CEO Departures

Caldeira to depart HCPA

Longtime association leader Steve Caldeira, CEO of the Household & Commercial Products Association (HCPA), will step down in July. Caldeira has led HCPA for nearly 10 years. 

“Steve’s tenure has been truly extraordinary,” Lisa Pankiewicz, HCPA chair and vice president of strategic regulatory & external affairs at The Clorox Company, said in a statement. “He has elevated the voice, visibility, and impact of HCPA in ways that will be felt for years to come.”

Caldeira led the successful rebrand of the association from the Consumer Specialty Products Association to HCPA, modernizing its identity and better aligning the organization with the evolving scope and impact of the industry. In its statement, the board also credited Caldeira for policy impact at the federal and state levels, and for bolstering the association’s advocacy efforts around the country.

“I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished together — from advancing smart, science-based policies to strengthening the industry’s role in delivering innovative, safe, and sustainable products to consumers,” Caldeira said in a statement.

CEO Update named Caldeira the Trade Association CEO of the year in 2022, citing in part his leadership during the pandemic. He also was CEO of the International Franchise Association for more than five years. Caldeira was known as a prolific fundraiser and board member for charitable and civic organizations, including the MedStar National Rehabilitation Network, So Others Might Eat (SOME) and the Boy Scouts of America. He was also former chairman of the American Society for Association Executives (ASAE) and the Alzheimer’s Association National Capital Area Chapter.

Longtime association CEO Hucker retires 

Douglas Hucker, chief executive officer of the $1.8M-revenue New York-based International Colored Gemstone Association (ICA), retired on April 22. Hucker led the organization for four years. 

Hucker previously served as CEO of the American Gem Trade Association for almost 25 years. Earlier in his career, he held positions at Gemstone Institute of America.

“Doug’s experience, professionalism, and commitment have helped strengthen the association and position it well for the future. We are deeply grateful for his leadership and service,” said ICA president Damien Cody.

The ICA expects to announce Hucker’s successor soon.

McDonald retiring from ad research foundation 

Advertising Research Foundation (ARF) chief executive officer Scott McDonald is retiring from the $11M-revenue, 90-year-old advertising trade association. CBIZ Talent Solutions, the same firm that placed McDonald in this ARF role, will handle the executive search to secure his successor. This serach will officially begin in late June. 

McDonald became CEO of ARF in 2017 after a long career as a media researcher, including roles at publishing companies such as Conde Nast and Time Inc.

“My retirement plans reflect my judgment that generational change is healthy for any organization, especially one that witnesses so much technological and structural transformation,” McDonald said.

Under McDonald's leadership, the ARF acquired two additional trade associations — the Coalition for Innovative Media Measurement (CIMM) and the Marketing Science Institute (MSI). They also launched their own media reaserch product.

CEO Arrivals

Herndon takes the helm at pesticide and fertilizer association

RISE (Responsible Industry for a Sound Environment), the national trade association representing the pesticide and fertilizer industry, has named Scott Herndon as executive director. He brings more than 14 years of experience in advocacy, policy, law, and coalition-building. The search was conducted with assistance from Kincannon & Reed.

Herndon most recently spearheaded U.S. government and industry affairs in Washington, D.C., for Corteva Agriscience and was president of Field to Market: The Alliance for Sustainable Agriculture. He also served in the U.S. Senate, the U.S. House of Representatives, and the Florida Senate. 

“Scott stands out for his deep experience in advocacy and his ability to bring stakeholders together around shared goals. We’re confident he’ll strengthen our organization’s impact as well as build upon the association’s solid foundation,” said RISE governing board chair Neil Cleveland.

Kincannon & Reed assisted with the search.

Repass will lead restaurant trade group’s legal arm 

Robin Repass has been named executive director and chief legal counsel of the Restaurant Law Center (RLC), the independent policy organization affiliated with the $117M-revenue National Restaurant Association. RLC represents food service industry interests in the courts. 

Repass has extensive experience representing business owners in federal, state and appellate courts with a focus on workplace safety, employment litigation and regulatory compliance. She has founded multistakeholder coalitions in the hospitality and food service sector. Most recently, Repass was a partner at Fisher & Phillips in Washington, D.C. She also held senior legal and public policy roles at Amazon.

“With more than 20 years engaged as in-house and outside legal counsel, and her extensive understanding of policymaking and commitment to coalition building, Robin is the courtroom advocate the restaurant industry needs, safeguarding our place as engines of opportunity, connection, and economic growth,” said Michelle Korsmo, president and CEO of the National Restaurant Association. 

Staff Arrivals 

The International Surface Fabricators Association (ISFA) — Lorenzo Marquez has joined the $748,000-revenue ISFA as chief of brand. He previously served as vice president of marketing for Cosentino North America and is a two-time chairman of the board of the National Kitchen and Bath Association. 

The Equipment Leasing and Finance Association (ELFA) — Susan Sullivan Kinney has been named senior vice president of policy and government affairs at the $12M-revenue ELFA. She previously was senior vice president of congressional relations at the Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA).

Information Technology Industry Council — Rachel Ross has joined the $22M-revenue Information Technology Industry Council as vice president of energy policy. She previously worked at the U.S. Defense Department.

Plasma Protein Therapeutics Association — Branden Cordeiro has joined the $15M-revenue Plasma Protein Therapeutics Association as director of government relations. He most recently worked at biotech government affairs firm KPM Group.

Retail Industry Leaders Association — Michael Levine has joined the $22M-revenue Retail Industry Leaders Association as vice president and assistant general counsel. He previously worked at Under Armour as global chief sustainability officer.

International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) — Maggie McClain has joined $12M-revenue IDFA as vice president of communications. Most recently, McClain served as senior vice president at communications consultancy FleishmanHillard.