Longtime Specialty Tools and Fasteners Distributors Association CEO Georgia Foley is stepping down.

Starting in 2026, STAFDA will be managed by Frontline Co., an Association Management Company (AMC).

Foley joined STAFDA in 1994 after having managed a trade show association for seven years. Her father, Morrie Halvorsen, was STAFDA’s first executive director beginning in 1977, and Foley was STAFDA’s first employee at age 13. Their tenures mark nearly 50 years of STAFDA management.

“I’ve been gifted with a career beyond my wildest dreams to serve STAFDA members who are so near and dear to my heart but shifting over to Frontline will get STAFDA in a far safer place than it is right now with only a staff of two,” Foley stated.

Foley and Member Services Director Cathy Usher will continue with STAFDA as Frontline employees until a successor to Foley is found.

STAFDA’s structure will not change. It will continue to have a Board of Directors along with its manufacturer liaison and rep liaison committees. STAFDA’s consultants, member programs, webinars, and convention and trade show will remain intact. Most of the transition will occur behind the scenes to limit disruption to STAFDA services and programs.

Springfield, IL-based Frontline has 30 employees and two dozen clients in the construction/engineering market. STAFDA will be Frontline’s largest client.

Foley can be reached at ghfoley@stafda.org or 800-352-2981.