Board election process
NTEA members have the opportunity to nominate themselves or other candidates to serve on the Association’s Board of Directors. There must be at least two Board members representing each of the Manufacturer and Distributor classes. As this minimum requirement is already met, there are openings for two Manufacturer or Distributor Directors to serve three-year terms starting March 2025.
From your recommendations, the Board Development & Recruitment Committee (incumbent Board members) confirms qualified persons for this vacancy and places their names on an election ballot. NTEA Manufacturer and Distributor members will have the opportunity to place their votes in the final election, which opens December 2024. Newly-elected Directors are formally introduced to the general membership at the Annual Meeting during Work Truck Week® in March 2025, at which time their terms of service begin.
Newly-elected Directors serve three-year terms and must meet the requirements as specified in NTEA Bylaws (see Article V).
Name: Bryon Bliss
Title: Vice President of Sales
Company: Utilimaster, A Shyft Group Brand
City, State: Bristol, Indiana
Years in present position: 1 year, 3 months
Years active in work truck industry: 18
NTEA member company since 1985
What has motivated you to consider serving on the NTEA Board of Directors?
With two decades working in the transportation industry, I've recognized the important leadership role that NTEA has offered throughout my career. I view this opportunity as a chance to give back to this industry. Dynamic changes continue to affect large and small industries, with electrification, legislative changes and lingering supply chain challenges. It has never been more important for the industry to band together under leadership NTEA has extended to all.
What would you best be able to contribute to the NTEA Board?
In my career over the past two decades, I've worked both startup in the vehicle electrician field as well as larger multi-billion-dollar publicly traded companies. From this experience, I have a unique understanding of the challenges of large and small members. There continues to be increased opportunities to use data and analytics in ways that can guide the collective membership with impactful information, something I’m passionate about and have focused on during my MBA studies.
If elected, what would serving on the NTEA Board of Directors mean to you or your company?
If elected, this position would affirm Shyft’s contribution as the industry’s premier transportation solution and upfit provider. Shyft has been a proud member of NTEA, originally under the Spartan Motors brand, since 1985. NTEA has played a key role in our evolution as we continue to grow in our upfit portfolio offerings, now with nine distinct and respected brands.
What are the biggest opportunities and challenges facing the industry today?
Business pressure within our industry continues to seed opportunities for everyone. Expectations to build faster, higher quality equipment with more sophistication have never been higher. The new "normal" after recovering from COVID challenges is a big question as things will not return to normal. NTEA will continue to be the lighthouse through the noise we all face. And I'd be proud to be part of the team that helps everyone sail through today’s evolving challenges.
Education
Master of Business Administration, Penn State World Campus
Certificate in Business Analytics, Penn State World Campus
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, California State Polytechnic University (Pomona, California)
Name: Nate Eichinger
Title: Vice President
Company: Final Vehicle Solutions Inc.
City/state: Stow, Ohio
Years in present position: 7 months
Years active in work truck industry: 13 years, 4 months (Since July 2011)
Final Vehicle Solutions is the parent organization for Cenweld and Buckeye Body and Equipment, which have been NTEA members since 1971 and 2013, respectively.
What has motivated you to consider serving on the NTEA Board of Directors?
I have been involved with NTEA since I joined the industry in 2011. I joined Generation Next in approximately 2012 when I attended my first Work Truck Show. Around 2016, I became a part of the former NTEA Data Committee, and I joined the Generation Next Steering Committee in 2022. I have really enjoyed being a part of Gen Next's initiatives to bring people into the industry and provide resources to help them, their business and the industry as a whole. Being able to learn more about the inner workings of NTEA and seeing what goes into making the various Association events happen has been eye-opening. NTEA is an extremely valuable part of our industry, and I want to be a part of seeing it continue to grow, prosper and expand the value to member companies.
What would you best be able to contribute to the NTEA Board?
Being a part of Gen Next has given me a great appreciation for what goes into developing a plan and leading a cross-company group of people toward a common goal. I feel that my insight into the technical, operations and engineering side of the industry, as well as perspectives from a younger generation who will be inheriting and leading the work truck industry, will help ensure we’re on the right path for not only a single term, but for many years to come. Although I have focused on technical and operations roles, I have experience in leading people and teams, understanding customer needs, developing and maintaining a budget and working through differences in opinions to reach a common goal.
If elected, what would serving on the NTEA Board of Directors mean to you or your company?
If I’m elected, it would mean a great deal to Final Vehicle Solutions. We are a growing upfitter and look to continue to do so, through both acquisition and expansion. Having a seat at the table to provide my perspective as someone who has worked for a large corporate upfitting/modification company as well as now a smaller, family-owned enterprise will help bring holistic viewpoints to NTEA discussions. For me, personally, this is something I have been working toward for several years. It would mean a great deal to be able to continue my service through NTEA and the industry as a whole.
What are the biggest opportunities and challenges facing the industry today?
Some of the biggest opportunities I see include:
- Embracing the tidal changes in electric, hybrid, hydrogen fuel cell that have been moving through the industry over the last several years.
- Continuing to find ways to bring in and retain highly skilled employees within the work truck industry.
- Understanding the regulatory changes coming down the pipeline with enough time to adapt and react.
- As the industry evolves and new technology is introduced, making sure companies are taking advantage of and embracing the new opportunities.
Potential challenges include:
- Preparing for emissions and regulatory changes that will impact the industry and having the ability to adapt while still maintaining profitability, customer satisfaction and value to customers.
- Overcoming skills gaps – it is still very hard to find and retain good talent at technician, supervisory and management levels.
- Maintaining a key position in understanding and potentially impacting legislation, regulations and requirements.
- Handling fiscal unknowns, such as interest rate fluctuations, lender reactions, etc.
Education
Bachelor’s Degree, Mechanical Engineering, Purdue University (West Lafayette, Indiana)
Name: Craig Kemmerling
Title: Vice President of Commercial Sales
Company: Driverge Vehicle Innovations
City/state: Akron, Ohio
Years in present position: 4 years, 9 months
Years active in work truck industry: 20 years, 8 months
NTEA member since 2000
What has motivated you to consider serving on the NTEA Board of Directors?
The motivation is simple — I've been in/around the Association since 2003. NTEA has provided me with a lot of experiences, professional relationships and knowledge, and it’s my time to give back. My goal is to make sure people are excited about the work truck industry, that they want to participate, that all stakeholders continue to work closer together and everyone wins!
What would you best be able to contribute to the NTEA Board?
There are a few things I will be able to contribute if elected; these include, but are not limited to:
- Experience from both the manufacturer and distributor perspectives
- Enterprise approach versus not
- Collaboration, understanding the need/value/importance for all stakeholders
- Ability to think and act in the short/mid/long term
- Mutually beneficial decisions for all stakeholders
If elected, what would serving on the NTEA Board of Directors mean to you or your company?
Being elected to the Board would give me the opportunity to give back to an Association that has been part of my professional life for over 22 years. As I've had the fortune to learn from others who have served on the Board, also to see the impact they have made, and how rewarding it can be.
Our company is committed to operating with the highest level of industry standards and government regulations for the work it does. We would have the opportunity to further support that through our engagement/support of this Association.
What are the biggest opportunities and challenges facing the industry today?
I think the opportunities and challenges are somewhat tied together in many cases. Some of those would include powertrains, global vehicle platforms, team members, upfits/conversions, evolution of the buying process/cycle, post-COVID market dynamics, consolidation, OEMs, fleet management companies and the appeal of the industry.
Education
Lean Mastery Certification Program, The University of Akron (Akron, Ohio)
Name: Mike Stuckey
Title: President
Company: Stahl Truck Bodies
City/state: Wooster, Ohio
Years in present position: 4 years, 4 months
Years active in work truck industry: 4 years, 4 months
NTEA member company since 1972
What has motivated you to consider serving on the NTEA Board of Directors?
As a proud member of NTEA for over 50 years, Stahl has reaped the benefits of the Association’s resources, networking opportunities and industry insights. Our longstanding relationship with NTEA has played a crucial role in our company's growth and success, helping us navigate industry challenges and stay ahead of the curve in an ever-evolving market. My motivation to serve on the NTEA Board of Directors is rooted in the desire to give back to the industry that has been pivotal in shaping our company's journey. I believe that by contributing my experience and insights, I can help other companies within our industry to achieve similar success. Serving on the Board would allow me to share the knowledge and expertise I've gained over the years, helping ensure NTEA continues to be a valuable resource for all its members. Ultimately, my goal is to help foster a thriving, innovative and resilient industry that benefits all stakeholders.
What would you best be able to contribute to the NTEA Board?
With over four years of experience directly within the industry, I have gained an understanding of the key issues, challenges and opportunities that companies like ours face on a daily basis. However, what makes me truly unique is the breadth of experience I bring from outside the industry, spanning more than 30 years. This diverse background allows me to approach problems and opportunities from unique perspectives as well as offering fresh innovative solutions.
I believe that my combination of industry-specific knowledge and extensive experience from other sectors equips me to contribute innovative solutions and strategies to the NTEA Board. While I understand the core issues our industry grapples with, I also recognize the value of introducing new ideas and approaches that can drive growth, efficiency and sustainability. My goal is to leverage this unique blend of insights to help NTEA continue to lead the industry forward, addressing both current challenges and future opportunities with creativity and foresight.
If elected, what would serving on the NTEA Board of Directors mean to you or your company?
Being elected to serve on the NTEA Board of Directors would be a tremendous honor, both personally and for Stahl as a company. For more than 75 years, Stahl has been committed to producing high-quality truck bodies that meet the rigorous demands of our customers. Our longstanding reputation for excellence is deeply rooted in the industry we serve, and having the opportunity to contribute to its ongoing success and evolution is something I would take great pride in.
Serving on the Board would represent a significant milestone for our company, symbolizing our deep-rooted commitment to the industry and our desire to play an active role in its future. It would be an honor to give back to the community that has supported us throughout our journey, ensuring NTEA continues to be a beacon of innovation, collaboration and progress for all its current and future members.
What are the biggest opportunities and challenges facing the industry today?
The industry today faces a complex set of challenges that, while daunting, also present significant opportunities for growth and innovation. One of the most pressing issues is the ongoing labor shortage. As the workforce continues to evolve, it is becoming increasingly difficult to attract and retain skilled labor. This challenge presents an opportunity to rethink recruitment strategies, invest in workforce development, and explore automation and technology to enhance productivity.
Another critical challenge is the disruption of global supply chains. The past few years have highlighted the vulnerability of our supply chains, making it essential to develop more resilient and adaptable logistics strategies. This disruption also provides an opportunity to localize supply chains where possible, diversify suppliers, and invest in more agile and responsive manufacturing processes.
Cybersecurity is another growing concern, with the increasing digitization of the industry making it a target for cyber threats. Ensuring robust cybersecurity measures is not just a necessity but an opportunity to lead in the adoption of cutting-edge technologies that protect both company and customer data.
Lastly, cost containment remains a significant challenge, particularly in an environment where customers are more cost-conscious than ever. The opportunity here lies in finding innovative ways to deliver exceptional value to customers without compromising on quality. This might involve streamlining operations, leveraging new technologies or exploring new business models that prioritize efficiency and customer satisfaction.
By addressing these challenges head-on, the industry can not only overcome them but also seize the opportunities they present to drive growth, enhance value for customers and secure a sustainable future.
Education
Bachelor of Science, Industrial Engineering and Operations Research, Virginia Tech College of Engineering (Blacksburg, Virginia)
International MBA, Baldwin Wallace University (Berea, Ohio)
Name: Mason White
Title: President and CEO
Company: Fleet Electrical Service
City/state: Auburn, Massachusetts
Years in present position: 1 year, 8 months
Years active in work truck industry: 3-1/2
NTEA member company since 2000
What has motivated you to consider serving on the NTEA Board of Directors?
I continue to be amazed by NTEA's ability to provide incredible services to the work truck industry, execute events and educational sessions, and much more. I feel like I owe it to NTEA to do my part and give back to the organization and its members for all it has done and continues to do for our organization and the industry as a whole.
What would you best be able to contribute to the NTEA Board?
I believe I would best be able to contribute my time and energy, and ultimately effect positive change and outcomes for the work truck industry. I would be contributing a deep passion for the holistic success of the industry. Additionally, I've spent significant time in other manufacturing industries, and I can bring ideas and possibly a fresh perspective to the Board.
If elected, what would serving on the NTEA Board of Directors mean to you or your company?
As one of the smaller companies represented in NTEA's membership, Board service would enable me to bring many great teachings and learning experiences from the rest of the industry back to our facility to increase our progress toward continuous improvement. In addition, it would give some of the smaller businesses at NTEA a voice. I am a member of the National Small Business Association's Leadership Council, and this would be another step in the right direction in advocating for and learning about other small and medium-sized businesses (their struggles, successes, etc.).
What are the biggest opportunities and challenges facing the industry today?
The biggest challenges facing the industry today are within the medium- and heavy-duty realms in respect to working through new regulations regarding emissions, diesel engines, EV mandates, etc. I am all for a greener and cleaner work truck industry and am working tirelessly to help our customers, who ultimately fuel the success of the industry, deal with and prosper in today’s new world.
Education
MBA, Operations & Industrial Engineering from Worcester Polytechnic Institute (Worcester, Massachusetts)
Bachelor of Arts, Economics and History from Emory University (Atlanta, Georgia)