Tempe, Ariz.—May 16, 2012 — Institute for Supply Management (ISM) announced the appointment of Thomas W. Derry as Chief Executive Officer of the global supply management association, effective July 30, 2012. Derry will succeed Paul Novak, CPSM, C.P.M., A.P.P., MCIPS as ISM CEO following Novak’s decision in early 2011 to retire.
“Following a thorough and rigorous recruitment process, the search committee determined that Tom Derry is a top-notch choice,” said Lisa Martin, C.P.M., ISM Board Member and ISM CEO Search Committee Chair. “We interviewed a number of outstanding candidates and are excited to have found an individual who brings a wealth of experience in association management as well as someone who can define and execute a clear strategy and vision for ISM.”
Under Novak’s leadership, ISM experienced a major change in governance, global expansion and the creation of new programs and services for supply management professionals.
“The ISM Board greatly appreciates the excellent work Paul has achieved as CEO for the past 15 years,” said Sidney Johnson, CPSM, ISM Board Chair. “He has done a masterful job of broadening the association’s focus and worldwide reach. While initially the search committee focused on executives from the purchasing and supply management field, we soon realized that a seasoned and successful association professional with exceptional marketing and strategic program development experience would ensure ISM’s long-term growth and solid reputation.”
Novak served as ISM’s top executive since 1997.
“It’s been a privilege to lead ISM during a time of profound and constant change — both for the profession and the association,” said Novak. “I’m confident we’ve found the right leader for ISM’s next chapter and believe Tom brings proven talent and skills to lead the organization’s dynamic future on a global scale.”
Currently Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at the Association for Financial Professionals (AFP), Bethesda, Md., Derry is responsible for strategic planning and development, including U.S. and Canadian membership organizations and two wholly-owned, for-profit U.K. subsidiaries. He has experience in all organizational functions, including advocacy, finance, human resources, sales, product development, publications, certification, education and training, conference production and marketing. Prior to joining AFP in 2003, Derry was with LexisNexis Group in Dayton, Ohio.
“It is an honor to be selected for this critical role at ISM, an organization which truly has demonstrated thought-leadership for the profession over its illustrious history,” said Derry. “From its closely watched monthly Manufacturing and Non-Manufacturing ISM Report On Business, sponsorship of leading applied research, pioneering promotion of professional ethical standards, and leadership in promoting diversity in supply management, corporate social responsibility and environmental sustainability, ISM has truly established the developing frontier for the global profession. I look forward to working with ISM’s outstanding board of directors, its volunteers and members, and a talented staff in continuing to build worldwide appreciation of the strategic role the profession plays in our increasingly interconnected global economy.”
