Last updated on June 14th, 2024 at 10:13 am
The Global Market Development Center (GMDC) will complete its management transition on June 1 during the organization’s annual General Merchandise Conference, May 28-June 1 in Orlando. Industry leader and GMDC CEO Dave McConnell will transfer his role to GMDC President Patrick Spear.
McConnell served as GMDC president and CEO for 15 of his 35-year career with the association. He will remain with the association to consult on special projects until the end of the 2015.
He joined GMDC in 1980 and served in a number of capacities, including roles in business development, meetings management, recruitment and, most recently, CEO. An Ohio native, McConnell earned a bachelor’s degree from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio.
During its 45-year history, Colorado Springs, Colorado-based GMDC has had two other association leaders: Executive Director Robert Keats, who served four years; and President/CEO Rick Tilton, who served 26 years.
The transition plan was announced last October, when Spear was named the association’s president.
A Nashville resident, Spear brings 25-plus years in the consumer and office products industry to GMDC’s senior management team, including work with BIC Corp., Newell Rubbermaid, Mapa Spontex and The Identity Group. His experience spans from retail sales representative for BIC to president and CEO of Identity Group and founding partner and managing director of Mammoth Office Products.
