Jenny Bullard, chair of the board of directors of PCATS, made the announcement and stated, "We are extremely pleased to have found someone with the background and experience of Tom Oare to lead the organization into the future. The search committee interviewed a number [image-nocss] of excellent candidates for the position and the interest shown demonstrates the value to the industry placed on PCATS."
She added, "Mr. Oare will begin the transition on Jan. 5, 2009, and will be actively involved in the planning for the 2009 PCATS Annual Conference. We are grateful to John Hervey for his leadership during these formative years of the organization and wish him and his wife of almost 42 years, Hettie, a long and rewarding retirement."
Oare has been serving as senior vice president for MetroSplash Systems Group Inc. for the past year and a half, initially with responsibility for sales and marketing and most recently, strategic industry relations. Prior to joining MetroSplash, he spent 35 years with CITGO Petroleum Corp. in a variety of marketing management positions, his last 20 years being spent in the area of payment card operations.
Oare was PCATS' first treasurer and was a member of its founding board of directors. He and his wife, Susan, live in Tulsa, Okla., and he will be directing the work of the organization by splitting his time between the PCATS office in Alexandria, Va., and his home office.
"I am very excited to have been given the opportunity to lead a great organization such as PCATS, one that I was able to help launch right at five years ago," said Oare. "I am pleased to have Ann Zecca, Scott Wood and Susan Hilaski as seasoned staff members able to continue their diligent efforts towards fulfilling the goals and objectives of PCATS and am anxious to begin to effectively interact with each of them. John Hervey has accomplished a great deal in his five years at the helm, and I will work closely with him during the January transition period to ensure I benefit from his wisdom and experience."
Hervey said, "The board of directors has made an outstanding choice, and I look forward to working with Tom as he transitions into his new position."
PCATS was founded in September 2003 to continue the development and maintenance of standards work initiated under the NACS Technology Standards Project. Its mission is to develop, maintain and assist members in the implementation of a variety of technology standards. With more than 170 members, the alliance represents more than 22,000 petroleum/convenience stores. Membership is open to any petroleum marketer/retailer, c-store owner/operator, other retail channel or any of their suppliers or service providers.
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