The manufacturing industry veteran will assume chief leadership of the world’s leading composites industry trade association beginning July 1, 2021.
May 17, 2021 (Arlington, VA) – The American Composites Manufacturers Association (ACMA), the world’s leading composites industry trade association, announced today that it has appointed Cindy Squires as its next Chief Executive Officer.
With a growing membership of composites manufacturers, suppliers, distributors, and affiliates from every market segment in all 50 states and globally, ACMA serves as the center of thought leadership and expertise within the composites industry. The organization delivers award-winning education and events, access to invaluable market intelligence, regulatory analysis and support, as well as legislative advocacy.
In her new role, Ms. Squires will be responsible for leading ACMA’s dedicated team of professionals while driving industry growth and increasing the value of the organization to its membership, sponsors, industry partners, and stakeholders.
“As a veteran of the manufacturing industry and the trade association space, I’m very excited to join ACMA, the leading trade organization for the composites industry,” said Ms. Squires. “ACMA’s commitment to industry-wide innovation and collaboration mirrors my own values. As I embark on this new chapter during this exciting, pivotal time for the industry, I look forward to upholding the organization’s strong thought leadership while expanding opportunities for composites manufacturers, suppliers, and distributors in North America and beyond.”
Cindy Squires brings extensive experience in association management, including strategic planning, public policy, and legislative affairs. For the last eight years, she served as Executive Director/CEO of the International Wood Products Association (IWPA), where she represented North American companies and trade organizations engaged in the import and use of hardwoods and softwoods from sustainably managed forests in over 30 nations. Ms. Squires is a cleared trade advisor to the U.S. Trade Representative and Secretary of Commerce and also serves on the boards of the American Hardwood Export Council, the Global Timber Forum, the North American Forest Foundation and the American Boat and Yacht Council.
Prior to IWPA, Ms. Squires directed the regulatory, legal and trade programs for the recreational boating industry as the Chief Counsel of the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA). Her previous positions included practicing environmental and administrative law in private practice, working as a legislative aide on Capitol Hill and a government agency. She is a current member of Maryland and the District of Columbia bars.
ACMA Acting Chief Executive Officer Kevin Barnett said, “As the industry works to increase adoption of composites across all market segments, now is an ideal time to welcome new leadership. ACMA is moving past the challenges created by Covid-19, and we are seeing our programs return to a resemblance of normalcy. We are poised for tremendous growth, and the industry must be prepared to meet growing demand for composites materials and solutions. Cindy Squires will be a creative, passionate, and dynamic leader. We are elated that she will be joining us to lead our organization in serving and growing the composites Industry.”
Ms. Squires will be joining ACMA on July 1. The search was conducted by association and non-profit search experts Vetted Solutions.
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About ACMA
The American Composites Manufacturers Association (ACMA) is the world’s largest composites industry trade group. We are manufacturers, material and equipment suppliers, distributors, academia and end users, dedicated to growing the composites market. We serve our members and the industry by promoting the competitive advantage and versatility of composite materials. ACMA offers composites industry educational resources through our CAMX show, conferences and Certified Composites Technician (CCT®) program. We develop standards and specifications that drive preference for the use of composites in place of traditional materials. We lead advocacy efforts via legislative and regulatory channels to achieve a more viable composites industry. Together, we are shaping the future of composites. Learn more at www.acmanet.org.