Vetted Solutions Recruits New Leader for American Composites Manufacturers Association
July 20, 2021 – After an extensive search, Washington, D.C.- based executive recruitment firm Vetted Solutions has placed Cindy Squires as the new CEO of the American Composites Manufacturers Association (ACMA). “As the industry works to increase adoption of composites across all market segments, now is an ideal time to welcome new leadership,” said Kevin Barnett, acting CEO of ACMA. “ACMA is moving past the challenges created by Covid-19, and we are seeing our programs return to a resemblance of normalcy. We are poised for tremendous growth, and the industry must be prepared to meet growing demand for composites materials and solutions. Cindy Squires will be a creative, passionate, and dynamic leader. We are elated that she will be joining us to lead our organization in serving and growing the composites Industry.”
Ms. Squires brings extensive experience in association management, including strategic planning, public policy, and legislative affairs. For the last eight years, she served as executive director/CEO of the International Wood Products Association (IWPA), where she represented North American companies and trade organizations engaged in the import and use of hardwoods and softwoods from sustainably managed forests in over 30 nations. Ms. Squires is a cleared trade advisor to the U.S. Trade Representative and Secretary of Commerce and also serves on the boards of the American Hardwood Export Council, the Global Timber Forum, the North American Forest Foundation and the American Boat and Yacht Council.
Prior to IWPA, Ms. Squires directed the regulatory, legal and trade programs for the recreational boating industry as chief counsel for the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA). Her previous positions included practicing environmental and administrative law in private practice, working as a legislative aide on Capitol Hill and at a government agency. She is a member of the Maryland and the District of Columbia bars.
In her new role, Ms. Squires will be responsible for leading ACMA’s dedicated team of professionals while driving industry growth and increasing the value of the organization to its membership, sponsors, industry partners and stakeholders.
“As a veteran of the manufacturing industry and the trade association space, I’m very excited to join ACMA, the leading trade organization for the composites industry,” said Ms. Squires. “ACMA’s commitment to industry-wide innovation and collaboration mirrors my own values. As I embark on this new chapter during this exciting, pivotal time for the industry, I look forward to upholding the organization’s strong thought leadership while expanding opportunities for composites manufacturers, suppliers, and distributors in North America and beyond.”
Recruiting the Next Generation of Non-Profit Leaders
In this brand new episode of ‘Talent Talks,’ Hunt Scanlon Media host, Rob Adams, is joined by Jim Zaniello, president and founder of DC based Vetted Solutions, a boutique executive search firm focused on recruiting non-profit leadership. In this podcast, Mr. Zaniello discusses the current state of recruiting for non-profit organizations and associations. He then discusses the impact of the pandemic and touches on diversity and inclusion at non-profit institutions and how recruiters are assisting. Listen Now!
The American Composites Manufacturers Association is the world’s largest composites industry trade group. It represents small and large companies, including manufacturers, suppliers and distributors from every market segment in all 50 states. Its mission is to provide education, advocacy and representation, industry expertise and competence to its members and other markets—expanding its reach to others who would benefit from composites. ACMA is headquartered in Arlington, VA.
Non-Profit Recruiters
Vetted Solutions, a specialist in conducting non-profit, government and association sector recruiting assignments, focuses on recruiting board members, CEOs and senior staff positions for prominent and well-known organizations nationwide. Recent searches that the firm has conducted include executive director for the Association for Creative Industries, chief operating officer for the American Society of Microbiology, executive director for the Society of Exploration Geophysicists and executive director of the American Academy of Optometry.
The firm’s president and founder, Jim Zaniello, has worked for more than two decades in positions ranging from non-profit executive director to publisher of a leading tool for non-profit executive search. He is also said to have an intimate understanding of the complex demands of the executive office through his own experience as executive director at several associations and non-profits.
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief; Dale M. Zupsansky, Managing Editor; and Stephen Sawicki, Managing Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
