At the NPES Board of Directors Meeting in Palm Beach, Florida this week, NPES President Ralph Nappi advised the board of his intention to transition out of the organization. "After ten years at the helm, it is time for NPES to find its next leader and for me to find my next passion." Nappi continued, "As we consider a new strategic planning process, it became apparent to me that this would be the right time to bring in a new executive. Along with NPES' very strong balance sheet and the most committed and innovative staff I have worked with in my 35 year association career it was clear that now is a very good time to go."

The timeline for Nappi's departure is still being developed but he has agreed to continue for 90 days after the new president is hired. Besides serving as president of NPES, Nappi serves as president of the Graphic Arts Show Company (GASC), and president of the Graphic Arts Education and Research Foundation (GAERF). He will resign all three positions at the same time.

After the announcement, Mal Baboyian, Chairman of NPES and GASC, and Executive Vice President, Large Format Solutions & Production Print Solutions, Canon Solutions America stated, "Ralph has guided us very effectively during a time of substantial change. NPES, GASC and GAERF have been fortunate to have had a leader with such strong strategic and fiscal acumen. Ralph will certainly be missed, but he has provided an orderly transition plan that gives us the benefit of time and his expertise and includes him serving on the search committee for his replacement."

Nappi added, "I have had only two jobs in the last 30 years and I am proud that NPES was one of them. But now it is time to write a new chapter that will allow a little more time for family and other pursuits."