NDB started its partnership with The Highlands Group with David at the helm of our Mid-Atlantic region.

David is now the key contact between manufacturers and major accounts in his region.

David has a BS from Old Dominion.

BUTCH ELLIS - VICE PRESIDENT - CLEANING AND BREAKROOM

Butch is a 12-year veteran of the Office Products industry with extensive experience in merchandising, marketing, and supply chain. Prior to joining The Highlands Group, Butch was a Merchandise Manager at Office Depot, Viking Office Products, and most recently, S.P. Richards Co. His past merchandising background is quite extensive and offers a strong perspective across multiple channels of distribution within the Office Products class of trade. He has managed multiple product categories during his merchandising career, but has developed a strong knowledge base in the fast growing Jan/San product category. In addition, he has effectively executed private brand programs, promotional strategies and possesses experience in packaging and brand development.

Butch has a BA degree in Business from Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton, FL.

ELLEN LEVERETTE - VICE PRESIDENT - SUPPLIES AND FURNITURE

Ellen has been in the Office Products industry for 23 years with experience in purchasing, merchandising, supply chain optimization and global sourcing. Prior to joining The Highlands Group, Ellen was Director of Merchandising at United Stationers, Global Sourcing Manager at O’Sullivan Industries and, most recently, Product Manager at S.P. Richards Co. Ellen’s merchandising responsibilities included traditional office products, furniture, technology, janitorial and break room products.

Ellen has a BS degree in Business Management and Economics from Charleston Southern University in Charleston, SC. She received her Certified Purchasing Manager (CPM) designation in 1987.