ELMWOOD PARK, N.J., Jan. 10, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Craft & Hobby Association (CHA) Board of Directors today announced Andrej Suskavcevic (Shoosh-kav-chev-itch) as new President and Chief Executive Officer of CHA. The appointment of Mr. Suskavcevic concludes an eight-month executive search during which Tony Lee, Vice President of Meetings & Expositions, served as CHA’s interim leader.
"After a long and exhaustive national search, we believe Andrej has the expertise and qualifications needed to lead CHA forward, capitalizing on the positive momentum created by Tony and Team CHA," says Larry Olliges, CHA Board Chairman. "Andrej has some core strengths in marketing, public relations, and finance that make him uniquely qualified for this position at this time. We have every confidence in him and look forward to great things."
Since 2007, Mr. Suskavcevic has served as CEO of the Commercial Finance Association (CFA) in New York City. CFA is the premier trade association for the asset-based lending and factoring industries. Previously, he was Vice President of Operations at Financial Executives International (FEI) in Morristown, N.J., a professional association for CFOs, controllers and treasurers. Before joining FEI, he served as Chief Operating Officer at Zepter International, an international cookware and tabletop company.
"I am very excited about joining CHA and working with members to grow and develop the organization to be a champion for the industry." says Andrej Suskavcevic. "I see opportunities for CHA to be the ultimate resource for the industry and a platform for members to share their expertise and connect with customers globally."
Mr. Suskavcevic is a Certified Association Executive (CAE) and active member of the American Society of Association Executives. He holds a bachelor of science in finance from Montclair University and a master’s of business administration from New York University’s Stern School of Business. He resides in New Jersey with his wife and children and has been involved in many ongoing craft projects with them.
About the Craft & Hobby Association
The Craft & Hobby Association (CHA) is an international nonprofit trade association consisting of thousands of member companies engaged in design, manufacture, distribution and retail sales of products worldwide in the $29 billion U.S. craft and hobby industry. For more information about CHA, membership or its award-winning CHA Conferences & Trade Shows, visit www.craftandhobby.org.
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