Ms. Shortway began her career as a management trainee with Bullocks of California and was later promoted to division manager.
In 1977, she joined Bergdorf-Goodman, New York, and three years later was named executive vice president and general merchandise manager.
In 1982, she became executive vice president and managing director of Charles Jourdan. In 1987, while serving as president Maud Frizon, she was appointed president of Vopco, Inc., New York.