The Industrial Fasteners Institute named Kenneth McCreight to succeed Rob Harris as managing director.
Kenneth McCreight
McCreight becomes the IFI’s seventh MD in the 86-year history of the trade association of North American fastener manufacturers and suppliers of materials, machinery, equipment and/or engineered services.
Harris has been managing director since December 1995 and will retire.
McCreight is coming from the Cleveland-based Manufacturing Advocacy & Growth Network (MAGNET). Previously as VP of the National Tooling & Machining Association, he was an industry advocate for manufacturing organizations; and with Cuyahoga Community College and North Central State College of Ohio he was involved in developing workforce & economic development initiatives.
He holds a bachelor’s degree in Applied Technology Education and a master’s degree in Technology from Bowling Green State University.
“Virtually all my professional life has been dedicated to the service of others, and this will be a capstone in my career,” the IFI announcement quoted McCreight. “Throughout the process of working with the recruiter and the search committee, it was quite clear to me that IFI is a high-quality organization with a culture of teamwork and collaboration, and a community of members that cares a lot about the organization and its mission.”
The IFI conducted an eight-month search.
McCreight will officially start November 27. Harris will retire December 31, but continue in a supporting role during the transition.
“Early this year, when I announced my intention to retire, it was important to me and the Board of Directors that we establish a process that would allow for the selection of a worthy and capable leader, and a smooth transition so that IFI could continue its important work without missing a beat,” Harris said. “I think we have succeeded in that goal. I love the IFI’s mission and its membership, and I feel confident that I am leaving this incredible organization in good hands.”
IFI chairman Preston Boyd, who led the search committee, declared the IFI was “looking for a proven association leader, and we have found such a person in Ken McCreight. We are especially pleased that he has a proven track record in association membership growth, has success in workforce development, apprenticeship programs, and that he possesses exceptional skills in strategic thinking and team building.”
Founded in 1931, the IFI currently lists 76 manufacturing members with 63 subsidiaries; four aerospace distribution affiliates and 60 supplier associate members. The next IFI meeting will be March 3-7, 2018, at Amelia Island, SC.
The IFI is located at 6363 Oak Tree Blvd., Independence, OH 44131. Tel: 216 241-1482 Web: IndFast.org
For more, visit the Fastener History section:
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