NASF Announces Management Partnership

The National Association for Surface Finishing (NASF) and the AESF Foundation have announced partnership with Kellen, provider of management and services to professional societies and trade associations.

The NASF states that the partnership will help support NASF and AESF’s missions to advance an environmentally and economically sustainable future for the finishing industry and to promote the vital role of surface technology in the global manufacturing value chain by leveraging Kellen’s association management platform and internal consulting teams across communications, event management, education, finance, and technology practices.

As part of the move, NASF and AESF’s leadership have announced Rosario Palmieri as their incoming executive director. Palmieri is a group vice president at Kellen, who previously served in the White House Office of Management and Budget as associate administrator of the regulatory coordination office (OIRA) and the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) as vice president, charged with managing broad areas of legal and regulatory policy. 

“I’ve spent my career advancing and advocating for manufacturing. Joining the leading organizations for the advancement of surface finishing is a perfect fit, and I look forward to helping the industry and the organizations grow and prosper,” says Palmieri.

The NASF benefits the industry at-large, which derives direct benefits from the association’s educational programs and lobbying efforts which in turn promotes and helps sustain the industry. The organization sought new ways to enhance member benefits, education, and training programs, and grow membership and association revenue. 

“NASF is at a pivotal point in the evolution of our organization and we look to Kellen for expertise in implementing our strategic path forward,” says Jeff Brassard, NASF president. “Our partnership with Kellen will allow NASF to leverage added industry expertise, resources, and enterprise operations along with financial efficiencies that will unlock levels of member service and industry impact not previously attainable.” 

“This partnership will help us to transform and grow our global leadership role in training and education and technological advancement of this industry,” adds Brian Peterson, president of the AESF Foundation Board of Trustees.‎

The new management approach will fully maintain and strengthen NASF’s government affairs and advocacy program under the continued leadership of The Policy Group. 

“Kellen and Rosario bring broad and deep management acumen and insight to the industry at this critical time. We anticipate an excellent partnership and an even stronger future for the association and the foundation,” says Christian Richter, Principal of The Policy Group.

“We are excited about this new relationship, bringing Kellen’s decades of industry experience, matched with our cutting-edge technologies and infrastructure to support NASF and AESF’s missions and to enhance their impact on the industry and its members,” says Travis Rush, CEO, Kellen.

The new partnership and incoming executive director will begin with the new year on January 1, 2022.