Vetted Solutions Tapped by the American Composites Manufacturers Association to Find New Leader

April 1, 2021 – Washington, D.C.- based executive recruitment firm Vetted Solutions has been selected by the American Composites Manufacturers Association (ACMA) to lead its search for a new executive director. The search firm is seeking a dynamic leader to head the world’s largest composites industry trade group. Vetted notes that this is an “exciting opportunity for a seasoned executive with a mix of experience, entrepreneurship, vision, financial savvy, and a collaborative spirit to lead a dynamic trade association to the next level of success and member satisfaction.” Working in tandem with a committed board of directors, the CEO will build on past successes to expand the membership, develop innovative products to serve those members, build, elevate and protect the composites market, and solidify ACMA’s immediate and long-term financial stability. ACMA’s CEO will couple proven expertise in managing associations or other complex, service-driven organizations with a strategic perspective and a collaborative approach. Those skills will be focused on reaffirming the association’s role as an influential and articulate advocate and promoter for its members and the often complex products they offer to the world, said the search firm.

The successful candidate should have experience increasing membership and growing non-dues revenue, proven success in creating products or services and an understanding of how to advocate successfully in both legislative and regulatory environments at the federal and state level. Knowledge of the manufacturing sector or the composites industry are pluses.

Personal Attributes and Behaviors

ACMA wants candidates with an entrepreneurial approach and demonstrated background of creating new programs, products or services through “out-of-the-box” thinking. Other desired attributes include:

• The capacity to set priorities and respond quickly and effectively to changing circumstances or needs.
• A strong sense of presence and confidence in dealing with internal and external audiences.
• High energy, ambition, goal-oriented mindset with a direct but respectful approach to interpersonal dealings at all levels.
• Approachable, positive leader with well-developed listening skills.

“Above all, the president and CEO will demonstrate the energy, drive and commitment to the composites industry needed to inspire others, embrace those working in the industry, and build trust-based relationships,” Vetted Solutions said. “The successful candidate will combine that strength of personality with a willingness to make the difficult decisions needed to drive change in activities, focus, and structure needed to create sustainable success.”

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.

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