Barbara C. Higgens, executive director of the Plumbing Manufacturers Institute, has been elected vice chairman by the Council of Manufacturing Associations, a division of the National Association of Manufacturers.

  During her one-year term, Higgens will preside as chair of the strategic planning committee and as a member of the nominating committee. As vice chair, she will also be nominated to serve on the NAM Board of Directors as one of three council representatives and is in line to chair CMA next year.

      "Barb's experience in manufacturing and her knowledge of manufacturing associations will be an asset to both the council and NAM as a whole," said Dave Asselin, CMA vice president and executive director. "We look forward to having her as part of our leadership team."

      Higgens has served on the council board since 2002. As PMI executive director, she is responsible for directing the activities of the institute, and overseeing legislative, lobbying, legal and codes/standards activities, as well as strategic planning and administration. 

      She also holds positions on a number of industry committees including the United States Department of Commerce Industry Trade Advisory Committee and the Procurement Committee for World Vision's Storehouse. Higgens also chairs special interest groups within the Association Forum of Chicago.