Manufacturers Association CEO to Retire
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowIndiana Manufacturers Association Chief Executive Officer Patrick Kiely says he will retire in July. He has led the organization since 1991. The IMA's executive committee has recommended Brian Burton as Kiely's successor.
November 24, 2014
News Release
Indianapolis, Ind. — Patrick J. Kiely, who has guided the Indiana Manufacturers Association (IMA) to be a national leader in protecting the business environment for its 1,400 members, has announced his retirement as President and CEO, effective July 1, 2015.
Kiely, who has led IMA since 1991, has had a significant impact on representing manufacturers' interests at the Indiana Statehouse and the U.S. Congress. A former state representative and youngest chair of the House Ways & Means Committee, Kiely directed the IMA to many accomplishments during his tenure in the area of taxes, budget, infrastructure and logistics, healthcare, immigration, and environmental policy, among others.
“It has been a distinct honor to work alongside the IMA board and member companies over the last 23 years to protect the interests of a group that accounts for the largest percentage of gross domestic product in Indiana,” Kiely said. “I wanted to retire at a time when the organization was in a good place and to set it up for success in the future.”
Earlier this year, Kiely informed the IMA executive committee about his plans to retire after the upcoming session of the Indiana General Assembly. Under the bylaws, the committee considered its options, including identifying internal candidates, to replace Kiely.
“Pat's tireless efforts and effective advocacy on behalf of manufacturers throughout Indiana have been nothing short of impressive,” said IMA Board Chair Richard J. Giromini, President and CEO of Wabash National Corporation. “We are so grateful for his leadership and know that he has laid a solid foundation for our organization moving forward.”
The executive committee unanimously voted to recommend Brian Burton as Kiely's replacement at the IMA's board of directors meeting to be held Jan. 20, 2015, at the J.W. Marriott. Burton will work with Kiely to ensure a smooth transition in leadership as part of the IMA's succession plan.
Burton was a likely successor because of his 15 years of experience as an IMA-registered lobbyist and over 25 years of governmental affairs experience. He previously served as Vice President of the Indiana Chamber of Commerce.
“I look forward to building on the strong foundation that has been built at the Indiana Manufacturers Association. Effective advocacy and enhancing Indiana’s business climate will continue to be the top priorities,” Burton said.
About Patrick J. Kiely
Prior to his role at IMA, Patrick Kiely was Vice President at City Securities Corporation in Anderson from 1983-1991. Kiely was elected seven times to the Indiana House of Representatives serving from 1978-1991. He is deeply involved in several professional associations, including his service in various board leadership positions for the National Association of Manufacturers – State Association Group. He also serves on the Governor’s Education Roundtable, is Chairman of the Indiana Legal Foundation, and is a special advisor for the Indiana Career Council.
Kiely has received numerous honors and awards including: Outstanding Freshman Legislator; Top-Ten Young Hoosier; and Ball State University’s President’s Award, Award of Achievement from College of Business and the Distinguished Alumni Award. Kiely is a graduate of Ball State University with a bachelor’s degree in marketing research and statistics.
About Brian A. Burton
Prior to his roles at IMA and the Indiana Chamber, Brian Burton served as Executive Director of the Indiana Junior Chamber of Commerce and its charitable foundation. In addition, he has lobbied both the Indiana General Assembly and U.S. Congress since 1989 on a variety of issues, including economic development, human resources, transportation infrastructure, energy deregulation and labor relations.
He has also served on the boards of numerous organizations, including the Indiana Small Business Development Corporation, the Governmental Affairs Society of Indiana, Indiana Economic Development Council, State Workforce Investment Council, and the National Foundation for Unemployment and Worker’s Compensation, among others.
Burton is a 1981 graduate of Indiana State University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in business marketing.
Formed in 1901, the Indiana Manufacturers Association is the second oldest manufacturers association in the country and the only trade association in Indiana that exclusively focuses on manufacturing. The Indiana Manufacturers Association, representing more than 1,400 companies, is dedicated to advocating for a business climate that creates, protects and promotes quality manufacturing jobs in Indiana. The staff of the Indiana Manufacturers Association has more than 140 years of combined governmental affairs experience and is recognized as experts in many areas including tax, environment, labor relations, human resources and healthcare.
Source: Indiana Manufacturers Association