Mr. Suter became chief executive of Knight & Associates in 1972 as Charles Knight left to join Emerson.

But Humphrey Taylor, chief executive of Louis Harris and Associates, was doubtful.

"Clear has a positive connotation," said George Rosenbaum, the chief executive of Leo J. Shapiro & Associates, a Chicago market research firm.

"Smart cards are a technology chasing a business case," said Richard Speer, the chief executive of Speer & Associates, a financial consulting firm.

Her father retired as the chief executive of Buchanan & Associates, an accounting firm in Bethesda, Md., and is an independent financial analyst in Washington.

L. John Davidson, chief executive of Drew & Associates, a New Hampshire company with controlling interest in Sub-Sal, defended the salvage.

Her mother, also retired, was the chief executive of Low & Associates, a marketing firm in Chevy Chase, Md.

Ms. Napier, 46, is to succeed Victor Ornelas, chief executive of Ornelas & Associates in Dallas.

"At the party, tell your client, 'Thanks for your business throughout the year,' " said Mr. Levine, the former chief executive of Dale Carnegie & Associates.

Humphrey Taylor, chief executive of Louis Harris & Associates, said, "We hope to work together on some projects."