The American Fire Sprinkler Association has announced that Steve A. Muncy, CAE is retiring as president effective Dec. 31, and the board of directors have unanimously voted to appoint Frank Mortl III, CAE as president.

When Muncy notified the AFSA board of directors over two years ago about his plan to retire at the end of 2016, they immediately began a nationwide search for a potential replacement to bring on board as executive vice president. "Of the hundreds of resumes received, Frank Mortl III became a top contender," said Muncy. "With 20 years of association management experience including work in the construction industry, Frank offered a youthful perspective while providing a lot of experience."

After concluding interviews with search committee representatives, the board voted to offer Mortl the executive vice president position, effective January 2015. "Since that time I have worked closely with Frank to introduce him to the fire protection industry and he has learned quickly.  I'm convinced that Frank is positioned to take AFSA to the next level in serving our members in the years ahead," continued Muncy.

Under Mortl's leadership, AFSA has further strengthened its position as the voice of the fire protection community and has been a leader in bringing innovation to the industry. AFSA has invested heavily in upgrading member services and experiences, introduced new training programs to improve industry education, and built a world-class team to further the Association's mission

"It is quite an honor to be charged with the impactful and rewarding opportunities the world of the fire sprinkler advocacy offers, made somewhat daunting as the successor to an industry icon like Steve Muncy," said Mortl. "Over the last two years, AFSA members have displayed to me a sincere desire to be properly trained, deliver support for their businesses, and offer services that will help contractors succeed. Based on the dynamic team of volunteer leaders and professional staff already assembled, my goals for organizational growth fall right in line with faithfully executing our mission while building upon the strong history of AFSA."

In his two decades of association management, Mortl held a variety of leadership positions. He was the director of marketing with the Associated General Contractors of Michigan; director of business development with Sorensen Gross Construction Services; executive director of the American Society of Gene & Cell Therapy; chief executive officer of the Greater Kalamazoo Association of REALTORS®; as well as executive director of the Michigan Lupus Foundation.