CEO Arrivals

Bauman to lead housing group

Dawn Bauman has been named CEO of the $18M-revenue Community Associations Institute, the international authority supporting condominium associations, homeowners associations and housing cooperatives. She succeeds Tom Skiba, who retired after 23 years at the helm.

“Community associations play a critical role in providing quality, well-managed housing that meets the needs of today’s homeowners,” Bauman said. “I’m honored to lead CAI at a time of strong growth and opportunity. Our focus will be on equipping our members and communities with the education, advocacy and resources necessary to build thriving, resilient neighborhoods.”

Bauman has held senior leadership roles at CAI for more than two decades. She most recently served as chief strategy officer and earlier was senior vice president of government and public affairs. She also spent five years as executive director of the Foundation for Community Association Research, CAI’s affiliate. Earlier in her career, she was CEO of the United States Psychiatric Rehabilitation Association and executive director of the National Board of Certification for Community Association Managers.

Bauman has a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Maryland.

Trueblood to helm procurement group

Debbie Trueblood has been named CEO of $8M-revenue NIGP: The Institute for Public Procurement, effective Oct. 20. She succeeds Rick Grimm, who will retire at the end of the year after 27 years at the helm.

“Rick’s leadership has set a remarkable foundation for NIGP’s success, and we are deeply grateful for his vision and dedication,” said Kate Rotella, chair of the NIGP Governing Board. “We are equally excited to welcome Debbie, whose proven track record in governance, strategy and leadership will guide NIGP into its next chapter.”

Trueblood most recently served as lead consultant at Association Management Center, advising association CEOs and boards on governance alignment, strategy and values-driven leadership. Earlier, she was executive director of the Illinois Park and Recreation Association and has led several other associations since 2002. 

She has a bachelor’s degree in social work from MacMurray College and a master’s degree in social work from the University of Illinois Chicago.

Isidro named leader of breast surgeons group 

Cassandra “Cass” Isidro has been named executive director of the $6.4M-revenue American Society of Breast Surgeons, effective Sept. 1. She succeeds Erica Holland, who departed earlier this year.

“We are thrilled to welcome Ms. Isidro to our Society,” said Michael Berry, president of the board of directors. “With her background in association leadership, strategic planning, and operational oversight, we are confident that she will continue to build value for our members and guide the Society into an exciting new chapter. We look forward to working alongside her as we move the Society’s mission forward.”

Isidro most recently served as president and CEO of the Amputee Coalition. She previously spent nearly eight years as president and executive director of the Safe Routes Partnership and earlier held senior roles at SHAPE America and the American Medical Student Association.

She has a bachelor’s degree in public health education from Indiana University Bloomington and a master’s degree in business administration from Hawaii Pacific University.

Staff Departures

American Frozen Food Institute — Elissa Gilliam has left her role as senior director of public policy at $6.4M-revenue AFFI to become legislative director for the National Sorghum Producers. She joined AFFI in 2021 after nearly four years on Capitol Hill, where she served as legislative director in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Association of Value Airlines — Chris Brown has left his role as adviser and interim executive director of AVA to become vice president of public policy at the XR Association. He previously served as vice president for government affairs and ULCC policy at the National Air Carrier Association and as assistant administrator for government and industry affairs at the Federal Aviation Administration.

Staff Arrivals

Consumer Technology Association — Samuel Negatu has joined $115M-revenue CTA as director of government affairs, where he will lead the autonomous vehicles and privacy policy portfolios. He previously was a senior adviser to Rep. Jimmy Gomez (D-Calif.) and deputy assistant U.S. Trade Representative for congressional affairs.

            Additionally, Pat Pelletier has also joined as director of government affairs, overseeing the artificial intelligence, blockchain and quantum policy portfolios. He was previously a government and regulatory affairs executive at IBM and earlier worked for more than a decade on Capitol Hill.

Crypto Council for Innovation — Freddy Barnes has joined $9M-revenue CCI as senior director of U.S. government affairs. He was most recently director of U.S. public policy at TikTok and earlier served as director of government strategy at public policy technology startup Esper. He also spent nearly seven years as a senior adviser to Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.).

Healthcare Distribution Alliance — Hannah Seitzinger has joined $27M-revenue HDA as director of state government affairs. She previously was government relations manager at Medica, where she also served as legislative coordinator. Earlier, she worked as a media relations specialist for the Minnesota Senate.

Smart Electric Power Alliance — Monica Trauzzi has joined $18M-revenue SEPA as chief communications officer. She was most recently senior director of energy and climate public affairs and strategic communications at government relations and strategic communications firm Invariant. Earlier, she spent nearly five years at the Nuclear Energy Institute as senior director of external communications and climate finance strategy and engagement.

Society of Thoracic Surgeons — Rachel Pollock has joined $38M-revenue STS as vice president for government relations. She previously was vice president for external affairs at limited liability company Arnold Ventures and earlier served as vice president at ACT for NIH.