CEO John W. Spargo Retires from J. Spargo & Assoc.; Susan Bracken Named to Top Post

September 18, 2013

After 40 years with J. Spargo & Associates, John W. Spargo will step down from the CEO post and Susan Bracken, president and COO, will step in, effective Sept. 23.

Spargo founded the company in 1973 that now employs 160 full-time professionals.He will retain his chair position of the company’s board of directors.

The change in leadership was part of what the company called a “carefully crafted strategic plan” that was adopted by the board.

“Working at the company and with its talented employees and management team for nearly 40 years has been an honor,” Spargo said.

He added, “It has been a privilege to serve alongside such a passionate group of employees and to work with our many partners and customers; and I look forward to continuing to work with the Board of Directors.”

Bracken also has been a long-time employee of the company. For 20 years she has helped to drive the growth of the J. Spargo & Associates, which services nearly 100 events annually.

“On behalf of everyone at J. Spargo & Associates, Inc., I would like to thank John Spargo not only for his vision and leadership as CEO and Chairman of the Board, but also for the dedication and commitment that he has tirelessly given to the company for more than 40 years,” Bracken said.

She added that because of Spargo’s “principled decision-making, his competitive drive and his charismatic leadership style, the company has become the leading provider of registration, housing, meeting logistics, venue sourcing and exposition sales and management services.”

Spargo also focused on developing quality talent and ensuring a smooth transition plan was in place when he made the decision to step down from his CEO post, Bracken said.

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