RMA selects new president, chairman

WASHINGTON (Nov. 13, 2015) —  The Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA) made two changes in its leadership Nov. 13, appointing a new president and CEO to replace the retiring Charles Cannon and a new chairman to succeed Pete Selleck, chairman and president of Michelin North America Inc., whose two-year term expired.

The RMA is hiring Anne Forristall Luke, previously vice president, political and public affairs at the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM), as its new president and CEO, replacing Mr. Cannon, who retires at year-end after seven and a half years as the RMA's top executive. Ms. Luke will join the RMA Jan. 1

“RMA represents an extraordinary and innovative industry, and I am confident that Anne will provide strong leadership for RMA members,” Mr. Cannon said of Ms. Luke.

Also, Gary Garfield, CEO and president of Bridgestone Americas Inc., is taking over for the next two years as RMA board chairman, succeeding Mr. Pete Selleck.

“Gary will continue a trend of strong leadership as chairman of the RMA board of directors,” Mr. Cannon said.

A veteran of more than 30 years in Washington, Ms. Luke began her career in the Environment and Natural Resources Division of the U.S. Department of Justice. Later, she served in various posts on Capitol Hill, including professional staff member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee.

Ms. Luke later served in top staff positions at government relations firm MGN Inc. and global public relations firm Ketchum Inc. Before joining the AEM, she was president of the U.S. Tuna Foundation, representing the U.S. canned tuna processing industry.

Mr. Cannon became RMA president and CEO in May 2008. Prior to that he was president of Cannon Consultants Inc., a trade association consulting firm.

Before founding his own company, Mr. Cannon served on the staff of the House Appropriations Committee and in the Washington office of United Technologies.

As CEO and president of Bridgestone Americas, Mr. Garfield oversees the company's operations across five continents, the RMA said. Bridgestone Americas accounts for about 45 percent of the global revenue of Bridgestone Corp., and employs more than 55,000 worldwide.

Mr. Selleck coordinates all of Michelin's North American operations from company headquarters in Greenville, S.C.