Battery Council International (BCI) has announced the appointment of David M. “Dave” Shaffer to President of the BCI Board of Directors effective Sept. 1st succeeding Joseph A. “Joe” Walicki who has announced he will step down as president and resign from the BCI Board of Directors effective Aug. 31st coinciding with his retirement.

“We are excited to welcome Dave into his new role as BCI’s president and we are eager to see where his leadership will take us, as the organization is poised to enter a new strategic planning phase,” said Kevin Moran, BCI executive vice president. “On behalf of BCI, I’d like to extend my gratitude to Joe for his many contributions and service to BCI. We wish him years of happiness in his retirement.”

Shaffer currently serves as director, president and chief executive officer (CEO) of EnerSys, a manufacturer and distributor of reserve power and motive power batteries, battery chargers, power equipment, battery accessories and outdoor equipment enclosure solutions.

Shaffer reaffirmed the focus of BCI by stating that, “Energy storage has never been more important or exciting, and our industry continues to meet the world’s energy storage needs as they transition to decarbonization. BCI has a vital role to help its members adapt to an evolving technology and regulatory landscape. I thank the BCI board and membership for the opportunity to serve as president as we work together to sustain our collective success.”

Walicki welcomed Shaffer to his position as board president by stating, “As I step down from my role as board president, I am pleased to have Dave assume this leadership position. His passion, energy and commitment to the industry will be valuable to the BCI board, staff and members.”

Until Aug. 31st Walicki is the president and chief executive officer (CEO) of Clarios, previously known as Johnson Controls Power Solutions. He represents the company in the advancement of energy storage technologies, the support of vehicle energy efficiency standards and is an advocate for sound energy and environmental policies.

In announcing his retirement, Walicki stated, “After more than 30 years at Johnson Controls, now Clarios, I am looking forward to the next chapter in my life. I have never been as proud as I am today of the Clarios team and the work they have done and will continue to perform under its leadership. My wife, Claire, and I look forward to returning to our home back East where we will be surrounded by our family and reconnect with longtime friends.”