SAMPE selects new CEO

The Society of the Advancement of Material and Process Engineering (SAMPE,  Diamond Bar, Calif., U.S.) reported on May 5 that its CEO Search Committee has selected Zane Clark to be SAMPE’s new CEO, effective June 15.

According to SAMPE, Clark brings to his new position 20 years of success as an association and operations leader, and as an individual contributor directing large and complex program solutions and driving strategy in a constantly evolving environment.

Clark is a California association executive with experience in volunteer engagement, membership benefit development, association foundation program direction and committee management. He is currently serving in a senior position at the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA, Diamond Bar). SEMA is a $148 million trade association, with a staff of 170 and a membership of 7,600 companies.

As the Senior Director of Education, Clark oversees Education Content Development, the HR hub/career resource work to keep the specialty equipment talent pipeline moving in the industry. He also has accountability for youth engagement, which he describes as a “Consumer Play” to go further upstream and try to engage youth in careers within the industry.

Also, the SEMA Foundation work is integrated with the association’s work and he leads one division of the foundation, the scholarship fund. SEMA’s Foundation is a separate 501(c)(3) organization and has its own governance board. He works with the board on the roughly $300,000 given in scholarships annually. This role also oversees the licensing agreement for SEMA Gear, where a portion of the proceeds benefits the scholarship fund.

In addition, Clark has experience in developing content for international members in collaboration with their International Department. SEMA has an innovative program, funded through government grants, that sends SEMA company member representatives to other countries to establish “SEMA Hubs” within conferences, provide site visits to companies and the sharing of best practices. This results in increased education and he relays growth in business for the US based members. Since it is funded through a government grant, SEMA is held accountable and is required to demonstrate growth and positive outcomes.

Clark graduated from Humboldt State University in Arcata, Calif., U.S. with a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy, followed by a post-graduate Master of Business Administration from Purdue University.