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August 27, 2015 1:15 PM, EDT

Stephen Keppler, executive director of the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance, is leaving the commercial enforcement group after 15 years to become senior vice president of the Intermodal Association of North America.

Keppler’s last day at CVSA will be Sept. 4, according to an Aug. 27 statement by CVSA President Bill Reese of the Idaho State Police. Keppler has been executive director since 2009.

CVSA Deputy Executive Director Collin Mooney will serve as acting executive director until Keppler’s position is filled. Mooney has been with CVSA since 2003.

“I think I can safely speak on behalf of everyone who has worked with him over the years that Steve has been a consummate advocate for commercial vehicle safety and is truly committed to making our roads a safer place to travel,” Reese said. “CVSA is a better and stronger alliance due to Steve’s time at the helm of the organization.”

Reese said that��Keppler��has enhanced CVSA’s credibility and brand, increased fiscal stability and transparency; increased member engagement and conference attendance; spearheaded many policy, regulatory and legislative advancements; enhanced the quality and quantity of educational products in digital form and at conferences; and helped develop a new strategic plan.��

Prior to joining CVSA, Keppler was department director for vehicle systems at the Intelligent Transportation Society of America.��Before that, he held various positions at the Federal Highway Administration Office of Motor Carriers, predecessor to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.

“I’m sad to be leaving, I’ve spent a good chunk of my career here. It’s a great organization,” Keppler told Transport Topics. “But this is an opportunity that I couldn’t pass up.”

Keppler said his new job will be tantamount to the No. 2 post at IANA. “Essentially, I’ll be the COO,” he said. “I’ll be in charge of operations, meetings, conferences, member services and publications.

“It expands my portfolio beyond safety and beyond just commercial vehicles, into rail, water and logistics. It will allow me to be involved in a larger aspect of freight transportation.”

Keppler said CVSA already has formed a search team and will immediately begin accepting applications for his replacement.��“I have been extremely proud and humbled to have had the opportunity to lead this incredible and impactful organization,"��Keppler said in a statement.��"It will always have a special place in my heart."

“IANA is lucky to be adding a person of Steve’s caliber to the Association staff,” said IANA President Joni Casey. “His wealth of knowledge, expertise and standing in the freight community will be put to good use on behalf of IANA’s membership, starting at the Intermodal EXPO next month.”