The Material Handling Industry of America announced that John Nofsinger, chief executive officer since 1999, will retire on Dec. 31, and that George Prest, chief operating officer, will succeed him as CEO on Jan. 1, 2012. Nofsinger, who has more than 45 years of experience in the material handling and logistics industry, is recognized as a national and international authority on material handling and logistics.
Before joining MHIA in 1986, he was employed for 20 years by Republic Storage Systems. During that time as a volunteer leader within MHIA, he served as vice president-board of directors and chairman of the Shelving Manufacturers Association.
“John’s 45 years of service to the industry and his 25 years of service to MHIA have been marked by major changes and improvements to the value that MHIA offers its members,” says Colin Wilson, MHIA executive chairman. “He has also greatly added to the value MHIA events and programming offered to end users. The association is extremely grateful to John for his leadership and numerous contributions to the material handling and logistics industry.”
Nofsinger serves on the board of governors and executive committee of MHIA and the Material Handling Education Foundation. He also serves as managing executive for the Rack Manufacturers Institute and the Storage Equipment Manufacturers Association. Other service includes the board of the Charlotte Roundtable of the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals. In addition, Nofsinger was integral to MHIA’s current and ongoing participation as a founding member of the American Logistics Aid Network. He is a former recipient of the Norman L. Cahners award.
“John’s leadership in the development of MHIA as a national and international standard for industrial associations is renowned,” says Prest. “In addition, the growth and success of ProMat and the development of the newly launched Modex expo are in large part due to John’s strategic vision. The development of the R-Mark rack certification, globalization of membership and MHIA’s role with ALAN all came about under John’s leadership. MHIA and the industry owe John, and his wife, Patti, a huge debt of gratitude for his service.”
Prest brings more than 30 years of experience to MHIA, both in managing and owning material handling manufacturing companies. Over the years, Prest has been recognized for his volunteer leadership of industry manufacturers and distributor associations, local government and charitable foundations. “George has served this industry for many years as a volunteer leader in a variety of organizations,” says Nofsinger. “His strategic vision has been a key contributor to advancing MHIA’s efforts to increasing not only member value but awareness of the value of material handing and logistics solutions to the manufacturing and supply chain end user community.”
