President Tommy Williams Announces Hiring of NAA CEO
Hannes Combest, CAE
Overland Park, Kan. May 1, 2008 - NAA President Tommy Williams, CAI, announced before the staff of the National Auctioneers Association today the hiring of Hannes Combest, CAE. Mrs. Combest will take over the roles and responsibilities as the NAA's new Chief Executive Officer on June 16, 2008. Current NAA CEO Bob Shively will be departing from his post as the association's executive officer of nine years in August.
An established member of the association management community, Hannes Combest will join the NAA after serving the past twelve years as the Managing Director of Member Programs with the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA). Headquartered in Lawrence, Kansas, the GCSAA is the top professional association for men and women who manage golf courses in the United States and worldwide. The association provides education, information and representation to more than 21,000 members in 72 countries. Prior to joining the GCSAA, Hannes was a professor of journalism at Haskell Indian Nations University and assistant to the university's chancellor for 10 years.
A native of Meridian, Mississippi, Hannes is an alumnus of the University of Kansas and Baker University. Mrs. Combest holds a degree in journalism, as well as a Masters degree in Science and Management. Mrs. Combest earned the prestigious Certified Association Executive (CAE) designation in 2001. Hannes is a past president of the Kansas City Society of Association Executives (KCSAE) and currently sits on the Research Committee of the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE).
"The NAA Board of Directors and I were overwhelmed by the caliber and quality of candidates who sought this position," said NAA President Tommy Williams, CAI. "However, the Board's unanimous vote in support of Hannes on first round of voting is a true testament to her level of experience, qualifications and passion for the association industry. I am anxious to see what the future holds for the NAA and its members under the careful watch and leadership of Hannes."
Mrs. Combest addressed and introduced herself to members of the NAA staff this morning and discussed her vision for the future of the NAA. NAA CEO Bob Shively will remain a member of the NAA team through the 2008 Conference and Show and assist Mrs. Combest in her transition to the NAA.
Hannes and her husband, Mike, reside in Lawrence, Kansas. Married for thirty years, Hannes and Mike have four children and five grandchildren.
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About the NAA
Headquartered in Overland Park, Kansas, the National Auctioneers Association represents the interests of approximately 6,000 auctioneers in the United States, Canada and across the world. Founded in 1949, the mission of the NAA is to promote the auction method of marketing and enhancing the professionalism of its members through education and technology. In 2007, over $270.7 billion in goods and services were sold at auction. To learn more about Auctioneers, auctions and the NAA visit: www.auctioneers.org.
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