The Toy Association has announced that its President and CEO, Steve Pasierb, will be stepping down in the spring of next year after serving for eight years. The association has formed a transition committee to facilitate the process of hiring his successor.
According to a press release from The Toy Association, Pasierb's contract is set to expire in April. To aid in the search for a new leader, the association has engaged Spencer Stuart, a leadership advisory firm. Andy Keimach, former president of VTech North America and chairman of JPMA, will take on the role of interim president as Pasierb prepares to leave.
In the press release, Pasierb expressed his gratitude for his time with the association. "It has been a wonderful journey of strategic actions, change management, legislative wins, and accomplishments working alongside our dedicated board, more than 1,000 members, and a passionate and talented professional team. I look forward to collaborating with the executive committee and our staff to make certain of a smooth and effective transition over the coming months," he said.
Under Pasierb's stewardship, according to The Toy Association press release, the association was honored three times as one of "America's Best Nonprofits to Work For." He also successfully navigated the organization through the challenges posed by COVID-19. After being forced to cancel its trade shows due to pandemic restrictions, Pasierb led its return to marketplace events in 2022.
Aaron Muderick, chair of the association’s board of directors acknowledged Pasierb's contributions in the press release. "Steve’s impact was significant during tumultuous times as he led staff in delivering on priority actions, strategic planning, rebranding, and expanding the Association’s regulatory and legislative impact on an international scale among many other transformative accomplishments," Muderick said.
Before joining The Toy Association as detailed in their press release, Pasierb served as president and chief executive of the Partnership for a Drug-Free America for 14 years. He holds a master’s degree in communications from Indiana University of Pennsylvania.
