CHA Announces Selection of New CEO
The Craft & Hobby Association has announced the selection of a new CEO to replace Steve Berger, who departed in May 2011 in the middle of his contract. Berger had been CHA's top executive since 2003. Tony Lee, CHA's Vice President of Meetings & Expositions, has been serving as interim CEO during the search for a permanent replacement for Berger.
The association's new President & CEO is Andrej Suskavcevic (Shoosh-kav-chev-itch), who had previously been the CEO of the Commercial Finance Association since 2007. His resume also includes a position as Vice President of Operations at Financial Executives International, and serving as Chief Operating Officer at Zepter International, an international cookware and tabletop company.
Suskavcevic is a Certified Association Executive, and a member of the American Society of Association Executives. His educational background includes a bachelor of science degree in finance from Montclair University and a master's of business administration from New York University's Stern School of Business.
As for Suskavcevic's familiarity with crafts, CHA's announcement describes him as living with his wife and children, and having "been involved in many ongoing craft projects with them."
Larry Olliges, the Chair of the Craft & Hobby Association Board of Directors, said of the hiring:
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. 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.
For his part Suskavcevic expressed his excitement about heading CHA:
I am very excited about joining CHA and working with members to grow and develop the organization to be a champion for the industry. 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.
