Kittleman & Associates Lands New CEO for Plumbing Manufacturers International
August 2, 2017 – Chicago-based executive search firm Kittleman & Associates has placed Kerry Stackpole as executive director and CEO of Plumbing Manufacturers International (PMI). He succeeds Barbara C. Higgens, who led PMI for the past 19 years. She will continue to assist in a consulting capacity during the transition.
In his new role, Mr. Stackpole will work with the board to develop a strategic business plan while managing the association’s day-to-day operations. This includes planning, budget development & management, development of programs and events, and building and maintaining relationships that are vital to PMI members. The role calls for special attention to adding membership value, establishing positive “personality” to the association and offering enlightened approaches to its issues.
The Right Leader
PMI said it was seeking a proven executive-level leader who had worked in a similar-size or larger national association or comparable business enterprise. It wanted someone with a proven ability to chart a path forward with exceptional communication skills and a servant leadership style.
Mr. Stackpole fit the bill, having spent over two decades leading trade associations in manufacturing, technology and services. His leadership helped grow technology associations from start-up into multi-million-dollar entities and established their positions as leading industry organizations.
Most recently, Mr. Stackpole served as an advance team leader for the executive office of the president, working both domestically and internationally to execute events on behalf of the president and vice president of the U.S. Prior to the White House, he was president and CEO of the Printing and Graphics Association Mid-Atlantic, crafting the group’s award-winning marketing campaign and driving its merger with Printing Industries of Virginia. He also served as CEO of four other trade associations and as an interim CEO and strategy consultant to professional groups.
“PMI has that rare combination of a passionate member base, a strong commitment to social action, and a talented team of people whose dedication to promoting safe, responsible plumbing is unmatched,” said Mr. Stackpole. “The extraordinary product innovations from our member firms and the continued commitment to sound environmental and public health policies are setting new standards to make water a more sustainable resource.”
“I’m honored to join this dynamic leadership team and to partner with all the great people that fuel PMI’s continued growth and success,” he said. “As we add services for our members, deepen our association presence, and explore new opportunities, our mission remains unchanged – safe, responsible plumbing, always.”
Plumbing Manufacturers International is the voluntary global trade association for plumbing product manufacturers. Its members produce 90 percent of the plumbing products used in the U.S. and represent more than 150 brands. PMI serves its members as a technical resource and by facilitating advocacy, information exchange and early warning notice on critical industry issues.
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Next Generation Leaders
Kittleman, which was established in 1963, is one of the nation’s oldest executive recruitment firms exclusively serving non-profit organizations. Search services include recruitment counsel, organizational assessment, development of position specifications, prospect research, source identification, candidate development, background assessment & verification, reference checking, offer preparation and transition assistance.
The firm is currently searching for executive directors for PEER Services, People’s Resource Center, Moore Farms Botanical Garden Foundation, South Suburban PADS and Boys & Girls Country, among many others.
Not long ago, a new generation at Kittleman & Associates took over the firm’s leadership: Cory King was named president and CEO, succeeding his father Richard. Cory’s sister Megan Monaco became vice president. “Rick,” as the elder Mr. King is known, continues to conduct CEO searches and serves as an advisor to the business as chairman. The siblings have been with Kittleman for several years, the company said, making the transition seamless.
Mr. King focuses on CEO searches across the non-profit sector, with a particular emphasis in social services, grant making foundations, cultural institutions and conservation organizations. He has been in the non-profit sector since 1998 and brings executive level experience in higher education, healthcare and social services.
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief; Dale M. Zupsansky, Managing Editor; Stephen Sawicki, Managing Editor; and Will Schatz, Managing Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
