CEO Arrivals

Cella to lead health information group

David D. Cella has been named CEO of the $42M-revenue American Health Information Management Association. He became CEO on Nov. 24 and succeeds interim CEO Cristina Iaboni who led the organization since November 2024. 

“Dave’s appointment marks an exciting new chapter for AHIMA,” said Maria Caban Alizondo, president and chair of the AHIMA board of directors. “His proven leadership, deep industry expertise and collaborative approach position AHIMA and HCPro for continued success.”

Cella previously served as president of HCPro, AHIMA’s for-profit subsidiary. Earlier, he was chief product officer at B2B information and training company Simplify Compliance and vice president of product management and executive publisher at Jones & Bartlett Learning.

He holds a bachelor’s degree in resource economics from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and a master’s degree in business administration from Babson College.

Korn Ferry assisted in the search.

Cramb named leader of public safety certification group

Heidi M. Cramb has been named executive director of the $1.2M-revenue International Municipal Signal Association, after serving as interim executive director since Sept. 29.

“Heidi’s leadership and professionalism over the last month have more than proven that she is the right person for the job,” said board president Craig MacKenzie. “The IMSA board is confident in her ability to move the association forward.”

Cramb previously spent 16 years as executive director of the American Culinary Federation, where she led strategic planning, financial and operational restructuring, membership growth and major cost-saving initiatives. Earlier in her career, she was director of membership development for the federation and director of marketing and membership at the National Military Family Association.

She holds a bachelor’s degree in political science and business from Wittenberg University.

Sterling Martin Associates assisted in the search.

Interim leader named at governors’ association

Brandon Tatum has been named acting CEO of the $13M-revenue National Governors Association following the retirement of Bill McBride.

“As we look to the future, I’m excited to see the new, innovative ways governors can come together and reignite the American dream in our states,” said NGA Chair Kevin Stitt, governor of Oklahoma. “We are deeply grateful for Bill’s leadership and commitment to NGA’s mission, and I’m grateful for Brandon’s willingness to step in and lead at this critical juncture.”

Tatum most recently served as CEO of the Regional University System of Oklahoma. He previously was chief of staff to Gov. Stitt and spent more than a decade at Oklahoma Christian University, where he was executive vice president and chief strategy officer.

He holds a doctorate in organizational leadership and higher education from Abilene Christian University.

Heidrick & Struggles is leading the search for a permanent CEO.

Staff Departures

American Clean Power Association — Phil Sgro has left his role as director of media relations at $62M-revenue ACP to join Antenna Group as vice president of the climate and energy public affairs practice. He previously served as ACP’s deputy director of media relations.

Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America — David Lehman has left his role as senior director of advocacy and strategic alliances for $483M-revenue PhRMA to join Pfizer as vice president of political engagement and reputation strategy. He previously spent more than 17 years at the National Rifle Association’s Institute for Legislative Action, where he served as deputy executive director and general counsel.

U.S. Chamber of Commerce — Shira Rawlinson has left her role as vice president of communications at the $197M-revenue Chamber to join the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission as director of the Office of Communications. She previously served in senior communications roles at the Chamber’s Institute for Legal Reform and at the Institute for Justice.

Staff Arrivals

National Confectioners Association — Julie Moss has joined $29M-revenue NCA as vice president of food safety and scientific affairs. She spent 24 years with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Human Foods Program, most recently serving as director of the Office of International Engagement.

            Additionally, Sarah Brandmeier has been named director of nutrition policy and scientific affairs. She most recently served as director of regulatory and technical affairs for the Consumer Brands Association and was previously manager of scientific and regulatory affairs at the American Frozen Food Institute.