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Nishan J Vartanian
Person

Nishan J. Vartanian

Director and Former Chair, President, and Chief Executive Officer MSA Safety Incorporated Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania Appointed by the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland Board of Directors Sector Representation: Manufacturing Current term ends December 31, 2027

May 2026

Nishan J. Vartanian is director and former chair, president, and chief executive officer of MSA Safety Incorporated, a global leader in the development, manufacture, and supply of safety products that protect people and facility infrastructures.

Mr. Vartanian has served in a broad range of sales leadership positions, including as regional sales manager, national sales manager, director of North American sales, and director of integration along with being chief operating officer of General Monitors (acquired by MSA). He has been a director of MSA since 2017, becoming chair of the board in 2019, and was elected chief executive officer in May 2018.

Mr. Vartanian serves on the board of trustees for the Manufacturers Alliance for Productivity and Innovation (MAPI), the International Associates of Fire Fighters (IAFF) Foundation, the Senator John Heinz History Center, and the Allegheny Conference on Community Development (ACCD). He also serves as director of the Duquesne Club, Highmark Health, and Koppers Holdings.

Mr. Vartanian earned a BBA from the University of Massachusetts Amherst.

Fast Facts

Finding inspiration
He cites his parents and many mentors in his life, such as coaches and friends, as positive influences. Those close to him taught him to treat people with respect, fostered a strong work ethic, and taught him what values matter the most. 
Staying active
Golfing with friends and finding time to work out are important, and Vartanian enjoys the mental break both activities can provide.
Invested in safety
Vartanian first joined MSA Safety after finding an opening for an internship in a newspaper ad. He says that of all the positions he’s held at the company, regional manager has been his favorite.