NSGA President and CEO James L. Faltinek will voluntarily retire from the Association May 2, 2008. The Association plans to consider both internal and external candidates to fill the position. Faltinek, who will assist with the transition, has been with NSGA 28 years.
Faltinek joined NSGA in 1980 after serving as an association executive with several not-for-profit trade organizations. Faltinek led NSGAs transition from a trade show oriented organization to an Association focusing on servicing its members, including the NSGA Management Conference & Team Dealer Summit, which has grown to become the premier educational and networking event in the sporting goods industry.
“I will miss NSGA a great deal, but it is time for me to move to a new chapter in my life,” Faltinek said. “Im looking forward to spending more time with my grandchildren and focusing my energies with organizations in the community where I have spent most of my adult life.
“It has been a great ride. Ive had a front row seat at some of the major developments, successes and challenges in the sporting goods industry,” Faltinek added. “I will greatly miss opening the NSGA office in the morning and greeting the staff who have shown unwavering loyalty, commitment and professionalism.”
“Ive enjoyed working with Jim,” said NSGA Chairman of the Board Bruce Ullery, president & CEO of MC Sports. “I was surprised by his announcement, but like a great athlete, I suspect he wants to leave at the top of his game.
“Consistent with his character, Jim wants to have an orderly transition,” Ullery said. “He has created a team that mirrors his integrity and dedication to the Association. It must have been a difficult decision for Jim. He has given his all for the Association.”
A Search Committee has been formed to select Faltineks successor. Candidates should send an e-mail and other relevant information, including salary history and requirements, to NSGA Vice President of Administration and Membership Sue Wenderski, swenderski@nsga.org.
“We were fortunate to have him as a leader, and hes been a true friend,” said NSGA Past Chairman Ron Kruse, president of Haydens Athletic and a member of the Sporting Goods Industry Hall of Fame. “He has always focused on doing the right thing for dealers and retailers.
“Hell be missed and will be a tough man to replace,” Kruse added.
“I hate to see his long, wonderful tenure come to an end,” said NSGA Treasurer/Chairman-Elect Bob Dickman, general manager of SSG Team Dealer Division. “I understand he wants to retire and enjoy life, and I wish Jim the best.”
“Its sad in one way. I was looking forward to working with him as Chairman-Elect,” Dickman said. “I want to congratulate Jim on a fine career and am glad that NSGA was able to benefit from 28 years of his career.”
“We share the same business philosophy,” said former NSGA Chairman Mickey Newsome, chairman and CEO of Hibbett Sports and a member of the Sporting Goods Industry Hall of Fame. “We dont like to waste money.
“NSGA has done a great job of progressing and representing the small retailers and dealers,” Newsome said. “Hes done a great job of guiding the ship and will be missed.”
“I am retiring with complete confidence that NSGA will continue to enhance its reputation, effectiveness and credibility with the appointment of the new President & CEO prior to my departure,” Faltinek said. “He will inherit the most experienced staff in the business and a supportive Board of Directors.”
Jim and his wife Marcia, who reside in suburban Chicago, have two married children and two grandchildren.
