Randy Carson, chairman of the NEMA board, stated, "It is difficult to overestimate the contribution that Malcolm O'Hagan has made to our industry."

The board felt that Gaddis was a logical successor to O'Hagan, with proven management and leadership skills, said Carson. Gaddis ended his Army career as commander of U.S. Army recruiting, the chief executive officer of a $401 million organization with more than 12,000 employees. At GAMA, Gaddis provided leadership to a national trade association representing over 200 manufacturers of residential, commercial, and industrial heating appliances, equipment, and components, as well as manufacturers of equipment and providers of services used in the production, transmission, and distribution of fuel gases. He helped introduce new divisions for power generation (fuel cells and microturbines), gas air conditioning, and gas detectors.

"Evan Gaddis is a perfect fit for NEMA," said Carson. "In addition to his obvious management skills and experience abroad, he is politically savvy and a fine team builder, qualities you would expect in a person with his background. He is no stranger to the inner circles of the policy-making apparatus in Washington and will represent NEMA like few others could. The board went through an exhaustive search process and, in the end, Evan was a consensus choice to lead the organization."

Gaddis is expected to begin work in his new position in mid-September. O'Hagan will be honored at NEMA's 79th Annual Meeting and Leadership Conference in Washington, D.C., in November.

Publication date: 07/11/2005