The Washington-based Plastics Industry Association said Feb. 13 it's formally launched the search for a new president and CEO to replace its former leader Bill Carteaux, who died in December after a three-year fight with leukemia.
A spokeswoman for the association said the member company executives conducting the search hope to present a candidate to the group's full board for consideration and approval by mid-July.
In a statement, the association said its board officers met recently and hired the Chicago-based executive recruiting firm Heidrick & Struggles International Inc. to lead their search.
It said association Chairman Wylie Royce will head up the search committee, and said the group is currently working to develop a "rigorous and in-depth protocol" to guide the selection.
Royce said the association leaders also set their 2019 priorities, which include continuing to develop their "This is Plastics" initiative aimed at making industry employees ambassadors for the sector and trying to "dispel negative myths" about plastics.
"Also high on the list came funding and participating in programs that aid in sustainability efforts and development, helping to educate key audiences about the sustainability and safety of plastics, and supporting and creating programs that help the industry promote employment and educational opportunities in the plastics industry," the group said.
The group is currently being led by interim President and CEO Patty Long, who had been the association's second-ranking executive. Royce said the board's officers reiterated their unanimous support for Long and praised the rest of the agency's leadership team and staff.
The group said applicants for the position should contact Julian Ha at [email protected].