Alexandria, VA – October 4, 2011 - The Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI) is pleased to announce the appointment of Gerry Coons as its new VP of Industry Affairs.  Mr. Coons, an engineer and MBA, is a 30-year OPE industry veteran, having most recently served as General Manager at the Husqvarna production facility in Orangeburg, S.C.

 As VP Industry Affairs, Mr. Coons will oversee and manage ISO and ANSI standards work and regulatory relationships with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), California Air Resources Board (CARB), Health Canada and Canadian Provincial Authorities.

“OPEI is strengthening its core capabilities to better serve our members’ needs.  Gerry’s substantial background with equipment manufacturing and regulation brings “real world” experience to our organization.  It is imperative that OPEI continue to be the global leader in the harmonization of rules and standards for outdoor power equipment, and with Gerry’s oversight, we’ll be able to grow and bolster the association’s role,” said Kris Kiser, President and CEO of OPEI.

About the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute

The Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI) is an international trade association representing 85 manufacturers and their suppliers worldwide in the engine, utility vehicle and landscape, lawn, garden, and forestry equipment industries. OPEI’s mission is to bring awareness to the importance of environmental stewardship, an appreciation of the outdoors and how to grow, restore and maintain our every day green spaces in a responsible way.  OPEI is a recognized Standards Development Organization for the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and is active internationally through the International Standards Organization (ISO) in the development of safety standards.  OPEI is managing partner of GIE+EXPO, the industry’s annual trade show and exposition (www.gie-expo.com). For more information, visit www.OPEI.org.