BOWIE, Md. (April 5, 2011)—The Tire Industry Association is reorganizing and downsizing after losing two staff members this week.
Paul Fiore, director of government and business relations, left his position of eight years April 4 and is “moving on,” according to TIA Executive Vice President Roy Littlefield, who provided no further details.
Littlefield said he will assume the additional duties of lobbying for the association. He held the position of director of government affairs when he joined TIA's predecessor trade group, the National Tire Dealers & Retreaders Association, in 1979 and conducted similar duties when he joined the former American Retreaders Association in 1984.
Meanwhile, Kevin Rohlwing, senior vice president of education and technical services, will take on the additional duties of pursuing grant opportunities following the departure of Amy Bagley, who was director of business development.
Littlefield said the association's downsizing was a reflection of its membership. “They're all going through it.”
By not hiring additional people to fill the vacancies, Littlefield said, “We'll be in a solid financial position by not replacing them.”
He added that it was “hard to say” if this was a long-term status for the two vacated job positions.