The Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI) announced its 2009-10 Officers and Board of Directors during its 58th Annual Meeting in Couer D’Alene, Idaho held June 25-27, 2010. Officers for 2010-11 include: Chairman Fred Whyte, President, Stihl Inc.; Vice Chairman Jean Hlay, President and Chief Operating Officer, MTD Products Inc.; and Secretary/Treasurer Richard Fotsch, President of the Global Power Group, Kohler Co.

“Our new officers will lend their leadership during what’s expected to be a pivotal year for our industry,” said Kris Kiser, Executive Vice President at OPEI. “As a team on the OPEI Board of Directors, they will bring forward thinking to a variety of issues that our industry is tackling in the next 12 months from legislative and regulatory issues to market issues.”

“The international scope of the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute will drive decision making to meet global business challenges,” said Mr. Whyte. “And, we look forward to meeting those challenges through responsible research, design and manufacturing processes that ultimately benefit our customers and the environment worldwide.”

Continuing their service on the board are: Immediate Past Chairman, Michael Hoffman, Chairman and CEO, The Toro Co.; Daniel Ariens, President, Ariens Co.; Steven Bly, Executive Vice President, Echo Inc.; Edward Cohen, Vice President- Government & Industry Relations, American Honda Motor Co. Inc.; Michael Jones, President, Husqvarna Professional Products; John May, Senior Vice President, AT&T Global Platform, Turf & Ag Division, John Deere Co.; Gary Michel, President and CEO, Club Car Inc.; Paul Mullet, President, Excel Industries; Todd Teske, President and CEO, Briggs & Stratton Corp.; and Dan Wilkinson, President. Jacobsen, A Textron Co.