ASSOCIATION CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
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Steve RiegeAfter 27-plus years at the helm of MHEDA, Liz Richards, CEO has announced that she will be retiring on December 31, 2023. The MHEDA Board of Directors has hired Steve Riege with Ovation Leadership to assist with the search for her replacement. Interested applicants are encouraged to learn more about the position by reviewing the information below and using the link to the right to send a confidential email directly to Steve Riege to learn more about MHEDA and the position.
“It has been an incredible experience to work with so many professionals in MHEDA, the Board of Directors, the membership and of course, the amazing team of associates who work tirelessly to bring value to our members. It has been a great ride for 27 years and I look forward to turning the reins over to the next leader who will undoubtedly bring a refreshing and innovative new chapter to MHEDA! I am honored and humbled to have been able to serve this great industry.” – Liz Richards, MHEDA CEO
About MHEDA
MHEDA is a member-centric trade association serving approximately 600 companies and their associates across North America. These member companies represent distributors, integrators, manufacturers and special service providers that provide equipment, technologies and services in the warehousing, distribution center and manufacturing environments. MHEDA currently employs a high-performing team of nine associates, headquartered in the northwest suburbs of Illinois. The association has a strong financial position, operating with a balanced budget of $3.5 million and reserves of over $4 million.
MHEDA operates a hybrid office model and maintains a physical office in Wauconda, IL, approximately 30 miles northwest of O’Hare airport. The office has the capacity to host all-staff meetings in a common area conference room and MHEDA leases an internal office for administration, accounting and has an open workspace for any staff to utilize as needed when not working from home. A storage office is also housed on site.
Position Description
The Material Handling Equipment Distributors Association (MHEDA.org) is seeking a dynamic and forward-looking CEO to guide the organization with a collaborative spirit. Reporting to a 17-person Board of Directors and managing a team of nine associates, the successful candidate will be wholly committed to member service, possess excellent interpersonal skills and bring a mix of experience, vision, entrepreneurship and financial acumen to the association.
The CEO’s primary responsibilities are overseeing the administration, program planning and strategic direction of the organization by working with the Board of Directors and MHEDA team members to establish measurable goals to fulfill the mission of the organization.
Responsibilities Include
- Responsible for leading MHEDA in a fiscally responsible manner that supports and guides the organization’s mission as defined by the Board of Directors.
- Works closely with Executive Committee and Board of Directors to plan and execute all MHEDA programming and oversees all committee functions.
- Communicates effectively with the board, in a timely and accurate manner, all information necessary for the Board to make informed decisions
- Leads staff to ensure that MHEDA’s mission is fulfilled through its programs and services, strategic planning and member outreach.
- Develops the budget for board approval and organizes the expenditure of appropriate resources to ensure the operations of the organization can meet the strategic objectives. Responsible for financial planning and budget oversight.
- Responsible for the image of the organization by being active and visible across the membership and in the community by working closely with other professional and private organizations.
- Seeks out opportunities to advance the visibility and viability of the organization and the overall value of the distributor within the material handling industry.
- Oversees and implements policy decisions and membership events to increase visibility of the organization.
- Management responsibilities including interview and selection, hiring, training and development, performance management, employee relations, etc.
- Of paramount importance is to sustain a healthy culture within MHEDA.
- Establishes employment and administrative policies and procedures for all functions of the organization and the day-to-day operation of MHEDA.
- Serves as the organization’s primary spokesperson including outreach to the media, the members it serves and related stakeholder communities (i.e., academia, end-users, etc.).
- Serves as the managing executive of MHEDA’s annual convention.
- Works closely with the Chairman of the Board to ensure he/she successfully represents the Mission of the organization during his/her tenure.
- Involves approximately 30% travel including board meetings, annual convention, trade shows, member visits and other industry events.
- Perform other duties as assigned by the Board of Directors or initiated by this role.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in business, communications or related field.
- A minimum of five (5) years in an executive leadership role.
- Experience and skill in working with a Board of Directors.
- Although not required, experience in leading a non-profit, would be desirable.
- Although not required, experience in the material handling and/or distribution industry would be helpful.
- Strong financial management skills, including budget preparation, analysis, decision making and reporting.
- Transparent and high integrity leadership.
- The ability to lead in an environment of constant change.
- High level strategic thinking and planning. Ability to envision and convey the organization’s strategic future to the staff, board and membership-at-large.
- Ability to effectively communicate the organization’s mission through exceptional writing, verbal, and presentation skills.
- Demonstrated ability to oversee and collaborate with staff.
- Understands how to successfully generate new revenue streams and improve financial results.
- Demonstrated excellent member relations skills and understanding of the industry trends.
- Previous success in establishing relationships with individuals and organizations of influence.
- Solid organizational abilities, including planning, delegating, program development and task facilitation.
- Strong public speaking ability.
- Strong work ethic with a high degree of energy.
If you are interested in applying for the Chief Executive Officer position of MHEDA, please use the button below and send a confidential email directly to Steve. Only Steve will have access to your email.
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