The National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) has appointed David Pekel as the organization's permanent CEO. The 30-year veteran of the remodeling industry served as the interim CEO of NARI for the past seven months after Frank Ulreich stepped down on June 26.
"I've always enjoyed being part of NARI's volunteer leadership, but in serving as the interim CEO, I have a new-found appreciation for the tremendous opportunity that lies ahead for NARI," Pekel said in a public statement. "By introducing technology and innovation while developing a future-focused plan, NARI has the ability to deliver more member value and attract the next generation of remodelers to the organization."
Pekel, the principal and former president of Wauwatosa, Wis.-based Pekel Construction & Remodeling, joined NARI Milwaukee in 1995 and has served in many volunteer positions, including president and board chair of NARI Milwaukee. He most recently served as NARI National's board president before assuming the interim CEO position.
Pekel will meet with NARI volunteers, chapter leadership, and industry partners as part of a listening session series over the next two months to understand priorities and objectives as plans for the future are defined, according to a press release from NARI. The Des Plaines, Ill.-based organization has 6,400 member contractors, suppliers, and service providers and 47 chapters across the U.S.
