Vetted Solutions Seeking New Leader for the American Peanut Shellers Association
March 15, 2024 – The American Peanut Shellers Association has retained Washington, D.C.- based Vetted Solutions to lead in its search for a new executive director. The executive position offers a special opportunity to lead a proven, highly committed membership and staff in an aggressive effort to promote the best interests of shellers and the broader peanut industry. This executive manages an annual budget of almost $4 million from its headquarters in Albany, GA. The incoming leader must have proven skills and a history of accomplishment across numerous areas of expertise.
The job demands a highly capable organizational administrator and manager, capable of effective planning, budgeting and service to members, according to Vetted. In addition, the executive director also must be an astute strategist and visionary, capable of recognizing the issues and challenges facing American Peanut Shellers Association members and the broader industry’s immediate and longer-term interests.
Candidates must have solid political judgment and issue-management insights, as well as exceptional skills in building positive relationships at multiple levels. This executive plays a critical role in fostering American Peanut Shellers Association’s caring and collaborative culture through support for the needs and issues of all members.
First and foremost, the American Peanut Shellers Association seeks an individual with the demonstrated capacity to lead a membership association or commercial organization. The successful candidate will possess skills, experience and personal attributes consistent with the organization’s mission and strategic plan. Proven leadership skills and a track record of accomplishment, coupled with a dynamic and goal-oriented mindset, are key. Vetted notes that other attributes and experience – while not essential – would be considered as enhancements to an individual’s candidacy.
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Established in 1919, the American Peanut Shellers Association is a non-profit trade association, composed of national commercial peanut shellers. It’s primary purpose is to promote the common interests of those engaged in the peanut shelling industry. The organization provides a unified base and forum for members, working collaboratively to advance the industry domestically and internationally.
Non-Profit Specialists
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.
Vetted Solution Recruits CEO for Leader Dogs for the Blind
Following an extensive, national search process, Vetted Solutions has placed Melissa Weisse as its new president and CEO of Leader Dogs for the Blind. She replaced Susan Daniels, who in May of 2023 announced her intention to retire. “After an extensive, national search process, we are delighted to welcome Weisse as our new president and CEO,” said Kathie Davis, chair of the board. “Weisse is an inspired, results-driven and values-driven leader who has a diverse background of experience and an excellent reputation of leadership in the nonprofit sector and field of blind rehabilitation. She is an industry thought leader with a proven track record of revenue and program growth. The board looks forward to Weisse realizing the future vision and potential for Leader Dogs for the Blind and the entire community we serve. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Susan Daniels for her leadership.”
Jim Zaniello, the firm’s president and founder, 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 known 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.
American Peanut Council Search
Vetted Solutions placed Richard Owen as the new president and chief executive officer of the American Peanut Council (APC). Mr. Owen has held senior leadership positions at the Produce Marketing Association for the past 11 years, and earlier in his career served as director of agricultural affairs in the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) and as executive vice president of the Montana Grain Growers Association.
The American Peanut Council is a non-profit, membership-driven organization that serves as the umbrella trade association representing all segments of the U.S. peanut industry. Based in Alexandria, VA, its mission is to support the long-term growth of the U.S. peanut industry. Among its efforts, the American Peanut Council promotes the global consumption of U.S. peanuts, develops export markets, helps protect the industry supply chain, leads scientific research on peanut production and provides thought leadership on food safety, sustainability, crisis and risk management.
Related: Vetted Solutions Recruits CEO for National Association of Personal Financial Advisors
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief; Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor; Lily Fauver, Senior Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
