MINNEAPOLIS, MN – Gregory Vance, Rockwell Automation, will serve as interim SMTA president through the current term ending in September.

The decision, made by the board of directors, comes after the resignation by current president, Jeff Kennedy, due to a conflict of interest outlined in the association bylaws that forbids two concurrent offices held by employees of the same company.

Kennedy recently accepted a position beginning Mar. 16 with Zestron Americas, which employs another current board member, vice president of communications, Sal Sparacino. As such, Kennedy resigned as president effective Mar. 3.

Recently elected board member Robert Boguski, Datest, was voted by the board to assume duties as vice president of membership that was vacated by Vance as he takes on the interim president role. Boguski will also assume duties as chair of the Chapter Leadership Committee.

"I would like to thank the board of directors and the SMTA membership for all the ongoing support and well wishes,” Kennedy said. “It has been an honor to serve the association over the past 10 years, and I will remain an active member of the Technical Committee, SMTAI Committee, and continue to support the organization going forward. I have high confidence Greg will get the same level of support from the membership as I had during my tenure as he takes on the interim president duties."

“I would like to personally thank Jeff Kennedy for his 10 years of service on the SMTA board of directors and as president,” Vance said. “Your dedication and insights have helped the SMTA grow in terms of educational programs, conferences, and knowledgebase content. On behalf of the SMTA board of directors, we wish you success in your new role.”