Executive Director

Madison, Connecticut, Executive Director The Wire Association International (WAI) | Madison, CT The Opportunity The Wire Association International (WAI) is conducting a search for its next Executive Director. The appointment follows the planned August 2027 retirement of WAI’s longtime Executive Director and offers an opportunity to guide an established international technical society through a significant period of renewal. WAI seeks a visible, commercially astute, collaborative leader who can combine strategic direction with hands-on management of a lean, experienced staff. The Executive Director will serve as WAI’s chief staff executive, responsible for organizational performance, strategic implementation, financial stewardship, staff leadership, and external representation. The role combines the expectations of an association chief executive with the practical demands of running a relatively small enterprise whose programs include a major trade show and a publishing operation. WAI is approaching a consequential leadership transition as it prepares to celebrate its centennial in 2030. Its Centennial Strategic Plan, “Evolving the Operation to Serve the Industry,” provides the roadmap to 2030. The plan’s four integrated priorities are education and training; trade shows and conferences; Wire Journal International and digital media; and membership, users, and customers. The next Executive Director will inherit a clear strategic framework while bringing the judgment, energy, and execution discipline needed to convert ambitious objectives into measurable results. In particular, the next Executive Director will help WAI become a truly international association, expanding its reach among wire and cable manufacturers and across the broader supply chain, and position WAI as the definitive resource for foundational education on manufacturing processes, industry standards, safety, and maintenance. The incoming Executive Director is expected to join before Interwire 2027, allowing an introduction to members, industry partners, and volunteers at WAI’s flagship event and a thoughtful transition with the incumbent. About The Wire Association International Founded in 1930, WAI is a worldwide technical society serving professionals in the wire and cable industry. Its mission is “To serve the technical, manufacturing, and general business segments of the global wire and cable industry.” Its members and customers span ferrous and nonferrous wire, electrical and fiber-optic cable, equipment suppliers, and related manufacturing sectors. Based in Madison, Connecticut, WAI provides specialized technical education, convenes manufacturers and suppliers, supports industry networking, and distributes authoritative publications. Wire and cable products support electrical power generation and transmission, transportation, communications, medical technology, aerospace, defense, housing, and industrial manufacturing, and the Association connects the manufacturers, equipment suppliers, technical specialists, and business leaders whose expertise supports these markets. WAI is a 501(c)(6) organization with a committed volunteer leadership structure and a lean, long-tenured professional staff. Its Board includes senior industry executives, and approximately 100 volunteers contribute to committees, technical programs, publications, and member activities. The Executive Director also serves as publisher of Wire Journal International , produced by WAI’s wholly owned subsidiary, Wire Journal Inc. WAI’s consolidated 2027 budget projects approximately $4.3 million in revenue and nearly $500,000 in net income across the association and its publishing subsidiary, and WAI reports financial reserves of more than $5 million. Programs and Platforms

Interwire and Wire Expo: Major North American industry trade events, alongside technical conferences, educational workshops, demonstrations, and international programs. Interwire 2025 welcomed 3,386 attendees and 350 exhibiting companies. Education Center: Online learning, manufacturing fundamentals, extrusion training, webinars, technical papers, and in-person education focused on workforce development and manufacturing excellence. Wire Journal International: A monthly global trade publication, supported by the WJI Reference Guide , industry news, advertising, and a growing digital presence. Membership and Chapters: Approximately 1,600 individual members, with a broad international network of volunteers, corporate partners, and regional chapters.

The Executive Director Role The Executive Director will be accountable for the overall effectiveness of the Association, its programs, and its commercial activities. Working with the President, Board of Directors, Executive Committee, and staff, the Executive Director will provide leadership across the following areas. Key Strategic Imperatives

Build partnerships across manufacturers, suppliers, technical experts, and related associations, including opportunities for international collaboration. Expand WAI’s international reach among wire and cable manufacturers and across the broader supply chain. Accelerate membership growth and engagement through relevant benefits, company-level offerings, and stronger participation by emerging generations of industry professionals. Scale the Education Center into the definitive resource for foundational education on manufacturing processes, industry standards, safety, and maintenance for the global wire and cable workforce. Sustain and refresh Interwire, Wire Expo, and technical conferences, strengthening attendance, exhibitor value, strategic partnerships, and financial performance. Advance digital transformation of Wire Journal International , the WAI website, communications, and member services, using AI and analytics where they add value. Prepare WAI for its 2030 centennial and the next chapter of service to the industry.

Strategy, Governance, and External Leadership

Serve as a highly visible ambassador for WAI, building trust with member companies, volunteers, sponsors, exhibitors, allied organizations, and international industry leaders. Partner with the Board, President, and Executive Committee to establish priorities, implement the Centennial Strategic Plan, and report progress against defined measures. Support sound governance and effective volunteer engagement; fulfill the Executive Director’s duties as Secretary under the bylaws. Prepare clear Board and Executive Committee materials and dashboards, and advise volunteer leaders objectively on priorities, risks, and resource allocation. Translate the Centennial Strategic Plan’s four pillars into achievable milestones and key performance indicators.

Operations, People, and Financial Stewardship

Lead and develop an experienced staff and outside partners, establishing accountability, collaboration, and a service-oriented culture. Direct budgeting and forecasting, and oversee reserves, risk management, audits, internal controls, and the performance of WAI and its publishing subsidiary. Ensure effective execution of events, educational programs, publications, membership services, technology, and commercial activities. Oversee hiring, performance management, succession planning, and professional development, staying hands-on during intensive event and project periods. Provide executive oversight of contracts, sponsorships, exhibitors, event partners, and technology vendors, negotiating sound terms.

Innovation, Growth, and Member Value

Develop sustainable earned-revenue opportunities and diversify income beyond the biennial trade-show cycle. Expand membership recruitment, retention, and engagement, including bundled company offerings and programming for emerging professionals. Oversee the Education Center and its digital training platform to support workforce recruitment, training, and retention. Guide the continued evolution of Wire Journal International and the WAI digital media platform, integrating publications with education, membership, and events. Ensure that Interwire, Wire Expo, and technical conferences deliver compelling content, exhibitor value, and sustainable economics. Champion practical use of data, digital tools, and AI, balanced with sound governance, information security, and measurable member benefits.

Required Skills, Experience, and Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree required; advanced education and relevant association credentials may be advantageous. Significant senior executive leadership experience, ideally with full operating, financial, and people-management accountability. Strong strategic judgment coupled with an entrepreneurial, hands-on management style appropriate for a small professional staff. Experience in revenue generation, commercial partnerships, membership or customer growth, events, publishing, education, or related service businesses. Demonstrated ability to work effectively with a volunteer board and executive committee, with the diplomacy to build consensus and the confidence to offer independent advice. Financial acumen, including budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, investment oversight, and prudent stewardship of organizational resources. Knowledge of the economics of trade shows, conferences, technical education, publications, or sponsorships; direct experience in several areas strongly advantageous. Digital fluency, including practical AI applications, data-driven marketing, learning platforms, and member or customer relationship systems. An authentic interest in manufacturing, workforce development, and the future of the wire and cable industry.

Personal Qualities and Competencies

A visible and persuasive communicator, comfortable engaging manufacturing executives, technical specialists, international partners, volunteers, and staff. A pragmatic strategist who connects long-term vision to execution and maintains focus through demanding event cycles. An approachable, resilient, ethical leader with high emotional intelligence, intellectual curiosity, and cultural awareness. Excellent executive presence and readiness to represent a global technical community.

Location The position is based in Madison, Connecticut, with a hybrid arrangement anticipated; strong candidates outside the region will be considered. Travel is estimated at approximately 10%, including industry events and occasional international travel. Compensation The base salary range for this position is $180,000–$230,000. WAI offers a competitive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision insurance; life insurance; a 401(k) retirement plan with employer match; a flexible spending account; paid time off; a flexible, hybrid work schedule; and professional development opportunities. An employment agreement is anticipated. To Apply To apply, please include a cover letter and current resume (Microsoft Word® format preferred) through the online portal: Click here to apply . The cover letter should outline how your experience fits the requirements of the position as this will be an important factor in considering your candidacy. Sterling Martin Associates, a ZRG Company, is conducting this search on behalf of WAI. Individuals wishing to learn more about the opportunity or recommend prospective candidates may contact: Tammy Cassidy, Senior Associate Sterling Martin Associates/ZRG tcassidy@smartinsearch.com All inquiries and expressions of interest will be treated confidentially. Sterling Martin Associates/ZRG is committed to providing equal opportunity for employees and applicants in all aspects of the employment relationship, without regard to race, religion, color, age, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), marital status, parental status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, ancestry, national origin, citizenship, political affiliation, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.