Kenneth R. Hutton, former managing director of the Industrial Supply Association, agreed to serve as interim executive vice president while association initiates a search for candidates to replace longtime executive John Buckley, who died in February.

Hutton assumed the interim role on Monday, according to the association.

“We have a great history with Ken and we’re very excited that he is available to help us through our transition to a new executive,” association president Michael Carr said in a statement. “Ken is a very experienced professional and he is a perfect fit because of his work with ISA in the past. Together with our volunteer leaders, current staff and our management company partners at Fernley & Fernley, the officers and board members are confident the organization is in good hands. We look forward to a successful 2014 convention and to finding the right candidate to succeed our friend and colleague, John Buckley.”