Donald Tanner to Retire

Print Date: 6/9/2026 2:06:08 AM

Executive Director Donald Tanner has announced his retirement from the National Board effective October 31, 2008.

"It is with mixed emotions that today I notified Dave Douin, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, that I plan to retire," Mr. Tanner wrote to National Board trustees, members, and staff.

"It has been an honor and a privilege to serve as Executive Director for the past 7 plus years. I have truly enjoyed my association with the people of this industry, the National Board staff, the membership, advisory committee, inspectors, manufacturers – the list goes on and on," he explains.

Mr. Tanner assumed the role of executive director April 1, 2001. He is the organization's seventh executive director.

During his tenure with the National Board, the Erin, Tennessee, native has been responsible for numerous organizational changes including: metrification and expansion of the National Board Inspection Code; increasing NBIC Committee size and agenda; initiating Pre-Commission Examination courses for aspiring inspectors; resurrecting the popular Synopsis of Boiler and Pressure Vessel Laws, Rules, and Regulations (following demise of the Boiler Laws Society); spearheading passage of South Carolina's first boiler safety law; pioneering a new National Board era of electronic communications from Web-based training to the recently introduced NBIC on flash drive; launching construction of the new Inspection Training Center; establishing a new record for National Board membership; introducing the "NB" stamp; and instituting strategic planning as part of a concerted National Board growth and development program.

"Throughout my term as Executive Director, I believe I have remained true to the principles upon which the organization was founded," Mr. Tanner emphasizes.

"I have been in this industry for nearly 53 years," he continues. "I have paid my dues and now it is time to transition into a different phase of my life. I am looking forward to having some fun with my favorite hobbies – my antique cars and woodworking."

Mr. Tanner and his wife Geri plan to return to their home in Chattanooga, Tennessee, this fall.