October 12, 2011
TALLAHASSEE – Associated Industries of Florida (AIF) today announced it has launched a national search for a new president and CEO and has retained the services of Korn/Ferry International, a global provider of talent management solutions.
“For more than 90 years, we have served as a strong and steady voice for Florida’s businesses. We are proud of our rich history of advocacy at both the federal and state levels, and the successes we have achieved for our members, employers and the business community at large. In recent years, we have championed landmark legislation reforming our workers’ compensation system, helped restore Florida’s private property insurance market, provided Florida employers with unemployment compensation tax relief and pushed through tort reform measures that will level the legal playing field for businesses, all while growing our membership dramatically,” said Erika Alba, Chair of the AIF Board of Directors. “As we execute our plan to take the organization to the next level of advocacy success and membership value, it is critical that we find a leader who will build on this momentum and continue AIF’s track record of promoting and protecting the best interests of Florida’s businesses.”
The retention of Korn/Ferry marks the next step in AIF’s executive search process. In August, the AIF Board of Directors assembled a search committee representative of the association’s diverse membership. Former State Representative Trey Traviesa was named by the board to serve as Chair and oversee the activities of the Search Committee as they seek to attract the right leader for AIF.
“An opportunity to lead a statewide organization as robust and vibrant as AIF does not present itself often. Through the efforts of the Search Committee and well-respected executive search firm Korn/Ferry, we will ensure the pool of talented candidates includes the best of the best from across the nation and state. And, we will work tirelessly in our commitment to establishing and executing a discreet, fair, objective process for selecting AIF’s new president and CEO,” said Traviesa.
Working in conjunction with Korn/Ferry, the AIF Search Committee will be responsible for managing inquiries from interested parties and compiling resumes and credentials from prospective candidates. After a review of all the prospective candidates, the Search Committee will select and interview candidates prior to making any recommendations to the full AIF Board of Directors. Candidates’ names and information will remain confidential. To view the position specifications, visit www.AIFCEO.kornferry.com. Those interested in applying may do so online via this link following the posting of the position specifications.
In August, the AIF Board of Directors named Cecil Pearce as the AIF Interim Managing Director to aid in the administration of the organization until the search is completed. Pearce will help guide the association through this period to ensure a seamless transition to new leadership.
“It is an honor to serve in this role for AIF. A well-oiled machine, the association is fortunate to be staffed by top-notch professionals, many of whom have been with us for more than 20 years,” said Pearce. “I consistently hear from our members, business leaders and government leaders that AIF’s advocacy efforts are second to none in the capitol. With a solid legislative team that we’ve had in place for years, we are already running full-force into the 2012 Legislative Session. Our new political team has energized a lot of people in the business community as we look toward the upcoming 2012 election cycle. We expect a great year ahead.”
Known as “The Voice of Florida Business,” AIF has advocated for the principles of prosperity and free enterprise since 1920. Representing more than 10,000 businesses across the state, AIF is one of Florida’s most powerful and successful government affairs and business lobbying groups.
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