The International Window Film Association (IWFA) board has announced the upcoming retirement of its longtime executive director, Darrell Smith.

An Aug. 25 statement released by IWFA president Steven Fricker says Smith has been in the industry for 55 years and with the organization for 30 years.

Darrell Smith is retiring as executive director of the IWFA.

“I like to think I’ve done a good job,” Smith tells Window Film. “My dad always told me that when you take somebody’s payment after doing a job, you better make sure they aren’t left questioning the value of what you provided. I hope people don’t regret the money and time they’ve invested in me.”

Smith says his crowning achievement in the window film industry is the role he played in securing window film’s inclusion in the National Fenestration Rating Council’s (NFRC) rating program, as well as its inclusion in building codes and energy efficiency programs.

“That put the window film industry on the same footing as the rest of the glass sector,” he says.

Fricker says Smith has made “vast” contributions to the industry and to IWFA.

“We owe him our deepest gratitude for his leadership and commitment that built IWFA’s foundation to what it is today,” his statement reads. “It is because of that foundation that we’re able to look ahead with confidence at our next chapter.”

Christina Horsley will be the new executive director of the IWFA.

That next chapter includes a partnership with the Kentucky-based association management firm AMR Management Services. Fricker says Christina Horsley, CMP, will represent AMR as the IWFA’s new executive director.

Smith says he will continue to provide behind-the-scenes support throughout the transition and looks forward to enjoying his retirement by tackling a mountain of home improvement projects he hasn’t had time for.

“It’s critical to have a love of life, a love of people and a love of labor,” he says. “I believe I’ve achieved that.”

Smith says he looks forward to seeing industry members in San Antonio for the International Window Film Conference and Tint-Off™.