Vetted Solutions, Saxton Bamfylde Tapped to Find Events Industry Council CEO

January 22, 2019 – Two search firms, Vetted Solutions and Saxton Bamfylde, based in Washington, D.C., and London, respectively, have been chosen to find a new chief executive officer for the Events Industry Council (EIC). Jim Zaniello, founder and president of Vetted Solutions, will be collaborating with Jonathan Morgan, partner and head of the regulation and government affairs practice for Saxton Bampfylde, on the assignment.

Karen Kotowski recently stepped down after a decade as CEO for the Alexandria, VA-based non-profit.

During her tenure, Ms. Kotowski oversaw the growth of EIC’s certified meeting professional (CMP) program and the completion of three studies on the economic significance of meetings in the U.S., as well as the first ever global economic significance study, research that provided indisputable proof of the economic impact of the events industry and a platform for articulating the value of business events.

“Karen has dedicated herself to the events industry and provided 10 years of leadership to our association through a rebranding, management transition and growth of our CMP program,” said Tina Wehmeir, chair of EIC’s board of directors. “During this time of transition, we plan to identify a new CEO who brings a global perspective and background to help in further broadening the reach of our organization and certification program.”

A Time of Change

The change in leadership comes at a dynamic and exciting time for the events industry and for EIC as the organization enhances its value offerings, extends the CMP program globally, expands its educational programming and increases its focus on enabling sustainable events, said EIC. Building on its recent momentum and rebranding, the board is focused on redefining EIC’s mission, vision and long-term strategic plan.

“EIC will be seeking a leader who can inspire the council, while implementing the organization’s vision — a leader who brings a diverse global perspective and a proven track-record of business growth, collaboration and strategic vision,” said EIC.

To lead the search, the board named a search committee consisting of a diverse group of seven industry leaders chaired by Carina Bauer, CEO of IMEX Group. In partnership with its management company, SmithBucklin, the council enlisted Vetted Solutions and Saxton Bampfylde.

Non-Profit Association Leaders

The Events Industry Council has more than 30 member organizations that represent over 103,500 individuals and 19,500 firms and properties involved in the events industry. EIC strives to be global champion for event professionals and event industry excellence. The group promotes high standards and professionalism in the events industry with the CMP program and its four signature programs — sustainability, industry insights, knowledge and leadership — that represent the key initiatives, assets, services and products for EIC

Based in Washington, D.C., Vetted Solutions, a specialist in conducting non-profit and association sector recruiting assignments, focuses on recruiting board members, CEOs and senior staff positions for prominent and well-known organizations nationwide.


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Recent searches undertaken by the firm include recruiting the CEO for SOCAP Internationalplacing the president for El-Hibri Foundation and recruiting a chief learning officer for the American Society of Association Executives. The firm also helped recruit Daniel Gillison as the executive director of the American Psychiatric Association Foundation.

Respected Recruiters

Mr. 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.

Founded in 1986, with offices in London and Edinburgh, Saxton Bampfylde works with clients ranging from FTSE 100 companies and blue chip multinationals, government and academia to foundation trust hospitals, arts institutions and not-for-profits. The search firm has recruited new leaders for clients that include ACS International Schools, Kingston University, the David Ross Education Trust, Wycliffe, ACS International Schools, King’s College London, the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts and the General Dental Council, among others.

Mr. Morgan has worked in search for more than 10 years. He joined the consulting team at Saxton Bampfylde after heading education research. He has advised on board level appointments across the private, public and not-for-profit sectors. He also leads the firm’s competition practice. Mr. Morgan studied Chinese at Edinburgh University, has a diploma in management from Cambridge and is an alumnus of Kellogg School of Management.

Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief; Dale M. Zupsansky, Managing Editor; Stephen Sawicki, Managing Editor; and Andrew W. Mitchell, Managing Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media

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