AGMA has named Matthew E. Croson as its next president. Croson has more than two decades of leadership and communications experience in manufacturing trade associations and most recently served as president and CEO of the Adhesive and Sealant Council. He will replace Joe T. Franklin, Jr., who is retiring in June after leading AGMA for 25 years. 

AGMA was founded in 1916 by 19 manufacturers with a goal of helping improve the emerging gear market by developing technical standardization. Franklin stated, “Under Matthew Croson’s leadership, the association will continue that same mission, helping nearly 500 members compete more effectively in today’s global marketplace.”

Prior to leading the Adhesive and Sealant Council, Croson held communications leadership positions at the Packaging Machinery Manufacturers Institute. He also worked at InteliData Technologies Corp. and Burson-Marsteller, where he specialized in relationship management and corporate communications.

“Matthew Croson’s communications background and his experience bringing individuals, manufacturers and customers together will help AGMA meet the diverse needs of our members,” said Dean Burrows, chairman of the AGMA board of directors. “We are confident he will lead the organization’s wide range of high-quality programs and services, and will continue to grow membership and participation.”

“I’m honored to help AGMA continue to grow and support its members and the gear industry as a whole,” said Croson. “I will be working closely with Joe Franklin and the team in the coming months to ensure that the transition of leadership is as seamless as possible.”

Croson is an elected member of the board of directors at the National Association of Manufacturers’ Council of Manufacturing Associations and is a member of the American Society of Association Executives and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. He has a bachelor’s degree in English from George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia. 

The Search for AGMA’s new president was conducted by Association Strategies, Inc., a nonprofit and association executive search firm, located in Alexandria, Virginia.