It's official -- the International Tire & Rubber Association (ITRA) will have a new executive director beginning Jan. 1, 2002.
Marvin Bozarth will trade his executive director's duties for more hands-on involvement, according to ITRA. A search committee, chaired by Terry Westhafer, president of Central Tire Corp. in Verona, Va., is actively seeking a new executive director.
"Marvin Bozarth has gone above and beyond for the tire retreading and service industries for almost 20 years," says ITRA President Tom Raben.
"He's the type of guy who would ruin a new suit crawling around a machine to help someone solve a problem. His knowledge and experience are ITRA member benefits that are almost impossible to replace. I wish we could clone him."
Bozarth has been the association's executive director since 1992, when ITRA was known as the American Retreaders Association. Under his tenure, ITRA's Commercial Tire Service Training and Certification Program, which educates individuals who service truck tires and wheels, was created and flourished. There are more than 4,500 ITRA Certified Technicians and almost 700 ITRA Certified Instructors nationwide.
He also has served as technical director for ITRA, and was a member of the association's Advisory Council from 1982-1991. Before joining ITRA, Bozarth was vice president of manufacturing for Potosi, Mo.-based Purcell Tire Co.
"I have enjoyed my entire experience with the organization and the tremendous support of its members, board of directors, Advisory Councils and staff," says Bozarth. "I only hope that I gave back as much as I learned from the hundreds of friends and colleagues I've met over the years. ITRA's current activities are extremely important to the future of the tire industry, and I would like to help see those programs continue their growth and success."
Bozarth has offered to assist the association with special projects, advancing existing services and developing new training programs for the tire industry. He will remain in Louisville, Ky., with his wife, Donna.
