Lonnie Spires, A2LA’s President/CEO, was recognized by Frederick County Office of Economic Development (OED) as one of the Top 50 CEOs in 2018. The criteria for the Top 50 list focused on inspiring leaders who help drive organizational development in the community. Frederick County OED received 146 nominations for executive leaders (for-and-not-for-profit organizations) for the 2018 award and those selected were highlighted in a publication by Frederick Magazine.

Spires was recognized for this award based on his organizational leadership style, which includes encouraging professional and organizational growth, providing an open-door policy for communication across all levels of the association, as well as fostering a work-place culture in which employees and their families come first.

“Since joining A2LA in 2016, Lonnie has inspired and supported several new programs within the organization that encourage education and professional development. Under Lonnie’s leadership, A2LA has implemented a tuition reimbursement program to support those who are in pursuit of continuing education, as well as investing in a leadership development program aimed at preparing current staff for future leadership roles while simultaneously ensuring a succession plan is in place for the association”, said Diana Elias, Senior Director of HR.

As the leader of a nonprofit, Lonnie focuses on relationship building and partnering with other organizations and professionals outside of A2LA. Some of these recent partnerships have led to being able to train A2LA staff on value stream mapping to help us improve efficiencies in our processes. Additionally, in mid-2018, A2LA announced its acquisition of WorkPlace Training, a training company specializing in e-learning, which will allow A2LA to expand its training course offerings and footprint in the conformity assessment industry.

For more information, visit www.a2la.org.