Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI), an international trade association representing manufacturers and suppliers of power equipment, small engines, battery power systems, portable generators, utility and personal transport vehicles, and golf cars, named its new Board President and Directors at the organization’s Annual Meeting in June at the Ponte Vedra Inn & Club in Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla.

150 attendees gathered for the event, where OPEI announced the transition of its 2024-2025 Board of Directors, reported on the health of the association, its engagement over the last year, as well as the standing of its trade show, Equip Exposition.

Kris Kiser, OPEI President comments, “We’re pleased to report that the association and our trade show are on solid financial footing, and remain in a good position to advocate for members and the industry as we head into 2025.”     

OPEI’s Board of Directors for 2024-2025 comprises:

•    Chair: David Thorne, Vice President, Turf & Compact Utility Business Unit, Deere & Co.
•    Vice Chair: Rick Olson, Chairman and CEO, Toro Co.
•    Secretary/Treasurer: Chris Keffer, President and CEO, Stihl Inc.
•    Immediate Past Chair: Mike Clancy, CEO, Chervon North America
•    Equip Exposition Show Chairman: Dan Ariens, Chairman and CEO, Ariens Co.
•    Rick Gray, President, Outdoor Power Equipment, Milwaukee Tool
•    Klaus Hahn, President North America, Greenworks
•    Peter Hampton, President and CEO, Active Dynamics
•    Brian Melka, Group President, Kohler Energy
•    Andreas Rangert, President, North America, Husqvarna Forest & Garden Division
•    Doug Redpath, President & General Manager, Outdoor, Stanley Black & Decker, Inc.
•    Harold Redman, President and CEO, Echo Inc.
•    Tom Rugg, Senior Vice President & President Energy Solutions, Briggs & Stratton
•    Nelson Wilner, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Engines, Kawasaki Motors Corp. USA

OPEI’s 2025 Annual Meeting will be held at the Stein Eriksen Lodge in Park City, UT, June 24-26.