Manufacturers association names next president and CEO

The National Association of Manufacturers is promoting Jay Timmons to be its president and chief executive officer next year, following the departure of current head John Engler.

NAM announced the replacement hours after Engler, the former Republican governor of Michigan, announced he was leaving the group to join the Business Roundtable as its president on Jan. 15. Timmons is currently NAM's executive vice president.

"My grandfather was a manufacturing worker, and I benefitted from learning firsthand the commitment and pride manufacturers have for their products, jobs and community," Timmons said in a statement. "I am humbled and honored to now lead an organization that advocates and fights for an environment and platform in which American manufacturers can create, innovate and employ millions of Americans."

NAM touted Timmons as a "proven leader at NAM, working alongside the nation's leading manufacturers, members of Congress and the administration to advance a pro-manufacturing agenda."

"I have a deep respect for Jay and his exceptional experience," said Michael Campbell, NAM Board chairman and president and CEO of Arch Chemicals Inc. "It is a testament to the depth and development of talent at the NAM that we have an internal candidate as well-qualified as Jay to succeed John Engler. Jay has a keen understanding of manufacturing and he has relationships on both sides of the aisle in Washington."

At his current position, Timmons oversees all policy development, communications, government relations and advocacy efforts.

He formerly served as chief of staff to former Virginia Sen. and Gov. George Allen (R), and also as executive director of the National Republican Senatorial Committee.