Shankel to retire as president, CEO of Fabricators & Manufacturers Association; Youdell named successor

The Fabricators & Manufacturers Association, Intl. (FMA) announces the retirement of Gerald M. Shankel as president & CEO, effective October 1. The FMA Board of Directors has appointed Edward S. Youdell, group publisher of FMA Communications, Inc., FMA’s publishing arm, to succeed Shankel.

Shankel will serve as President Emeritus to ensure a successful transition before he leaves the organization at the end of the year. Shankel was hired as president & CEO of the FMA in 2002.

"FMA has made terrific progress under Jerry's leadership during the past 8½ years," said Thomas Nederpel, chair of the FMA Board of Directors. "He played a vital role in the development of the strategic plan which guides the association, and has strengthened our governance, our Boards and staff commitment to achieving FMA's mission and goals."

Youdell was promoted to FMA vice president effective immediately and will assume the president and CEO role October 1. Youdell has served as group publisher of FMA's publishing affiliate since early 2007.

The organization said today's announcement is the next step in a comprehensive planning process initiated more than a year ago by Shankel with the executive committee of the FMA board to ensure a thoughtful, proactive leadership succession plan. Youdell joined FMA after serving more than 18 years in the publishing and tradeshow industries. As group publisher, Youdell has been responsible for FMA Communications, Inc., the publishing affiliate of FMA, which serves the metal processing, forming and fabricating industries by publishing business-to-business magazines, e-newsletters, vendor directories and websites.

"I have worked closely with Ed throughout his tenure with FMA, and I believe in his ability to successfully lead with intelligence, integrity, and good judgment," said Shankel. "I am certain that Ed will step into his new role with a vision for the future, an abundance of energy and a focus on growing our organization's revenue, influence and reach."

"Spending the next six months working closely with Jerry as well as preparing our publications team for my transition will be an excellent launching pad for my new role as president and CEO," said Youdell. "I am honored the FMA board has shown their confidence in me to lead the organization. The FMA staff are amongst the finest people that I’ve ever worked with and, together, we will achieve great things."

Based in Rockford, Ill., the Fabricators & Manufacturers Association, Intl. (FMA), is a professional organization with more than 2,100 members working together to improve the metal forming and fabricating industry. Founded in 1970, FMA brings metal fabricators and fabricating equipment manufacturers together through technology councils, educational programs, networking events, and the FABTECH® exposition. FMA also has a technology affiliate, the Tube & Pipe Association, International (TPA), which focuses on the unique needs of companies engaged in tube and pipe producing and fabricating.