MHIA: John Nofsinger to retire, George Prest his successor as CEO

The Board of Governors of Material Handling Industry of America (MHIA) has announced that John B. Nofsinger, Chief Executive Officer of MHIA since 1999, will retire on December 31, 2011. George W. Prest, Chief Operating Officer of MHIA, will succeed Nofsinger as Chief Executive Officer on January 1, 2012.

Nofsinger has more than 45 years of experience in the material handling and logistics industry. He is recognized as a national and international authority on material handling and logistics. Before joining MHIA in 1986, Nofsinger was employed for 20 years by Republic Storage Systems. During that time as a volunteer leader within MHIA, Nofsinger 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. He has also greatly added to the value MHIA events and programming offered to end users,” says Material Handling Industry Executive Chairman Colin Wilson. “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 Material Handling Industry, Boards of Directors of Material Handling Industry of America (MHIA) and Material Handling Education Foundation (MHEFI). He also serves as Managing Executive for the Rack Manufacturers Institute (RMI), and the Storage Equipment Manufacturers Association (SMA).

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 (ALAN). Mr. Nofsinger is a former recipient of the prestigious Norman L. Cahners award.

“John’s leadership in the development of MHIA as a national and international standard for industrial associations is renowned,” says George 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. This leadership includes serving as president of both the Rack Manufacturers Institute (RMI) and the Material Handling Education Foundation (MHEFI), as executive chairman of Material Handling Industry (MHI), and as a member of the Manufacturers Board of Advisors (MBOA) of the Material Handling Equipment Distributors Association (MHEDA).

“George has served this industry for many years as a volunteer leader in a variety of organizations,” says John 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.”

Material Handling Industry Executive Chairman Colin Wilson added, “George’s previous experience as the CEO of a major material handling manufacturing enterprise gives him a unique perspective on the needs of both MHIA members and end users and will serve him well in his new role. I am convinced he has the experience and the ability to lead MHIA toward even greater success.”

Prest responded, “MHIA is a dynamic organization with members that are the leading providers in this industry, a dedicated staff and a strong history. I am honored to be given the opportunity to build on the solid foundation John is handing off. I want to thank the Board of Governors and John for the confidence they have in me. I accept the challenge of leading MHIA with humble confidence.”

Prest joins MHIA as chief operating officer
Industry veteran brings 30 years industry experience to the position