~~~~~~~~ 2012 APICS INTERNATIONAL VOLUNTEER of the YEAR AWARD ~~~~~~~~Gary began in 1972 as a Career Placement Professional andformed SUMMIT GROUP in 1980 specializing in "Contingency Search" and "Interim Professionals" focusing on Operations Management including Supply Chain, Materials Management, Purchasing, Production / Inventory Control, Logistics & Distribution as well as Manufacturing / Production Management and Manufacturing / Industrial Engineering.In the past 40+ years, serving the manufacturing sector, Gary has weathered 8 economic recessions and has observed evolutionary changes in hiring procedures as well as the emergence of numerous "magical marketing techniques". While there are no magic pills, Gary has developed an efficient method of teaching candidates more effective ‘real life’ presentation techniques... satisfying the desires of the candidates as well as fulfilling the requirements of the position and the expectations of the hiring authorities.Gary is a frequent speaker at APICS, ISM, IMA and ASQ chapter meetings across the country. He also provides pro bono Outplacement Counseling and has conducted Community Workshops, Career Planning Retreats and APICS Regional / District Conferences including Congress For Progress; Seminar One; The 6–Packed Conference and APICS International Conferences as well as mentoring graduates of the New Jersey Food Bank Food Service Training Academy. He is a favorite of college and university students.In addition, Gary has been a member of Greater North Jersey Chapter of APICS since 1981 and presently serves as their Treasurer. Additionally he is the Treasurer for Central Jersey Chapter of APICS and Past Secretary / Treasurer for West Jersey Chapter of APICS. Gary is also Past President of the Board of Unity Church of NYC, former Treasurer of The Eric & Olga Butterworth Foundation and presently Finance Officer & Adjutant for the Military Order of the Purple Heart - Chapter 202 since 1992.