On March 9th, 2016, SMART General Committee 001 Local Chairpersons were informed of the pending election to fill the position of General Chairman being left vacant by Randall Knutson. Randy announced his retirement in February after accepting a "buyout" offer from the company and served his last day or March 11. Following the announcement the General Committee accepted nominations for the vacant position through April 1. In total, nine nominations were received and all were for First Associate General Chairman Mike LaPresta. On April 4, 2016 Mike LaPresta officially assumed the duties as General Chairman.
