Cigar Coop has learned that Mark Pursell will be named the new Chief Operating Officer for the International Premium Cigar and Pipe Retailers Association.  Pursell succeeds Bill Spann who resigned last September.

Pursell comes from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) where he served as the Senior Vice President for that organization. 

Reagan Starner who serves on the IPCPR Board of Directors told Cigar Coop, “We’re obviously thrilled to have Mark Pursell.  We think this will elevate the IPCPR to a new level for many years to come.”

This was followed up later in the day this report was filed by a press release from IPCPR officially naming Pursell to the position:

After intensive searching, the IPCPR has named Mark Pursell as the new Chief Executive Officer. Previously, Mr. Pursell was the Senior Vice President of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). Mr. Pursell brings a wealth of experience in business development, membership marketing, sales and association management to the IPCPR.

At NAHB, Mr. Pursell fostered relationships with key industry suppliers and executive management while engaging stakeholders to work together on industry issues, both internal and external. He was instrumental in the continued success of the International Builders’ Show, the largest light construction trade show in the world.
“The IPCPR is excited for the direction that Mark will take us in,” said IPCPR President Finnie Helmuth “his proven success in tradeshow management, publishing, education marketing and advertising businesses will allow him to take the IPCPR to exciting new levels.”

He has held similar positions at the Associated General Contractors of America and the National Ready Mixed Concrete Association. Mr. Pursell also served the United Nations Industrial Development Organization as an Investment Officer providing U.S. firms with project finance and capital services in overseas markets. He started his career with Equitable/DLJ Securities.

He is a graduate of the University of Michigan.