South Carolina-based auctioneer Darron Meares has been named chair of the National Auctioneers Association's Education Institute, which oversees the organization's numerous educational programs.

"This is one of the greatest honors of my auction career," said Meares, founder of Greenville-based Bowtie Benefit Auctions and chief operating officer of Meares Auction Group.

"The NAA provides a wide range of educational programs, including summits, courses leading to professional designations, and various remote learning opportunities that enable auction professionals worldwide to maintain the highest standards of professionalism. I have served in various capacities as a teacher, trustee, speaker and organizer, and I'm delighted to serve the NAA by stepping into this new role," he said.

NAA President John Nicholls praised Meares' history of leadership. "Darron is a natural choice to lead our Educational Institute because of his extensive experience, with many years of service, helping create, promote and teach our many course offerings, as well as his previous service as a trustee."

The appointment was announced at the recent National Auctioneers Association Conference & Show, in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Meares also announced during the Michigan gathering that he will be a candidate for Vice President of the NAA in 2017. NAA members will elect officers in July 2017 at their next Conference & Show, which will be held inColumbus, Ohio. By tradition, the Vice President also assumes the presidency the following year.

Meares holds the Certified Auctioneers Institute (CAI), Benefit Auction Specialist (BAS), and Master Personal Property Appraiser (MPPA) designations through the NAA. He also founded Bowtie Benefit Auctions, which provides professional fundraising services in South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Individuals seeking additional information may visit BowtieBenefits.com or MearesAuctions.com, or call 864-444-5361.