Preston Howard to Retire at End of 2021, NCMA Board of Directors to Begin Selection Process for Next President

The North Carolina Manufacturers Alliance (NCMA) Board of Directors is announcing that Preston Howard has decided to retire at the end of 2021. During his 21 years as President of the NCMA, Preston Howard has served the interests of NCMA members well.

With the announcement of Preston’s retirement, NCMA will have an opening in January 2022 for Association President. The NCMA Board of Directors Search Committee is ready to advertise the role and receive résumés. A position description and list of qualifications are included below.

Interested and qualified candidates should submit their résumé by July 15, 2021 to:
Sharon Drescher, NCMA Board Chairman, Sharon.drescher@syngenta.com

President – North Carolina Manufacturers Alliance

General Information: The North Carolina Manufacturers Alliance (NCMA or Alliance) is a private, nonprofit organization founded in 1988.  Membership in the Alliance is limited to North Carolina manufacturers.  In addition, Business Partners of the Alliance (consulting companies and law firms) may be approved for non-voting memberships upon nomination by a member company and approval by the NCMA Board of Directors.  The President of the Alliance is appointed by and serves at the pleasure of the NCMA Board of Directors.  The position is located in Raleigh, NC.

President’s Key Functions:

The President is responsible for the overall management of the Alliance, which includes but may not be limited to the following:

• managing all Alliance employees;
• administrating the overall function of the Alliance office;
• managing all Alliance finances in a fiscally responsible manner;
• representing the Alliance in key legislative, regulatory and public outreach activities;
• serving as the voice of the Alliance with the North Carolina General Assembly, the Governor and other Council of State members and their offices, the North Carolina Congressional delegation, government agencies and regulatory boards and commissions, and the media;
• building and maintaining relationships between the Alliance and the above entities
• managing primary lobbying activities for the Alliance with the state legislature and state regulatory bodies, including engagement of contract lobbyist(s) when appropriate;
• maintaining good relationships with member companies of the Alliance as well as recruiting new members;
• providing staff support to all Alliance committees, including identifying presenters and developing committee agendas; planning and organizing annual meetings, and
• effectively implementing all policies, plans and directives of the NCMA Board of Directors.

Preferred Knowledge and Experience:

• Broad knowledge and experience in state and federal environmental and safety regulatory programs;
• experience in governmental or public affairs;
• familiarity with state energy policies;
• substantial knowledge of legislative processes, with lobbying experience and ability to develop and implement effective advocacy plans either alone or as part of a coalition;
• proven personnel and issues management experience, and
• the ability to develop and manage budgets. 

Requirements:

• A Bachelor Degree in Engineering or Science or related field and 15 or more years of progressively responsible work experience in environmental or safety management or compliance, and
• The ability to effectively communicate technically complex policy issues in both oral and written form with members of the legislative and executive branches of state government, with news reporters and with the general public, and
• The ability to navigate common office computer software (Microsoft Office, Excel, Word) and on-line systems.

Salary is commensurate with experience.  Benefits include life and health insurance and a simplified employee pension program.

Please submit résumés by July 15, 2021 to:   Sharon Drescher, NCMA Board Chairman, Sharon.drescher@syngenta.com