The Power Transmission Distributors Association (PTDA) board of directors unanimously selected Ann Arnott, currently PTDA's vice president of programs and services, to succeed Mary Sue Lyon as the next executive vice president of PTDA, effective January 1, 2011. The selection of Arnott is a result of an exhaustive search which began in March 2009, after the board of directors received notification of Lyon's intent to retire at the end of 2010.

After concluding the search process, PTDA's leadership affirmed their support of Arnott. Keith Nowak, president of the PTDA board of directors in 2010 and president of MPT Drives, Inc. shared the following sentiment. "Even though Ann was a qualified candidate, the board elected to do a full-blown executive search. We wanted to be sure to get the best possible person to lead PTDA going forward. We are now more confident than ever that we have the right person for the job. Ann's background in finance and experience as well as knowledge of PTDA and its members helped her to excel above the other candidates."

John Masek, vice president of Bearing Service Inc., chaired the executive search committee. According to Masek, "Ann handled her position as an internal candidate with grace, strength and a positive demeanor at all times.  At the end of the process, she clearly was affirmed as the best individual to lead our association forward into the next decade.  Her poise, enthusiasm, creativity and leadership qualities stood out and will serve her well as she expands her service to the membership of PTDA."

Arnott joined PTDA in 2006 as director of programs and services and was promoted to her current role in 2008. Arnott is integral in managing the development and execution of PTDA's strategic plan through the association's volunteer committees, task forces and work groups. Additionally, she provides oversight for the association's events, including the Industry Summit, Canadian Conference and Leadership Development Conference. Arnott also oversees the association's marketing plan.

Prior to working with the association, Arnott spent 16 years with the Institute of Real Estate Management, where she developed a broad-based background in association management. Serving as financial editor, chapter relations manager, member and chapter services manager and finance manager, Arnott rose to the position of director of marketing and sales, where she crafted and implemented a long-term strategic marketing plan. PTDA also benefits from Arnott's financial background. Before beginning her career in association management, Arnott completed her MBA in Finance and worked at the investment counseling firm Scudder, Stevens and Clark.

Lyon has also reached an agreement with PTDA to remain as a consultant to the association for the first quarter of 2011.  Lyon and Arnott have already initiated the transition of EVP responsibilities to ensure continuity and an orderly transition.